-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 16 (Documents) G

T" Lara parked the flitter and she and Amanda walked across the street to the bank. Amanda noticed that the streets were filled with many people all shopping and moving about.

"This time of day is the coolest so it is a very busy time. Vulcan works until mid meal and then there is a three hour break. During this time we eat and rest. It is the warmest part of the day so it is logical to not be out in the sun. As you will observe many wear long sleeved tunics. This protects against the harsh rays of the sun. The material itself is light weight and the breezes can easily penetrate." T' Lara explained as they walked.

"In the south west of America they used to have a custom called siesta. It appears Vulcan does to. I am certain I can adapt to this custom."

"It is not that we do not work during this time. It is more a time to catch up. That is for a business person they sort out the sales to that point or do inventories. It is simply to warm to be outside working."

"How warm does it get during the day?"

"It may rise to 145 degrees F . The Average is around 104 F by Terran terms. You must always remember this is a dessert world. It is unwise to forget this even in the city. We always carry extra water as a safety precaution. Even a few hours can be deadly if one is not properly prepared." T' Lara explained. "I have suggested to Skon and Sarek that you and Daniel be given some basic survival training. While we will always do all we can to keep you safe it may one day be needed."

"Yes , It is better to be prepared." Amanda agreed. "Is this the bank?" They stopped outside a large rectangular building .

"Yes, Let us go in out of the heat." T' Lara said noting Amanda was sweating . She made a mental note to ensure her daughter got fluids quickly. It would take Amanda time to adjust to Vulcan and until then it was up to the family to keep her safe. " What is this auction and dinner you spoke of?"

"On Earth we often have benefit dinners to raise money for causes. It is like a banquet where the people who come contribute funds. For example last month my mother had a party for the San Francisco Arts center. The dinner was 1000 credit's a plate and then the auction sold several paintings by artists who are gaining note. They raised over half a million credits for scholarships and to add new classrooms."

T' Lara seemed puzzled at this concept but, listened as Amanda explained it was a way for people to socialize and to help the community.

"So people are invited to this and are expected to donate?"

"Yes, I know it seems strange but the idea is that as a leader in the community you help out. It makes the individuals feel they are contributing an invitation from my mother is sought out. The social aspect sometimes aides businesses and so they open their purses to charity." Amanda explained.

" It seems a strange concept. The auction might be a better way to go. The dinner concept would seem far to difficult a concept for most of Vulcan to understand."

"Yes it is kind of strange. " Amanda agreed.

They entered a lift and went to the 7th floor. "Perhaps we could offer a luncheon no charge of course. It is well know Vulcan supports arts and the luncheon would allow people to have time to evaluate the works and gain others options."

"Indeed. Let me consider this option and decide which artist to approach. Perhaps a variety of works would gain the greatest rewards."

Amanda smiled pleased she been of help. They walked out of the turbo lift and were directed to the President of the bank for their appointment. "I think we can find a ay to raise the funds. Of course your customs are different but some new idea might find favor. Besides it is always fun to go to a party."

T' Lara brow rose. "Vulcans do not have fun."

Amanda grinned and stifled a laugh not wishing to bring disgrace to T' Lara as a staid reserved gentleman approached them.

The gentleman bowed to them both. "T'Sia T' Lara Peace and Long Life" He said raising his hand in the Tal.

"Live long and prosper. "T' Lara responded giving Amanda a firm look.

Amanda looked down and swallowed hard looking up her face composed.

'T' Lara was pleased.

"How may we serve you today."

"Faron we are here to arrange for my daughter's accounts."

"Your daughter T'Sia?"

"Amanda Grayson may I make you known to Faron the Director of The Bank of Vulcan." T' Lara said

"I am honored Sir." Amanda said

Faron's brow rose a fraction but to his credit he bowed. "T'Sia I come to serve."

"We are honored." Amanda said "I am afraid I do not understand Vulcan banking custom. I will depend on your guidance."

T' Lara approved as Amanda was showing proper respect to an elder.

"I shall endeavor to guide you well. Please join me in my office. May I offer you refreshments?"

Amanda was about to refuse when T' Lara answered for them. "My daughter will take a water as shall I. It is a warm day."

Amanda sat quietly and obeyed taking the water and gave a grateful thanks to her host. "Thank you."

He inclined his head. "Sarek informed me that his wife would need a credit card and access to funds. He suggested this amount. "he pushed a paper to Amanda and T' Lara. " He stated if it is not sufficient he will adjust it."

Amanda glanced at the amount her eyes widening. It was three times the amount she had ever spent even when she had been paying her own living expenses. She swallowed hard. Sarek was being most generous.

T' Lara raised a brow.

To her it seemed like a small amount but before she could protest Amanda answered. " Sir that is most generous. I think it is sufficient. I know if for some reason I needed an addition for something or a special purchase Sarek would provide it. " she blushed. " I have these codes. My father sent this as a gift for me. He wanted me to have funds to surprise Sarek He said for birthday gifts and other things. Could you open a separate account? I think I will set it aside for my children."

"Indeed. Your sire was most generous. I can arrange this account for your children." He seemed to stumble over the word as if it never occurred to him that a human and Vulcan would or could have children together.

Amanda smiled trying hard not to notice his difficulty. " I am afraid my family is over protective of me. My father always spoiled me rotten."

T' Lara noted the bankers discomfort but said nothing. It would take time for Vulcan to adjust to Amanda. She knew no deliberate slight had been intended to her house. If she was honest the thought or possibility of a half human grandchild had taken her by surprise as well.

Part 17 (Hunger Pains) G

Daniel got up and went looking for a snack. He was hungry after the workout and glancing at his watched noticed it was almost time for mid meal. He wondered if he should prepare something for the family. He wondered into the kitchen and was surprised to see there was a woman preparing food. He knocked on the door of the kitchen. The woman looked up surprised to see him. "Good day. I have come to
see if I may be of assistance preparing mid meal?"

"Good day…Daniel. I have begun to cut up fruit. You may help if you wish."

"Thank you. Where is the knife?"

The cook removed one from a drawer. "Here in this drawer."

"How much should I cut…er…What is your name please?"

"I am T' Para."

"T' Para I am Daniel." He said even though she had addressed him he thought it only fair to introduce himself. "I do not know much about Vulcan fare. Would you mind if I watch and learn?"

"I come to serve," she said simply.

Daniel smiled and began to cut the strange vegetables. "So I remove the spines?" He asked suddenly poking his fingers.

T' Para looked and said, "Yes, you can not consume it with the spines on. They are too sharp to chew."

She set down her fruit, picked up a cucumber, and demonstrated how to cut it without injury. Daniel watched as he sucked his finger.

As he watched he did not notice T' Mara entering the kitchen. She walked over and picked up a bandage. She handed it to Daniel and then picked up a knife and several vegetables.

"I will demonstrate the proper way Aunt."

T' Para looked up with a raised brow. T' Mara was never one to enjoy cooking. Her niece had always been more athletic and more inclined to indulge in outdoor activities. She and T' Dara her sister had often been concerned that she would not be able to properly care for her bond mate. Defend him certainly but cook or keep his house, never.

"Daniel it is like this." T' Mara said, "The key is to go with the spines. That way they can not enter the flesh easily."

"Why the spines?" Daniel asked T' Para looked at the human and wondered why he asked such common questions?

"Because they are water rich. Plants." T' Mara paused trying to think of an earth equivalent " Like a cactus."

"So it is to protect the fruit?"

"Vegetable , but that is correct." T Para answered " Such plants must have defenses or they be consumed by wildlife. Vulcan has cultivated this plant for over 6000 years."

"That is a lot of poked fingers." Daniel said and he got a stern look from T' Mara. He would have to learn to control his rabid humor. As T'Para turned to plate the fruit he winked at T' Mara who just looked
up. She tried to remind herself he was still a boy.

Part 18 (Into Hades) PG

Jeremiah knew he had to plan the next attack with ore care. To that end, he considered the when and the where. He needed them to be off Vulcan. His agents had not even managed to gain permission to visit the world. He leaned back as he read the report. It seemed that Skon had convinced the High Council to temporarily restrict all non-Vulcan visitors. So unless he could find a Vulcan who was Willing to act the part of an assassin, he had to wait. Damn Amanda and Sarek to Hades for being so hard to reach and kill. He shut the report down and looked at his latest figures. At least the insurance policies he had on Pete and the others paid off. His dead former workers had added 2 million to his bank account. He forwarded it to his Orion master with a note saying he had 1 million more as soon as his last employee meet with an accident. At least he could demonstrate good faith. Lloyds of New London always paid off their insurance policies.

President Adar listened as John Grayson's temper exploded. "What do you mean there are no new leads! That the prisoners are only being charged with Kidnapping." He paced "I have given you information to go on."

"Look John it just has not been confirmed."

"What is to confirm. For God's Sake, they almost killed my wife, daughter, and Sarek you are telling me your government is just charging them with kidnapping! They murdered two of my security personal."

"John that was not proven by the evidence or by the criminals themselves… For all we know the Vulcan's could have done that."

"Are you insane?" John shouted.
---------------------------------

On Andoria Prime, the General listened to the report from his Military Governor.

"Do you believe this is a wise thing? You would risk your family going to Vulcan ? Can Sarek be trusted?"

"Yes sir I do. It is a chance to improve relations. If nothing else sir it will be a coup because no other non allied race has ever been to Skon s Fortress."

"This is true. " He rose from his chair and paced "We must understand what this mating means as far as the Human - Vulcan alliance goes. It could well shift power."

"Yes sir I believe it could. My people tell me Amanda Grayson comes from a powerful Earth clan."

The General stopped and looked at Felix "Go then Felix and find a way to make this turn to Andoria's advantage."

"Yes sir I will. Perhaps a friendship would gain us more?"

"Do what you must." Was the stern reply. "Humans are trusting and we shall use this. They have been valuable allies and we must not lose them to the Vulcan's."

"Yes sir." Felix said as he saluted and his General signed off. His wife came to his side. Felix was pleased his government was willing to consider this a positive development.

"We can go then?"

"Yes with the governments blessing. We are going for Andoria."

"Yes husband." She said kissing his head. "But I look forward to seeing how Amanda loosens up the Vulcan race."

Felix burst into laughter "Yes that alone will be worth putting up with the fires of Hades the Vulcan calls a home world."
---------------------------------------------------------------------

The news on Earth was in a state of shock. Someone leaked Vulcan's new plans for this new Prime Directive for Starfleet.

"Joanna Marks here, It seems the rumors are true. Vulcan wants to change the way Starfleet conducts First contact and all other contacts. How will this new Prime Directive work? How can we not help lesser civilizations? Does this mean Vulcan is sorry they helped Earth? More at eleven." She said

Admiral Wilson smiled it would be hard for Vulcan to pull this off now. How dare they try to control Starfleet?
-----------------------------------
The com went off and Skon answered it. He listened and steeple his fingers. This news was not good at all. He resolved to speak to Sarek about the news on their way home for mid meal. He signed off from Earth and went to find Sarek. They would have much to discuss.
--------------------------------

There business at the bank completed T' Lara and Amanda left and headed to a local shop. "We have time for one stop. Perhaps we should find a hooded cloak for you. Then we must return for mid meal. " T' Lara said she was concerned that Amanda's fair skin would burn.

While she was wearing a hat and sunshades, her arms were bare. Amanda would need to learn that it was dangerous to overexpose ones skin. T' Lara knew that Amanda was used to going out sleeveless but that was not a safe thing to do on Vulcan unless one was under shade.

"I think that would be wise." Amanda said she could feel her skin turning red. She quickly entered the flitter amazed at how strong the suns were. She was glad she had applied sunscreen but clearly even 50spf was not strong enough here.

Part 19 (Hell to Pay) PG-13

John Grayson left the presidents office. He had been willing to try to be understanding about the governments reaction to Amanda's kidnapping. This attitude however enraged him. How dare they assume the Vulcans were behind the attack. While he still had deep reservations about the marriage he had become certain of one thing. Sarek would never risk Amanda's life. It was not love as a human would recognize but there was a strong bond between them. He grimaced bond. Yes, it existed and because it did, Sarek could not risk his bond-mate/ wife. He left the office and was more determined then ever to bring the kidnappers leader to justice. He got into his flitter and lowered the dividing window.

"Take me to the First Bank Ken."

"Yes sir." his driver said speeding away.

John had decided it was time to deal with his other problems. He was not leaving his money in a place he could not access it. His friend worked for First Bank so out of respect he would tell him personally that his 20 million credits was being moved out. He might still be angry with Henry but he would honor his past loyalty by informing him personally. He would then do the same at the other Earth based banks that held his funds. He thought it ironic that he was trusting Vulcan with his daughter and now his money. The flitter stopped and John strode out. "Ken I will be only about fifteen minutes. "

"Yes sir. Do you wish me to park?"

"No Ken, you can actually go home. I will catch a cab."

"Yes sir." Ken said John Grayson entered the bank and headed for the presidents office. He was stopped by the secretary Janis who he knew quite well.

"Mr. Grayson a pleasure to see you. I was unaware you had an appointment."

"I do not. Henry however will wish to see me."

She could tell he was not going to take no for an answer and as the banks largest client she could not risk offending him. "One moment sir. He is with the directors." John smiled "Excellent then I can speak to them all at once."

His smile was cold and did not meet his eyes. Janis quickly excused her self and almost ran to the boardroom. Minutes latter John Grayson entered the boardroom. He looked around at the men and women that sat on one of Earths largest and most powerful banks. He noted their false smiles.

"John a pleasure to see you." His longtime friend said. He looked genuinely happy.

"You look well Henry." John said not returning the friendly greeting. " I have come here on a business call."

"Of course of course what can we do for you."

John looked around the room and his eyes were suddenly icy cold. It chilled his longtime friend. "Perhaps you would like us to finance the new shipyard?"

"No that will not be necessary Henry. I have secured finance already. No the reason I am here is because despite recent events you have been my friend. "

"Had been?" Henry asked His face showed concern and confusion.

"I respect that and you. However given recent events that all in this room are aware of. Given the threat against my family and the lack of certain parties to assist me. I have decided I must take steps to ensure I am never again put in so helpless a position."

"John that is understandable." Paul Albertson said "How can we at First Bank assist you?"

John smiled coldly " You can arrange for he immediate transfer of all my family and firms assets to the Bank of Vulcan Branch at 12809 Archer street."

There was a stunned silence. "John you must be joking." Paul Albertson said He looked at Henry.

"This is no joke. The funds are mine. I have always banked here out of respect and friendship for Henry. Yet when my family was is danger and need this bank turned its back on me and mine."

"John I thought we were friends?" Henry said

"We were and perhaps will remain so. This is not something I do lightly. I have considered my options with care. If this were to happen again I must have access to my funds. Money I have left here undisturbed for many years. Perhaps you acted out of orders by the President but we can all agree the money is mine."

"We will not allow this John."

"Mr. Albertson you will. You will see to it at once. If you do not I will go to the press and tell them that this bank refuses to allow me to withdraw funds."

"That would cause a panic." An other board member said .

"That is not my problem. Henry I came personally out of respect for you. The rest of my bankers and brokers are not so fortunate."

Henry collapsed into a chair. He remembered John's words "I do not forget."

It appeared he did not forgive either. John spun around and left. Leaving a stunned group of bankers behind. Henry knew this was John Grayson's revenge for failing him. He knew that John's loyalties and trust had shifted from Earth to Vulcan. Vulcan had come to his aid while Earth would have sacrificed his only child. Henry found he could not truly blame John Grayson because he to had children.

Part 20 ( Observations) PG

T' Para watched as T' Mara showed Daniel how to prepare the food. The human youth seemed to be entranced. She listened as her niece explained how the vegetable was cultivated and used. "I did not know Vulcan had farms."

"They are carefully controlled Daniel. Vulcan has always prided itself on being self sufficient. While we do receive some crops from off world they are more for … specialization then need."

Daniel grinned know that it was a close as any Vulcan would come to saying they craved off world treats. "I suppose that is because of the other species that live here."

"Indeed the central market is often filled with off world." T' Para said Daniel nibbled on a piece of fruit.

" I guess it is like having a piece of home. Food that is familiar." Daniel said

"Indeed. It may also be that some nutrients are required." T' Mara said

"Diet is important to remain healthy when one is away from ones home world."

Daniel grinned. "Maybe that be true for Vulcans. I think however I will be eating a lot better here. My former guardian was a rotten cook and I rarely got fresh food."

T' Para was shocked that anyone would so neglect a child. She handed him a piece of fruit. T' Mara's brow rose as she realized Daniel had managed to gain a piece of sweet Tagline fruit. He winked at her and unrepentant said.

"This is sweet. Maybe I will not replicate that chocolate bar latter for dessert." T' Para looked perplexed at her niece who merely cocked her head.

"I do believe your mother said no sweets. That Candy was to be regulated. That your blood sugar was too high according to T Mir. The sugar was making you hyper."

"Yeppers that is why I am trying this stuff. It is supposed to be sweet and juicy." Daniel said. "I think she said I had to cut back not that I could not have any."

T' Mara glared and T' Para decided she had better find out what young Daniel was allowed to eat. She observed the tension between them and thought her niece was overly concerned for the young humans' health. Then again perhaps she logically to this on as an extension of her duties to Skon's family.

"I noticed the gardens. They seem extensive. Do you think Skon and Sarek would let me learn about farming? I may never do it as a career but I would like to understand how it works here."

"That is an admirable goal Daniel." T' Para said, "I think that the master would be pleased at your interest. Most of our children learn the basics as part of the survival tests. T' Mara perhaps if Skon allows you could introduce Daniel to your Uncle Xepon. He is in charge of the gardens and the home farms."

"I would like that." Daniel said

He remembered Sarek telling Amanda that a man ,no male should be able to provide for his mate. That on Vulcan that included many keeping a garden. Daniel reminded himself once more that Vulcan thought in terms of male and female not man and woman. He was determined to be a good as any Vulcan if not better in the area he could. He was a hard worker and farming was something he could learn. Besides he thought it would be a way to get to Know T' Mara's family. Daniel knew he would require her families blessings if he wanted a relationship. If he learned well and impressed her Uncle and Aunt then maybe they would lend their support to his courtship. T' Para began to be impressed with this human. Even many Vulcan youth no longer seemed concerned to where their food came from. She found his interest in Vulcan and how it survived noteworthy. She resolved to observe this young man with care. She had not failed to notice his intense looks at her niece. Humans were not skilled at hiding their feelings. Clearly, this human seemed interested in her niece. That did not surprise her as T' Mara was aesthetically pleasing and highly intelligent. What peeked her curiosity was the care her niece was taking with the human. She seemed to be genuinely interested in his questions and she seemed to be caring for his personal needs. This development could prove to be an interesting. She decided she had better advice her sister to speak to her daughter. For the human seemed infatuated. It would not do for his emotions to become involved. Her niece was far too logical to accept a human male as a potential mate. Vulcans were not a cruel race and she did not wish his "Feelings" to be crushed.

TBC…