-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.

A/N Italics are thoughts and telepathy

IDIC-New Frontiers

Part 21 (Unseen) PG

Lucian watched as Amanda and T' Lara entered the shop. He walked behind the two women and observed them as T' Lara examined the robe they been offered. She was feeling the texture and the weave of the garment to ensure it would be suitable for Amanda.

Amanda stopped and suddenly looked around. He was fascinated to realize she on some level sensed his presence.

"What troubles you daughter?"

"I do not know. I thought perhaps …. I thought there was a being present. Forgive my lack of attention."

Lucian faded back not wishing to disturb Amanda.

T' Lara looked concerned.

"The wind sometimes blows through here." the clerk said, "It can be most disturbing.

"Perhaps that was it." Amanda said not convinced. She opened her mind and searched. She could sense no other presence. She looked at the cloak and returning to her shopping.

"That is lovely."

"Indeed. Try it on for size daughter. We must ensure it is the proper length."

Amanda allowed the clerk to help her. "I like it but, it seems a little long."

"We can adjust the length easily. It would only take a few minutes."

"Do so we can wait." T' Lara ordered "Come we can look more while she adjust the garment."

The clerk hurried to do their bidding. Amanda felt a little guilty as she glanced at her watch.

"We may make her late for mid meal."

"It will not take that long my lady. It is an honor to serve you."

"Your service honors us." T' Lara replied. The clerk hurried to her task.

"They will make a cloak for you Amanda. The clerk will be well rewarded for her service."

"I just do not wish to make anyone miss her meal." Amanda said

T' Lara nodded as she reached for an outfit. "This would do nicely for your lectures at the academy."
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Starfleet Command was not happy with the leaked news. Vulcan had always been intent on controlling Earth's expansion to the stars. Admiral Wilson understood that sometimes humans appeared impulsive to the Vulcan command structure. Yet they had stepped back and away. This sudden proposal to curb the expansion of the Fleet and to direct how it could run was disturbing. The last thing they needed was to have the Vulcan's once again overlooking their shoulders.

Admiral Wilson sat back and wondered why the Vulcan's were suddenly so concerned? Why now when for the last fifty years or so they had not seemed to care what humanity did? He read the reports from Vulcan space. It was almost as if they were hiding something.
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Sarek and Skon arrived home and set their briefcases in their respective offices. Sarek went to the kitchen and found T' Mara instructing Daniel. He raised his brow but said nothing on the activity as he sought out a cup of tea.

Skon entered the kitchen and observed the interplay. He noted the look of concern on his chef's face. He decided to make it clear that Daniel was his son.

"I see both my son's have been drawn here by your wonderful cooking. The mid meal smells most wonderful."

"Yes Sir it will be done soon. Daniel and T' Mara have been most helpful." T' Para said.

"Indeed. I was unaware she liked to cook?" Skon said unable to resist.

"I am most pleased she has come to assist me." T' Para said knowing her niece was there only for the human.

T' Mara blushed but quickly regained control." When I was on Earth, I realized I missed food from home. I did not have the skills to prepare it. So logically I am attempting to repair that oversight."

"Logical and very wise to seek greater knowledge and skill." Sarek agreed.

"I am glad she is learning because then I will not feel so alone. I think it is a good idea to learn to cook." Daniel said, "I mean sometimes there are no replicators around."

T' Para looked scandalized. To her mind replicators had no place in a properly run Vulcan home. Of course, they had one at the fortress but mainly to provide for off world guests.

Part 22 (Plans within Plans) R

Jeremiah saved that hapless man's life. Jeremiah had done it to gain an ally. He did not trust the man but at least he owed him. He leaned back as he considered how to disrupt him Earth/ Vulcan alliance. He knew that with his niece's marriage the Vulcan's at least would be more inclined to tolerate Earth. He read the news draft. This new suggestion for the Federation and Star Fleet had possibilities. As much as Earth might claim Star Fleet was for the entire Federation and that it had a mission of Peace Jeremiah knew differently. Humans by nature were conquers. Earth, the Moon and even Mars had been colonized. Alpha Centari was almost self-sufficient. Jeremiah knew humanity wanted and needed to explore and expand. That humans could and would take advantage of those less advanced was a for drawn conclusion. He leaned back and wondered if this was why Vulcan had tried to stiffly their early space flights? It hardly mattered now however. Humanity would explore and it would colonize. The real issue was if they would accept this new concept proposed to them from Vulcan. He knew as a simple businessman he could not influence this trend. He was not a simple businessman he was the head of Earth's largest criminal organization. He called his aides in.

"We must stir option. Tate , Collin I want you to rouse the unions. Suggest this new directive will stifle growth and trade."

"Sir?"

"We can not allow the Vulcan people to rule us. We need our people to expand it brings in money. All those leaving Earth need our devices. "

Tate smiled thinking of all the illegal phasers they had sold to Mars and Alpha Centari.

"We will see to it sir."

His aides left and Jeremiah considered the possibility of killing Skon and Sarek when they came to debate the issue in front of council in two months time.

Part 23 ( Romulus Roars) R

The Romulan Officer hit his desk hard. How could this be happening? Humans and Vulcan mating? The thought of such and thing had never occurred to the Tal shair. Humans were rapidly becoming a thorn in the Empires side. Ever since Archer's time they had been interfering with the Empires plans to regain control of Vulcan. Now the house of Surak itself was creating family ties to the humans. He poured himself a large portion of ale from the crystal decanter. He swallowed it and strode for calm. Not for the first time he wished he had some of his Vulcan's kin's emotional control. He was the head of the Tal shair he would not be defeated by this new event. He drank his ale and set the glass down he would need the approval of the Senate and the Emperor to order the death of a Vulcan of so high importance.

Admiral Charbaal left his office and went to see his twin Senator Charven . He hated having to seek out his elder brothers aid but this was for Romulus and personal feelings had no place. He might resent his brothers power but he needed it to sway the senate.

Senator Charven smiled at his wife and newborn daughter. She was so lovely. His little Charvanek.

"She is perfect my wife." He said

"I failed you. Giving you a daughter first."

He smiled at his wife. "She has your beauty and my eyes. How can this be a failure my lady." Chaven said Unlike many Romulan's he truly loved his wife. What had began as a political match had grown into true abiding love.

"Then I am pleased my husband. She does have your eyes and it seems your will."

"Indeed my Marta indeed. She will make a wonderful Commander in our fleet."

His wife smiled grateful he was pleased. She had feared for her daughter. Now she knew her husband truly cared for her. Normally an unwanted female would be killed or if lucky given away. She been so afraid that he would do this so his firstborn would be a son.
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Amanda donned the newly altered cloak and after thanking the clerk she and T' Lara headed home.

"It is so light. I can hardly notice it is on."

"Indeed the weavers did an admirable job. It should serve to protect you from the sun. You must raise the hood Amanda. I know it seems difficult to accept but Vulcan has a sun that could easily damage the skin."

"I will adapt. I suppose the differences never occurred to me. " She seemed worried.

" We will help you my daughter. It took me time to adapt to Earth. I found all the water most disturbing."

Amanda smiled grateful for T 'Lara' s attempt to offer comfort. They drove home in silence as she observed her new world.

They arrived in time for mid meal and Amanda cleaned up quickly. She hung her new cloak and went to the dining area. She was surprised to see both Skon and Sarek had joined them. The meal was finished in silence and she could tell this custom was hard on Daniel. He looked at her several times. She winked at him to let him know she understood his confusion and his need for conversation. She wondered if they could get used to this silence?

Part 24 (Worries) PG

John Grayson left the bank and walked toward the park. He needed to think about his life his company and his future. He had never considered that Amanda would leave Earth much less mate with a Vulcan. He shook his head and realized he was using their terms now. When had they gained such influence over his daughter? Could he have stopped it? Did it matter now? No, she was in love and happy. John even had to admit if only to himself Sarek was perfect for Amanda. She needed a man who was strong or she would not respect him. Sarek was confident in all things. He was no boy to be easily swayed. He grinned as he considered the roadblocks his now son-in- law had proposed in trade. He went over to a hotdog vender and purchased a snack. As he nibbled the rare treat, he considered his next moves. He knew that the shipyard had to be build and he needed to help upgrade the Starfleet vessels. He considered adding more sensors for the ships. Perhaps Sarek was right and they should be exploring more. If the ship seemed to powerful would not other races consider it a threat? His mind played with designs. Designs that would make a powerful warship but also appear less threatening. He wondered to a bench and ate his snack as he watched children run and play. He wondered if he would ever have grandchildren to spoil. Was it even
possible?

Maria entered the kitchen and watched as Sara prepared the evening meal. She walked to her long time employee and said.

"I received a star cable today. I thought you and Harris would like to know Amanda's ship arrived on Vulcan. It seems they were delayed some sort of rescue mission."

Sara looked up. "I am glad they are safe. I was worried. Vulcan seems so far away."

"Yes, it is a long way away. I can not believe she left us so easily."

Sara looked at her employer with some sympathy. "She will be back you know she and Sarek bought that cabin up in the mountains."

"Yes, they did but I worry for her. Vulcan is so different and hot."

"Amanda loved the dessert."

"She did but she loves the ocean too." Maria said she sat down and looked forlorn.

"She loves him Ma'am."

"I know Sara but, I worry he has no emotions. How can that be good for my baby girl?"

"Amanda is very loveable and I doubt Sarek would have risked his life if he did not have feelings for her. You know his eyes never leave her."

"Maybe you are right I hope so." Maria said she had hoped Amanda fall in love with a man that would spoil her rotten.

Sara handed Maria a small sandwich. The two women sat down and ate in silence each on thinking about Amanda and her new life.

Senator Charven looked up as his brother knocked on the door. He was carrying a basket of fresh fruit and a rather large stuffed toy. If he was surprised by this, the Senator showed no reaction instead he greeted his brother.

"Welcome my brother. Please come greet my new daughter Charvanek. "

Admiral Charbaal entered the room with a smile. "My lady this is for you." He set the fruit down and bowed to his brother. He looked at the baby and gave a genuine smile. A girl was no threat to the succession. He was pleased that he would not have to eliminate the baby. He looked at her and he felt warm suddenly. She was every bit as lovely as her mother was.

"She is lovely but she has your eyes Charven."

"I am most pleased with that fact. Look how strong she is." The senator placed his finger in the fist and it was grasping tightly.

"A fine little addition to our house my brother." Charbaal said honestly.

This caused his brother to look at him sharply. "Thank you. While I am please at your interest is there a reason for you coming here to visit?"

"Yes there is. Marta may I steal him away for a moment?" He asked politely.

Marta smiled and said "Go on I have to feed this little one before she screams and wakes up even the Remans." The men excused themselves and the senator followed his brother out. His guards
followed them to a small sitting area.

"Forgive the timing but I have just heard disturbing news for our people on Earth and Vulcan."

"Go on."

"It seems there have been a marriage / bonding between a human and a Vulcan. Not just any Vulcan but Sarek."

"What?" Charven said "Who?"

"That is the worst part sir. He married into the Grayson family. They are one of Earth's oldest and most politically powerful. Worse he has gained a large portion of the families assets."

"Admiral do they not control the ship yards at Antraies and the trade routes to the human colonies?"

"Yes they do. Worse, it seems that Vulcan has gained control of the refits for a fourth of the human fleet. If they upgrade those ships." He let it drop.

"Damn. We must have more information. Brother this is vital to Romulus."

"Should we dispose of Sarek?"

The Senator paces a moment as he considers the options. "No, We wait until we know more."

Admiral Charbaal was not pleased but he nodded.

"You did well to bring this to my and the Senates attention. I know you love our world even if you rather hold my seat."

His brother saluted and left unwilling to lie.

Charven watched him leave and wished he could trust him as he had as a child. There been a time when they been inseparable. Now he worried his brother would one day kill him. He looked in at his wife and baby and knew he been given a reprieve. For as long as he had no son his brother was his heir and he did not have to kill him. He hated the politics and wished not for the first time he had been born a common man and not cousin to the Emperor. Chatven put the thought from his mind and hoped he could find a way to satisfy his younger brother's desire for power. Perhaps if he got him a seat on the senate? He watched his brother leave and turned back to his family. Today was a joyful ovations and he would worry about the Federation and Empire tomorrow.

Part 25 ( DNA and Family Bonds) R

Dr. Savon looked at the request and set it down. This request was totally illogical and wrong. He could not in good faith offer to help create a HUMAN /VULCAN child. The last such child had only lived weeks and died painfully. He looked out the window and wondered why a logical and important male like Sarek had lowered himself to bond with a human. He shivered as he considered what this would mean for his species. Already they had a low birthrate. What would happen if humans began to contaminate the gene pool? He sat down and opened a sealed file. He wondered if he could use this file to stop Sarek from making this attempt.

Dr. T Ramie read the request. She was at first dismayed then pleased to have been asked. Sarek was of vital importance to their people. The request that she and Dr. Savon work together to help Amanda Grayson become pregnant and carry a healthy child to term was fascinating. She had to admit the idea was a challenge given the vastly different chemical make ups. Yet, perhaps it would be an answer. She was aware of Vulcan's declining birthrate and the need to increase their population. While the idea of interspecies breeding was at first disturbing the more, she thought about it the more logical it became. While humans were very emotional and lived shorter life spans, they were numerous. She sat back and began to mentally compose a DNA strand. She knew her fellow researcher would raise all kinds of objections. If she were to sway her brother, she would need logical and clear arguments. She had no doubt this could be done but she would need Savon's skills as a well as her own to ensure success.

Part 26 (Surprises) PG

Amanda had found lunch or mid meal to be quite tasty. She looked at T'Para when she came to clear the dishes away. "That was a lovely meal."

"I am pleased you found it palatable my TSia. Your brother and T' Mara gave me assistance."

"He did?" Amanda said her face showing surprise. "I was unaware he knew how to cook."

"I do not know how." Daniel said, "I just helped clean a few vegetables. Not that I was a lot of help". He held up his wounded thumb. "The food here has spines."

Amanda bites back a laugh. She looked at Sarek whose eyes twinkled. "Then Daniel it is a good thing you had help."

"T' Mara saved me.," he said smiling. "I think I can clean a cucumber now."

"I did demonstrate the technique several times." T' Mara agreed.

"Yes we have an abundance of the vegetable. " Skon said

"Well it is crunchy. I like it." Daniel said, "I think it would make a great snack. It just needed salt."

Amanda grinned.

John Grayson finished his snack and headed to his office. It was a short walk from the park. He had come up with several new ideas and wanted to run tem by his chief engineer. If the ideas worked out the new ship Enterprise would be the most advanced they ever developed. He knew of the new Intrepid that was designed by his rival shipyard. It was indeed an impressive ship. The ship had many new features, which was one of the reason he had been hoping to gain technology from Vulcan. Now he knew he would have to wait. The idea no longer bothered him because he had an advantage. In time, Sarek would come to understand he was no warmonger. He was revising his options of Vulcan's and he hoped with time Sarek would grow to trust him as a father-in-law and as a man. John could admit his mistakes and trying to strong arm, someone like Skon or Sarek had been foolish and wrong. He would try to be diplomatic and patient. In time, Vulcan would see Star Fleet was a better way to go. An integrated fleet was safer for all the races. John firmly believed it would foster a stronger peace. As he walked into the office he decided to come up with the new ship design first and then to show it to Sarek and Skon. He hoped that they would approve of the new model. It was less aggressive looking but still would have the firepower and speed it needed if it ran into trouble. He had reconsidered Sarek's ideas and decided perhaps peaceful exploration would be more profitable then conquest. He felt a little ashamed that he had not realized how his initial plans could be perceived. John greeted the guard and headed up to the main office. His mood had returned to one of eager anticipation .

TBC…