-1Disclaimers: See part 1

IDIC- New Frontiers

Part 43 (Games)

The two entered Sarek's quarters and found Amanda and T' Kar arranging refreshments. Soran was carrying out a tray covered with delicacies that were known to be pleasing to the Andorian palate. Amanda looked up and smiled broadly.

"Welcome to our home Ambassador we are honored that you stopped by. Please come have a seat. It will be a moment ,I am afraid. We had not expected visitors so we must adapt." Felix smiled and was impressed that they had managed such a table given he had just arrived. He was honored that there was a clear attempt to find foods and beverages that were acceptable to his race.

"I am honored. I should have perhaps called first. I did not wish our first meeting to be in conference."

"That is most kind. I dare say you are very busy now and likely thought we would be too. I am honored that you came here. "

Amanda said" It is never an imposition when a friend comes to visit." Sarek picked up a decanter of cool water and offered the traditional greeting to the ambassador. Felix took the water and sipped it.

" I am honored."

He handed the cup back to Sarek and took the seat he had been offered. Sarek Sat down next to him and offered him refreshments. Felix took the plate and the spiced tea. He was most impressed because this tea was from Andoria. It was not something that could be replicated as they had not allowed it to be given away. His antenna twitched as he wondered how they had gotten it here on Earth. Amanda sipped her tea.

" My father ,John Grayson owns a small tea trading house. I hope the tea is made correctly? I am afraid we only ever had it on special occasions and my grandmother was the expert at preparing it."

Sarek looked at Amanda sharply this was not something he had known. He had tried this tea blend once or twice and found it to be excellent. It was one of the rarest and most prized exports from the ice world of Andoria.

"The tea is perfect lady Amanda." Felix said "You are right of course friendship is important. It is why I came today. I wish to extend the hand of friendship. Sarek you and Ambassador Skon proved yourselves to be men of honor when you came to our aid. I find for this reason it is wise to learn more about you and your governments ideas. It is possible we have been to reluctant to let go of the past. As you Vulcan's would say that is illogical. In that spirit of beginning again I came here today. Andoria has its own military fleet. We really have little need to serve in Star Fleet. We have always tried to show maturity when dealing with less advanced cultures. My General was concerned that this new Prime Directive you propose for Star Fleet might be adapted for the whole Federation. That he feels this could undermine our rights."

Sarek listened and carefully framed his thoughts. He remembered what Amanda had said. Make it in the others best interests. He set his cup down.

"That is a legitimate concern. One of the things Vulcan and Andoria have always shared is the wisdom not to interfere overly much with other developing cultures. We on Vulcan should have learned by your people's example."

Felix looked at him sharply.

"What do you mean?" He was surprised that the ambassador would admire and say his people had been wiser.

"A Vulcan's one great weakness is curiosity." Sarek said He looked over and saw his wife stifle a giggle. He raised a brow not amused at all. "We seek knowledge and try to improve things."

"This is true. It is one of your cultures greatest strengths." Felix acknowledged. "That trait allows you to seek answers to questions many have not yet asked."

Sarek bowed his head accepting this. "The weakness is that we sometimes fail to see that a thing may not need improving. Consider Earth and our relations here."

Felix leaned back. "Does Vulcan regret its involvement?"

"No we do not. Perhaps we have simply considered we did not always act in Earth's best interests. We did not always accept they had a right to choose a different path then the one we thought well."

"So this Prime Directive is to ensure such a thing does not happen again."

"Indeed." Sarek said "It cost us a great deal in political capital and in credits early on. While the relationships has proved enduring." He looked at Amanda. "Perhaps it would have been better served if we had treated Earth with greater respect and equality."

"Yes, that makes sense to me." Felix said "So, it is to protect ourselves as much as the worlds we might touch?"

"Yes because regardless of our god intentions we are not Gods. We can harm other cultures by not allowing them to find their own way. If we make it to easy they will not learn the lessons we all did. Consider this Felix. Do we give a child a sharp knife first or do we teach them with a blunted model." Sarek explained

"So you are saying that if we advance pre-warp civilizations they will not understand the dangers that exist and they will then become a potential threat to our worlds." Felix seemed to consider this carefully. " I will consider your points. I admit that we have always been a little less likely to interact with less developed cultures. I think it was because few offered us useful items. However ,the fact remains that there is a lot to learn about space travel and some of those lessons need to be learned first hand. A child will not avoid something hot until they get burned. Yes ,Sarek your points are well made. I shall convey this to my government." Felix said.

Sarek sipped his tea.

Sarek had perhaps ,made an important ally. He looked at Amanda and his eyes smiled at her. Amanda blushed and looked down at her plate. Felix considered what Sarek had explained. Oddly he thought that is plan was very similar to the policies his government already had in place. He sipped his tea and then said.

"If I may have a copy of the proposal to forward to my government?"

"Of course. T'Kar will send it to your office." Sarek said

Amanda looked back up and said. " Has your lady wife arrived ?"

Felix smiled. "Yes she has. Unfortunately she had to meet with our children teachers today. We wanted them to begin school here as soon as possible. I am told that the Embassy may have our students enroll in some Earth classes?"

Amanda smiled. "The campus accepts students from all worlds . I used to teach there before I married Sarek."

"I am a little concerned. My children have not had much contact with other species. Yet, I believe a few activities would be beneficial."

" They have several sports clubs. We even had an ice hockey team." Amanda explained.

"Ice hockey?"

"A Terran sport that moves a black disk across the ice. The teams use wooden sticks to propel the disk into a net to score points. It requires stamina and balance as they stand on thin metal blades." Sarek said "It is quite interesting to watch."

Amanda looked at him. She could not believe he admitted to liking Hockey. He hated the cold.

"Amanda likes to watch the game. I do not mind observing it on the video feds. It is the live games that are to cold." Sarek said ,"The Detroit Team the Red Wings have been exceptional for over a century. They call their city "Hockey Town." This is a sport that the Terran's seem to watch and compete with equal enthusiasm."

"Hockey, I believe I would like to observe this game." Felix said

"Well come over tonight after council then. The game starts at 2100."Amanda said "I like the sport to. It is amazing to see the grace of the players." Sarek said .

Part 44(Plots)

The Orion syndicate listened as Jeremiah out lines his new plan to destabilize the region. He hoped to pit the Andoria and Vulcan against each other. He had almost succeeded with the Hawthorne incident. He planned to attack and kill the delegations at the council meeting. His operatives had set a bomb in the meeting center. It was located under the Andorian's seat. He knew it would be assumed that the new ambassador had been ordered to kill the assembly because they were not going to follow Vulcan's ideals.

His operative had slipped in unnoticed with the Terran delegation from Mars. The Federation security was so lax they never checked details.

John Grayson was on his way home. He was having dinner with his younger brother tonight. It seemed that he had a second chance to get to know him now. After the attack he had reconsidered many things. Family was important. He learned that lesson the hard way. He had almost lost his wife and daughter and his brother. What did it matter if they had not been raised together? It was not Jeremiah's fault, and he had tried to protect Maria. He no longer cared what others thought. He was going to extend the hand of peace. Skon had taught him that nothing mattered but family.

Harris made the last minute preparations. He could hardly wait to see Amanda again. They had been invited over to watch Hockey tonight and he was more then ready to go and have a good time. He mixed the salads as Sara prepared the salsa. He was still amused to think that Sarek was fascinated by a purely human sport. At first Harris thought he only watched to please Amanda but over time he saw that Sarek actually was interested. He also liked baseball and basketball. His explanation for this fascination was simple. It was interesting to calculate the possible outcomes.

Sarek insisted that all three sports required an understanding of physics and mathematics. Harris had laughed at that and been pleased to win several bets against Sarek and Soran on who would win the games. Amanda rolled her eyes and made Sarek promise (not to bet the farm in Vegas. Sarek had raised his brow and asked which farm she had thought he would risk?)

Sometimes he was just so Vulcan. Harris thought. Harris and Sara were pleased that Sarek had found a way to enjoy a few Terran pass times. He was especially pleased about the hockey because Amanda was a real "Wing Nut". She had always loved that Detroit team because she had been fascinated as a child by their bright red uniforms.

Part 45 (Healing)

Garak was not pleased at all. His shoulder was still immobilized and frowned. The healer wanted him to have special reconstructive surgery as Kilman's blade had damaged several nerves. He was not certain how this could be accomplished when he was legally human. It was not like he could leave the consulate and go see a specialist. Even if one of the human doctors had the skills to reconstruct the nerves they would never have treated a Romulan before. He had just about convinced himself he would need to live with this injury and accept he might never again have full use of the arm. The healer wanted him to be transported to San Francisco so T' Mir could do the delicate work.

"When do we leave?" Adrianna had asked.

"Adrianna it may not be a good idea. I know your cousin is married to the Vulcan Ambassador." Garak paused he was feeling oddly guilty for placing Sarek in a difficult position. He never thought he would care. "It may be unwise to endanger him. I am still Romulan. I would not wish to cause him difficulties with his government."

Adrianna reached out and stroked his face lightly. "He would want you to heal. He likes you Garak."

"Adrianna you are naïve. He is tolerating me barely. It is only because Amanda protected me that he did not hand me over to the police. It was not me or you he shielded. It was his bond-mate. He would not risk her becoming entangled. His indulgence could be viewed as weakness. While I am grateful for his help I have no desire to owe him more." Garak explained. He could not understand how naïve she was.

"Garak your arm will not heal. You need this surgery and soon if you are to regain the use of it. I trust my family. I trust all of them. Sarek will not betray us and he would see no logic in you suffering a disabling injury. I feel so bad that you were hurt. Please I need to know you will be whole. I could not bear it if you were never whole because of me." She held his good hand.

Garak sighed. "I would give and arm for you and gladly. "He frowned. "As you wish I will ask this healer to help me."

Adrianna smiled. "Come lets get you dressed the shuttle to the consulate is waiting on us."

He looked at her and laughed she had never intended to give him a choice. "I must send in a report to my government."

Adrianna pulled back and looked stricken.

"I am still a soldier in the Imperial Fleet. My taking a wife will not change this. I told you I will not defect." Garak said

"I know. This is going to be difficult."

"Perhaps not, Sarek knows the truth and he will keep an eye on me. I will not abuse his hospitality. I will do my duty and I will honor my family. I think it will be a challenge." He smiled and squeezed her hand.

The agent set the bomb and smiled. He moved along and picked up several trash receptacles. This was almost too simple. The conference would end with a bang. He whistled as he went to report the success to his boss. This would clearly help make him one of Jeremiah's number one operatives.

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Felix had taken his leave and Amanda cleared the table. She smiled as Sarek returned alone. He came over to her offered her his two fingers. Amanda sighed and touched his with hers. She smiled as she felt his pride in her. She moved closer and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"You do not mind that I asked him to come over for the game?"

"While I would find a night with just the family pleasant, it was a brilliant move. I have grown to admire this game. I believe Felix will enjoy it as well. His people have long played sports on the ice. I once observed an Ice sailing race and it was most impressive. The ships had a grace and power that I had not seen before. He may well admire the game. A less formal setting will also allow us to learn about one an other. I believe it is a chance to begin the friendship you desire."

"Sarek I know you have concerns. Is it not wise to cultivate friendship? A friend will stand by you or at least hear your arguments before choosing an issue. It may be that once you understand Felix you will understand his people more."

"Wise my wife. In an event it will be pleasant to hear an others view on this sport." Sarek said

Amanda laughed as she kissed him.


Part 46 (Gardens and Meditations)

Daniel sat in the garden and had watched the sun set. Now he looked out across the dessert and up at the stars. He could not believe how clear the night was. On Earth in San Francisco the city lights hid the stars. Even away from the city there were always shuttle traffic and other things blocking the night sky. On Earth the weather was controlled so one never saw a storm simply roll in. Now here he could see that in the distance a storm was brewing. He took a sip from his mug of icy Coke. He had never appreciated the cool crisp taste more then now. He was within the protective force fields so he had little fear. He simply watched in silence. He had a long day and he was tired. The problem was it had been exciting and he was still too wired to even think of sleeping. He glanced at his watch still set to Earth time one am. He yawned and stood up. He began to do some stretching and hoped to work out the kinks.

Skon went to the house one last time before retiring for the night. He quietly opened the door to Daniel's room. He frowned when he found it empty except for the puppy that bounded off the bed to greet him with a wagging tail. He frowned at this. The animal had a bed of its own. He closed the door so the animal could not get out and went in search of his son. He checked the library and found it empty. He went down the stairs and noticed a mat was missing. His son however was not there. Skon went back up stairs and entered the kitchen. He knew human children often were in need of extra nutrition. He found an empty bottle of COKE A COLA and a mug missing from the rack. He wondered where Daniel was. He was beginning to become concerned at this situation. Had Daniel wandered outside?

He left the kitchen and debated on calling T' Mara. The security chief had seemed fatigued and he had did not wish to disturb her rest. Skon noted the back door was not covered with its shield. He opened it and went into the garden. There near a large rock wall he spotted his son. Daniel had climbed up on it and was now stretched out on it and doing what humans called pushups. Skon watched as Daniel rose and descended over twenty times before collapsing on the stones.

He walked over to Daniel. "What troubles you Daniel?"

Daniel started and almost fell off. He caught himself and faced Skon his face red. "I could not sleep. I thought the night air might help."

"Have you meditated?" Skon asked.

"Earlier today I tried to." Daniel said "I think I am just too excited about all of this. I had the same problem last night. It was why I was awake so early." He looked away.

"Come down, I will help you meditate. Perhaps then you will find you may sleep."

Daniel slid off the wall carrying his mat and followed Skon to a recess.

"Set the mat down here." Skon instructed.

Daniel laid it out and Skon Sat down and motioned Daniel to join him.

"Now take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. Think of a peaceful place. A place that you feel safe and content in."

Daniel took a breath and tried to follow him.

"Now think of the things that troubled you today."

Daniel did this and took an other deep breath.

"Now let it out with the breath. Consider the things that pleased you today."

Daniel did and once again let out a breath.

"Now let that go too." Skon instructed. He watched as Daniel struggled to follow his directions. His son had closed his eyes and his hands rested on his knees. "Draw a breath to calm yourself. Clear your mind of all the days' events. Find the silence within yourself."

Daniel continued to listen as he tried to do as he was told. Slowly he felt himself relaxing and the stress of the day dissipating. He had never thought that just sitting still and breathing could be so relaxing and peaceful. Soon he stopped hearing Skon's instructions and he simply breathed. A quiet peace began to fill him as the days excitement was left behind.

Skon watched Daniel and was pleased to note his breathing had become even and clam. It was clear that his son was gaining some benefit from this. Once he was certain he was in a meditative state Skon allowed his own meditations to begin. He did not go into a deep state as he was watching Daniel but he did allow himself to relax.

Part 47(Connecting)

Felix arrived back at the Embassy and went to his private office. He sat at the desk and reviewed the proposal created by Skon and Sarek. As he read the document, he found it to be well crafted and well intentioned. He had a few questions on what would happen if the civilizations were entering the Warp stage. Would they then be allowed to assist the cultures? What would the requirements be for these newly emerging worlds are if they choose to join the Federation? Was it possible for a non-warp civilization to enter the federation? He knew of at least three colonies world his people traded with that had no warp capacity and they did not desire to become space travelers. Once such world was a source of his people's cobalt seven. A medicinal plant that helped stops bleeding. It was a valuable plant but it could not be transplanted or replicated. He wrote out a few notes and questions to ask Sarek. He then placed a call to the General. He liked the proposal in theory. It might require fine toning , it was as Sarek said in their best interests to set some sort of policy that held all the powers in the Federation to a certain standard. It would in the long run prevent conflict.

The report took only ten minutes and he transmitted the details along with his proposal to his government. Felix knew that given the serious nature of this he would have his answer before the meeting. He signed off and went to research Hockey. He did not intend to appear uninformed. As he read the information on the sport, he smiled. It looked like for once the Terran's had actually created a game worth playing. He downloaded the details to a PADD and went to find his wife. He knew she would enjoy a chance to meet with Amanda again. Felix was wise enough to understand that this friendship may actually be more valuable to his people then his with Sarek. Because this was one area that males shared. They all listened to their mates. It had been made clear to Felix that Sarek valued and indulged his mate. Felix smiled and wondered if Sarek realized how much his gentle lady swayed him? He knew Vulcan's disliked ice and cold and avoided almost as much as they did open bodies of water. Yet Sarek had admitted to taking his wife to Hockey Games and to learn to enjoy the sport. Granted he could not envision a Vulcan cheering and jumping in appreciation for a sport but the idea that he attended the events at all was telling. The Vulcan people were often not interested in the sports of other races. They would investigate science, literature, art, and music. Professional sport however was seen as frivolous and illogical. This made Felix smile as he wondered if he could get Amanda interested in ice sailing. That was a sport he enjoyed deeply and thought the adventurous human might appreciate it as she was from a planet that still had ships that sailed the waters. Felix could almost imagine Sarek's brow rising if he were to invite the couple to sail with him on Andoria. Felix went to his wife's side as she came in carrying a plate of freshly baked cookies. He smiled and grabbed one. Even though he had eaten at the consulate he was not about to turn down his favorite sweets.

Farina smiled and twitched her antenna "Did the meeting go well?"

Chewing a cookie, he nodded. Swallowing it, he said, "We have been invited over this evening to watch Red Wing hockey."

Her face had a curious look. "Hockey? Is that a Terran game?"

"It is a sport the Terran's play on ice. Sarek thought we might find the game interesting. I told him we would be delighted to come. I know you were sorry to miss visiting with Lady Amanda today."

"That is true. I was looking forward to this. Ambassador Sarek actually watches a game played on ice. Is that not unusual for a Vulcan?"

"Farina I find Ambassador Sarek to be a unique Vulcan. He took a Terran for a wife. I believe he watches this sport because his lady likes it. He seems to indulge her greatly." Felix said

"A wise male."

Felix laughed. "Yes I agree. Any male wise enough to keep his mate happy is worth knowing." He received a swat from his wife.

"Well then you two have a common ground to begin a friendship. " She said teasingly. "What shall we bring?"

"I did not ask. Perhaps some of these lovely cookies. I am told that Lady Amanda has a sweet tooth."

Farina smiled. It seemed Felix could not resist doing a little intelligence work even on a friendly visit. She smiled however and left him to his work. He was the one indulging her now. She quite looked forward to meeting Lady Amanda again. It was not often one meet so sweet a person. Too often, she had been forced to entertain snobbish boors. She just hoped this Hockey game was interesting. She was never one for sports.

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Amanda made several snacks for the party. She smiled as she got the food ready. Sarek would soon be leaving for the council meeting and then she have the day to herself. She wanted to check with Adrianna and find out what time they would be arriving. She had a feeling her cousin would have to almost drag her mate to San Francisco. She grimaced you would think a Romulan agent would be thrilled to be invited into the Vulcan Consulate. She chuckled as she remembered Soran has scandalized face. Garak was family and until Sarek bought her a house in the hills, he would just have to deal with her family visiting here. After all, he was the one who said it would be done before they left for Vulcan. She smiled and went looking for T' Mir. The healer had been warned about Garak's injury and was preparing the hospital surgery unit. She had merely raised a brow when she had been asked to operate on Garak. She had simply asked for the relative medical data to be sent ahead. Amanda knocked on her office door.

T' Mir looked up and greeted Amanda. "Greetings T' Amanda. How may I serve you?"

"Greetings to you T' Mir. I was wondering if the medical data arrived from the New York Consulate."

"Yes it arrived 2.87 hours ago. I believe it will be a rather complicated surgery. It is however one that should have a 99.45 percent chance of returning the patient to full health. The only concern I have is for blood."

"What do you mean? I thought the blood would be the same?"

T' Mir looked a little surprised but said "It similar to a Vulcan. The problem is his type is extremely rare. We have only 1.1 liters here."

"Will that be enough?" Amanda asked worried.

"I would prefer to have additional units available. I do believe we can perhaps supplement the supply by asking Klin and Rek to donate. I did not wish to do this without permission. I believe that you wished the staff to think the patient was human?"

Amanda sighed. "Legally he is. Let me speak to Sarek about this complication. I certain he will agree to tell them why we need the blood but it must be his choice. I can not believe how complicated this is."

"Indeed." the healer said agreeing.

TBC…