-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 52 (Dancing on the eye of a needle.)

Simion was growing impatient. He looked at the latest intelligence, it appeared Earth, and Vulcan were heading for a confrontation. This was good news and it appeared that Jeremiah had a plan to shatter the alliance even further. The only concern he had was the delay now. The longer the time before the meeting, the better the chance of discovery and this could lead to the mission's failure. Simion leaned back and sipped his wine. He watched the dancer as she moved in time with the music. He smiled at the sight. At least Jeremiah had sent the slave girls. They were all skilled and each had been the fairest in the market. He was still disappointed however. He still wanted Amanda Grayson. He looked at the picture he held in his hand. She was a woman who was a jewel. He flipped on the vids of her talking standing up to Pete. She had fire and he wanted that for himself. He swallowed his drink and decided he would insist Jeremiah bring her to him. Until then the slaves would do. He rose and went to the closest girl. She stopped dancing and he tossed her over his shoulder. She was shaking with fear and he smiled. She would do nicely until he got the one he wanted.

An hour latter Simion called Jeremiah "Contact the Romulan Garak. He will help you remove Amanda from Sarek's compound. Garak has orders from his government to give us every assistance to complete the task. Romulus wants the Federation to fail as much as the Syndicate does."

"Yes Simion I will arrange that. Are you certain you want Amanda? It would be better to kill her. That would make Sarek grieve. It would affect his logic."

"No….I want her. If any harm comes to her Jeremiah I will have your head."

Jeremiah swallowed hard. He might want to make Sarek suffer but not at the expense of his own life. "You will have her sir. I will find Garak and arrange the details."

"Do it well Jeremiah. Romulan have skills in this area. You would be wise to listen to him. A second failure will not be tolerated. We have too much riding on this operation. We create a rift that can be exploited. Earth and Vulcan are the keys to the Federation. They balance each other. If they are torn apart the Federation will fall apart. There will be a power vacuum we can exploit. Romulus fears their growing power and influence. We can not allow it to continue it is bad for business. Soon they will have enough ships to place a strangle hold on our trade. We will be unable to raid for slaves or other materials. They must be stopped."

"I will not fail Simion." He said to a now dead com link. He had to admit Simion was right a strong Human /Vulcan Alliance would mean that most of the galaxy would sit up and listen to their views more closely. Earth helped bring in the Andorians and Vulcan many other worlds. With Thirty or more worlds allied the criminals of the galaxy would be in a strangle hold. There would be no place to hide if all these world began to cooperate in law enforcement and trade. Many items that now brought smugglers top credits would soon become ordinary commodities. Yes he had to succeed.

How he hated Amanda and Sarek. They were the cause of all his problems. He hated having to uses a Romulan. He turned the idea around in his head and smiled. Perhaps he could get Amanda for Simion and arrange for Garak to be captured. If he set it up properly then Garak would be considered the mastermind of the first attempt as well. Then he would arrange the agents' death. All lose ends tied tightly. The funds he was to pay the Romulan could go to close out his debt to Simion. Yes this plan could work to his advantage. Perhaps his boss had done him a favor after all.

Part 53 (Eight arms and a Smile)

John was pleased with the lunch he had with his brother. He felt ashamed now that he had considered Jeremiah a part of the plan to kidnap his family. The police report showed that the gang had leased the property six months earlier and that it along with several other warehouses were part of the blind trust his father had set up for his brother. So even if Jeremiah owned the properties he did not necessarily control them or the leases. His brother had been horrified to learn he had been implicated. No John was willing to admit he was wrong about a lot of things and he was determined to make amends.
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Ambassador Felix and his wife dressed with care. Amanda had mentioned it was to be a casual evening among friends. Felix had no idea what this meant so they dressed for comfort but in semi formal robes of state. He would not risk showing Sarek a lack of respect. He looked at his suit and adjusted the coat. The dark green tunic looked perfect against his skin. He looked over and smiled his wife took his breath away. Her outfit had been made to compliment his own. The golden tone was like a warm sun. She smoothed the dress slacks nervously.

"Felix I hope this is proper."

"You look breathtaking my dear. Come along we must go or we will be late."
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"Amanda are you wearing that?" Sarek asked his brow rose. Amanda stopped and looked in the mirror.

"What you like this pair of jeans. "She straightened the Red and White shirt emblazed with the Red Wing Logo. It had the name of a legendary wing Sergey Federov on it.

Sarek was dressed in a simple white tunic with red slacks. He crossed his arms behind his back. "We are having guests Amanda."

Amanda rolled her eyes. "Alright I will change a little." Before he could respond she slipped out of her jeans and turned to the closet. Sarek swallowed hard as he got a glimpse of her long legs and backside as she strode with purpose to the closet. "I swear it is only a hockey game not a state dinner."

He stood in silence as she pulled out a pair of silk trouser pants that were pure red in color. She slipped on the form fitting pants and pulled of the Red Wing top. Then with an annoyed sound pulled on a white top. "I guess this will have to hang as a decoration then. You know Sarek this is bad luck. I need to wear this."

"Luck is illogical. How will wearing a sports shirt help the Red Wings Win?"

"It just does Sarek everyone knows that."

"It is the skill of the team that ensures victory not luck or ritual sacrifice. I still do not understand why you insist on serving Calamari. Have I not explained that Vulcan' s are vegetarians?"

"Yes dear. But some things I will not sacrifice. This is tradition and I love Calamari and so does the rest of the family. I also know that Andorians and Romulan are not vegetarian. Do not worry I did not make it here. Harris and Sara are bringing the dish."

"I still think it is wrong to sacrifice the animal for a game."

"Sarek consider it a practice in IDIC." Amanda said smiling. "I have given up Steak, ribs, pork once a year during the playoffs if the wings are in it I will have Calamari. Don't look so pained." She went to his side and kissed his cheek. "I love you despite your refusal to cheer on the team? Watch they will win."

"Why do they eat that item?" Sarek asked "Why not use fruit or vegetable?"

Amanda laughed as she had often wondered that herself. " It is tradition that goes back to the 1990's when the Red Wings first became a power house. It had to do with the number of playoff games.

Sarek looked horrified. "I thought humans were more civilized. Eating that is as bad as a Klingon and GAAH."

Amanda laughed and took no offence. "Sarek we are not. Remember we are less then 100 years from WWIII. Even hockey is a violent game. Humans will never be civilized. We may be housebroken however. Now how do I look?" She kissed his lips.
"You look lovely. Though your robes suit you more."

"Sorry Sarek tonight I will be just a plan old human woman enjoying a hockey game with her husband and family. I can hardly wait for the wings to trance the Oiler' s." She stepped back and pulled out a large purple octopus. "Help me find a place of honor for my friend here."

"At least he is not going to be eaten." Sarek said

"Nope. He just an icon." She rubbed the century old stuffed creature for luck. The stuffed octopus was almost as large as his wife. Sarek gave in and helped her carry the creature to the lounge. He had to admit he was grateful he had not met such a creature on his swim.

Part 54 (Vegetarians and Omnivores.)

Felix jumped up almost spilling his popcorn. "That was amazing." he shouted.

They had arrived before the game began and he had been amused to find that the Ambassador had a full house. His wife's family had arrived and the women had been setting up the snacks table. Farina had carried over a tray of her cookies and Lady Amanda had smiled and quickly set them out. He was surprised at first to see to tables until he saw the place cards. The first larger table was labeled Vegetarian and kosher and the second Omnivore. He grinned as he noticed platters of meats being laid out. He glanced at the ambassador who seemed uncomfortable with this. Yes, Felix was now certain that Lady Amanda had her mate firmly wrapped around her little finger as the Earther's would say. He had to admit the food from both tables smelled delicious. Now he shouted and cheered along with his hostess for the Red Wing Team. He had to admit he liked watching this sport. The men and women on the skates were flying down the ice.

Harris smiled as he watched the cheering Andorian. It seemed Amanda was right this was a way to draw the Andorians in.

Garak watched the game with rapt interest. He could see that they had skill and stamina for this sport. He found it intriguing to watch. There was a clear and steady plan of attack and the "Wings "were capitalizing on the mistakes of their opponents. So far the game was 3- 1 in the second period. He observed the two ambassadors and wondered what his government would make of this development; they would never believe that a Vulcan and Andorian were cheering a human sports team. He observed Sarek as he watched the game and made several comments about the logical attack patterns made. Garak could not believe that the Ambassador from Vulcan one of the Galaxies premier peacemakers was enjoying watching humans drive each other into the walls.

"That was an illegal body check." Soran said

"Indeed. Why did not the officials call it?" An indignant Sarek said

"They have to be blind." Felix chimed in.

"Perhaps the Oilers are just too skilled at delivering a blow." Garak answered.

This comment earned him a glare from all three aliens.

"That Jones he acts like a Romulan." Felix said "All sneak and no finesse." Felix had turned back to the game so he missed the sharp glare from Garak.

"Oh Felix Romulan's are nothing compared to humans when it comes to underhanded behavior." Amanda said laughing she turned and winked at Garak. "Besides the Oilers and Wings have been rivals longer then Vulcan and Romulus."

That got her a dirty look form Sarek and Garak both. She simply laughed and swallowed an other piece of squid.

Felix laughed and nibbled the calamari. "You know this tastes little like Gaah." He had completely missed the looks going around and it amused Amanda to no end.

"I knew it tasted familiar." Garak said "At least it does not bite your tongue."

Felix laughed and Sarek walked to the table to pick up some fresh carrots and celery. He reminded himself playoffs only happened once a year.

Garak realized he had gained more insight to Humans, Vulcans and Andorians then he ever had in all his years as an operative. He also realized a dangerous fact. Humans were drawing former enemies together in friendship. An ally was dangerous enough to his Empire but a friendship was a disaster. This new unity could mean that the Federations founding members would now become a solid cadre that could and would draw others to it. For who would question the validity of such an organization if such former enemies could now eat and play together in friendship. He drank his beer down with a single swallow and knew his government was not going to be pleased at this development. Garak however found he was enjoying the company. Who would have thought he would actually like a Vulcan and be amused by an Andorian. He sipped his drink and looked at Adrianna with affection. Then again if anyone had told him he would want a human for his wife he would have gutted them with his honor blade. He had a feeling that the Galaxy was changing forever with this new alliance. Friendship and marriage had a way of making life complicated. He shook his head and wished he had some idea how to deal with this new situation.

Part 55 (The art of War/Sports and Politics)

The game ended with a 4 to 3 Victory for the Wings but there were still four more games to go. Amanda was in good spirits as she began to clear the dishes. The men were all talking and comparing notes on what they thought of the sport. Adrianna and Farina joined Amanda and each was laughing over the men and the way they were so intent on analyzing a game.

"You would think it is a military strategy that they are discussing. I swear Felix poured over his PADD before we got here. He wanted to know everything there was about this sport." Farina said. I do not think he has enjoyed himself this much in years. I have a feeling he will soon be a stanch Hockey fan. Though I can not guarantee he will stay a Red Wings Fan."

"That is alright there really are a lot of great teams out there. I suppose I love the Wings because they are the first team I remember watching. My family was in Detroit for the season when my father was purchasing a factory there. We used to watch games at night. It is memories of happy times that make me so fond of that team." Amanda said.

"Yes, you came home with the bright red shirt. Heather and I only got the white jerseys." Adrianna said remembering the time.

Farina grinned by now understanding a little about the sport and home and away clothing.

"I think I will remain a Wings fan. After all this game has helped me make new friends. It is so nice just to relax. So much of Felix's duty is regimented and the least wrong step can spell disaster. Amanda you are right it is in our best interests to become closer. Maybe then even if our governments disagree on policy we can still find common ground. I think we are more alike then we ever believed. I have to admit I never thought a Vulcan would cheer such a sport so enthusiastically."

Amanda laughed as she considered the cheering. It had been more like a word of encouragement here or there from Sarek and Soran. She knew Farina was right though it was for a Vulcan almost shouting. She knew that both Vulcan males liked the sport because of the speed and the grace required. The Physics of shooting a puck down the ice and past a defending goalie fascinated the Vulcan's. Yet they did enjoy it. She could tell by the deep concentration each displayed. Even Garak had been glued to the Vid. He had been far more vocal and it was actually interesting to see the contrast between his reactions and Sarek's. He had openly encouraged the players to use physical force to protect themselves and the puck. It was all too easy to see his warrior side come through. Amanda thought this was a good thing. It meant that Sarek would see it as well. She often thought Vulcan had become too complacent in its military superiority. It would not hurt them to be reminded that there were predators out there. She liked Garak and wanted to trust him but if he was an example of the soul of a Romulan Warrior then Vulcan had to either stay strong or find a way to create true peace and reunite. Such a passionate people opposing them would someday create a battle they no longer knew how to fight. For all of their skills and technology they had lost some of the fire in following Surak's path. She understood the reasons and agreed with the choices though it would place them at a disadvantage facing their lost kin. She just hoped the Icy calm of the Vulcan mind and body never had to fight the fiery mind and body of the Romulans. It would not be a battle either side would emerge from without deep wounds. She rather strives for peace and understanding between the families. It was clear that both sides had forgotten that they were family and that as such they had more in common then most other races. If Hockey would create a bridge then they watch it every game and perhaps even play it sometime.

Garak had not enjoyed watching a sport since he was a young cadet. He had to admit that the humans were faster then he had thought possible. This to was a fact he filed away to report. The pure violence of the game and the cheering audience had also surprised him. Like most of his people he believed that the Vulcan's had tamed and civilized the humans. This bloody sport showed that was not the case at all. He recalled one Warrior / Player being taken off the ice because his leg had been slashed open by a skate. It was a brilliant move he thought and he had been shocked to see it was considered illegal. He thought the skates would make excellent weapons.

However as he listened to Harris's explanation and seen the concern on the other teams faces he knew the cut had not been deliberately inflicted. It had been a case of two bodies crashing into each other at an awkward angle. Still the chase that had lead to the accident had been glorious. Garak listened as the Andorian ambassador requested ice-skates for his children.

"I think my children would like those ice skates. The blades are so thin and the speed the skaters can travel. I am amazed we never thought of such devices."

"Perhaps you had no need." Amanda said smiling. You had that cleat like devices. I am certain it made your walking on ice easier."

"Perhaps but the ice-skates look like fun."

"In the winter in New York we state at Rockefeller center. It is so much fun to skate on with everyone there." Adrianna said

"Maybe we can take them at Christmas." Amanda offered "The lights show is worth seeing. I took Sarek last year."

"It was a pleasing display … it was very cold." Sarek warned.

Felix just grinned. "I shall look forward to the trip. It will be a nice change from this heat."

Amanda laughed cheerfully.

Sarek looked at his wife. It seems you have made a friend?

Sarek we both have and it is a good thing for both our worlds.

We can hope. Even Garak likes the sport. I wonder if it will become popular on Romulus.

We could send the Emperor a book of the rules and skates as a gift.

Sarek looked shocked and shook his head no. He just hoped Amanda was joking. He still had a hard time with some of her humor. She gave him an innocent look and he relaxed. The last thing he needed was for the Romulus's to realize he knew about Garak it would not be safe for him then.

Part 56 (Mind Games)

Daniel looked at the book. He was beginning to understand Vulcan. His research on the language before his trip meant he could read basic things. He was annoyed at his progress because he knew he would have to be proficient to keep up in his classes. At least his verbal skills were above average. He was grateful that the Embassy school had offered language classes and that he had been smart enough to take Vulcan. He was fairly fluent in it though he knew it would take time to be comfortable. Hearing it daily would help him adapt quickly. He bounced his basket ball as he considered how to work around the reading issue. In less then a month he would be taking classes and he had to be able to read well by then. He bounced the ball and tossed it against a wall. He wished there was a basket. He set it down and began to work that issue out. Perhaps he could replicate a hoop. Just then he spotted some metal tubing. He grinned and decided he had a solution of sorts. He picked it up and using his foot bent it to shape. Then he climbed the wall and attached it to the wall. He jammed it into two stones. He might not be able to slam dunk the ball but this might do. He climbed back down not realizing he was being observed by a guard. A guard who alerted T' Lara afraid he would injure himself. Daniel hopped down the last few feet. He grabbed his ball and let it loose. It went through his makeshift hoop with ease.

"Yes" he said happily. "Now he could think properly. He began to take outside shots as he mentally reviewed the spellings of Vulcan words.

T' Lara came out to see what the guard had been concerned about. She watched as Daniel tossed his ball through the hoop he had made. It was amazing to watch as he son hit shot after shot from different locations. Her keen hearing picking up his words. At first she did not understand what he was doing. She watched as he bounced the ball and spelled out a word. Near by was a small recording device that would say a Vulcan word pause and then spell it. She watched as Daniel spelled out the word. If he spelled it correctly he would take a shot with his ball. If he misspelled the word he would order the machine to replay it and he would repeat the word once more then spell it again. She watched him quietly and began to see his logic. He was allowing himself to play his game when he was correct.

T 'Lara noted that when Daniel made an error he went back and repeated the process again and again until he had the spelling right. It seemed a strange way to study yet she could tell it was working.

"Computer starts again. Record my errors." Daniel ordered. By the third time through the tape he had managed to spell all the words without a single error. He stopped and took a long drink from a water bottle.

T' Lara decided to check on him because she could tell he was now winded and his skin was red in the face. He had been outside to long without a cover. This seemed to be a major problem with both of her new children. Neither seemed to understand how strong Vulcan's suns truly were.

Daniel looked up and greeted T' Lara. "Good afternoon." He said "I hope my playing basketball has not disturbed you?"

"No it was interesting to observe. What were you doing?"

Daniel looked away slightly self conscious. "I was trying to learn to spell more Vulcan words. I can speak it fairly well but reading and writing are still very difficult. I know my classes will be in Vulcan and I wanted to learn more. I was using the game to learn. It is a version of a game we play at home. One asks questions and if you get it right you shoot he ball. The score is kept. I had to improvise as I was alone. I thought it might make learning more fun and interesting. It also allowed me time to play basketball."

"I have never seen such a technique for learning. Have you had success using this method in the past?" T' Lara asked.

"Sometimes it works for me. I found that if I can associate a pleasant memory with learning something I retain it better. I love to play basketball so studying this way seemed logical to me."

"Interesting that you have combined learning a language with a physical activity; it is an efficient use of time. Can you explain this game? Why did you climb the wall?"

Daniel smiled "I had to climb to put the hoop up. I should have asked I guess. Sarek said you would not mind. I can take it down if you wish."

"No Daniel It is alright. I just thought perhaps you would like proper equipment replicated."

"No this will work out fine. I think it will last a while. I thought this area be the best place to play as it is shaded fairly well."

T' Lara took note of this fact. Clearly Daniel had thought this out some. She had not real objections other then concerns he might burn or overheat.

"Is the game basketball hard to learn?" T' Lara asked. "It seems challenging to get the ball through the hoop."

"It just takes practice and good balance. " Daniel said.

He could not believe he was having so relaxed a conversation with T' Lara. He was enjoying it and decided maybe he been unfair thinking Vulcans were rigid and formal all the time. Not that he minded the formality but he had not known how to just talk and relax. He had been so worried about messing up his new family and he wanted it too badly to risk making a mistake. He still felt bad about walking in on Skon and T' Lara. Clearly neither held that against him. Daniel relaxed and walked over to T' Lara.

"Would you like to learn to play a game?"

T' Lara looked at Daniel. "Perhaps latter you may instruct me on this game. I think it is time for mid meal. You have been our here for over half and hour Daniel. You must acclimatize slowly."

"OK. Latter then. I am hungry. What are we having for lunch?"

"Lunch you must use the proper term Daniel. Mid meal will be a salad with soup. Come you will wish to refresh yourself first."

"Yes mother." Daniel said smiling. He noticed she was not standing to close to him he must smell very ripe to her sensitive nose. He had to admit a shower would be refreshing.

Part 57 (Changing the Rules)

T' Lara observed Daniel as he ate mid-meal. It was clear that the youth had a hearty appetite. She mentally reviewed the dietary requirements for a human male in his teen years. She had been surprised at the amount of food a human should consume to stay healthy and grow strong. T' Lara had to agree with T' Mir assessment that they should find and recruit a human physician for Vulcan. She resolved to make an appointment and speak with T'Pau about the situation at her earliest convenience. She also considered that perhaps they should create a new wing at the hospital for human patients. She knew that Vulcan would soon be gaining many more humans. If Sarek and Skon's plan to open a school was successful then it was only logical that they have proper medical care available. While it was true that the Terran's had an Embassy physician she would feel more comfortable if the physicals that cared for her family owed their loyalty to Vulcan first. Sipping his water Daniel wondered why T' Lara looked so concerned. Even if it was rude to talk during meals Daniel felt he should ask. "Mother what troubles thee?" He asked trying to use the proper forms.

T' Lara looked up and said. "I was considering your needs. I feel I have failed to consider your cultural requirements."

Daniel grinned. "Mother it will take time to know me and for me to understand you and father. I like sports this is true. Yet at my guardians house I never had a chance to play basketball or to have an indoor Dojo. I will make do. I am just happy I am wanted and cared for. I will likely be spoiled by you and Father."

"We will not spoil you. It is only right we provide for your needs. It is troubling we have failed."

"Mother?" Daniel said taking a breathe. "We have only just arrived. I have received more concern from you and father in the last two days then I did in the last 15 years from my former guardian. I am accustomed to fending for myself. If I need something I will ask for it. I don't need a basketball court. I just wanted a place to work out and think. I did not mean to hurt your feelings or seem to show you are not caring for me. I do not know how to act like a Vulcan Child. I will say I respect you and Father deeply. I have much to learn about your culture. I am eager to do so. I know Amanda cares for me. She was always a good teacher. She did what she could. But, until now I did not have a family. We can learn together. We won't be perfect, no family is, but it will be successful. I could do so much worse then to have all of you as role models. So do not worry too much. I am honored and proud you choose me to be your son. I may never be as smart or successful as Sarek but I will always honor you for your care of me."

T' Lara nodded uncertain how to respond. Had she been able to show emotions Daniel would know his words touched her deeply? Yet she had to maintain control. "I am honored Daniel. We just would not risk harm to you or Amanda because we failed to consider a need."

"All I or Amanda need is to learn your ways. We already have the care. We are human and have some needs that are not like Vulcans. We will work it out. The biggest issues will be learning to fit in. If you are patient and help us do that the rest will come."

"Indeed." T' Lara said they finished their meal and Daniel grinned.

Yep he was going to be spoiled rotten and he loved the thought.

Two days latter-

Amanda nibbled her salad. She had chosen to eat in her room because she was writing the letters to various Earth institutions of learning. The plan Sarek had suggested was a good one. Vulcan needed to be more active in the Federation and opening its educational facilities to off world students was an excellent way to begin. The whole Federation was well aware of the high standards the Vulcan Science Academy had. She could imagine that there would soon be a line of students seeking entry.

The idea of sending teachers to Earth and other planets was equally important. She knew it would be years before students in large numbers could attend the academy.

A cadre of Vulcan teachers could touch hundreds of lives. In many ways sending some teachers off world was a far more practical plan. She knew many promising students would never have the funds to attend VSA because they would not be able to afford passage and life on Vulcan. While the economy on Vulcan was reasonable many would find the climate to harsh and separation from their families difficult. It would also be far better if more of Vulcan's citizens interacted with Earth and other worlds.

They needed to lose the Aloof /Elitists image. She began to write out a list of schools that would be best suited for Vulcan instructors. She nibbled her salad and wondered if perhaps Andoria would also like to send instructors? She reached for the com and Called Farina. She might be able to let her know if Andoria would be interested in an educational exchange program. Perhaps if both worlds offered together it might be more readily accepted by Earth institutions.

Farina listened as Amanda made her request. She smiled and promised to speak to Felix about the issue.

"Amanda that is a very good idea. I think you are correct it will foster better relations. I think there are a lot of things we could teach our allies. Besides it will be a good way to introduce Hockey our people."

Amanda laughed "I agree. Andoians will be naturals for the game. So I should suggest the idea to Sarek then? I think it will be a great way to help our peoples learn about each other. On Earth the friends we make in school last a lifetime."

"I think it is the same on my world. Is there any chance we can arrange an exchange at the VSA?"

"I think maybe we can. I will have to ask. We have to arrange climate control in the buildings, housing, and medical."

"Agreed. Let me talk to Felix we also have to establish and Embassy. That we had already planned do to your kind invitation. Maybe we need to get that arranged first."

"Perhaps. I just was hoping to begin a dialogue so we can get the ball rolling." Amanda said

"Get the ball rolling?" Farina asked

"To begin the process." Amanda translated automatically.

"Idioms are a constant problem in communication between Sarek and me."

Farina laughed "Perhaps you should write a book about idioms." "I will consider it." Amada said. "Maybe you should write one as well."

Farina agreed "Maybe we can teach each other."

They talked for a while longer agreeing to speak to their spouses about arranging the educational exchange. Amanda hung up the com and smiled. It seemed that perhaps she and Daniel would not be the only aliens studying and teaching at the VSA.

TBC…