-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 84(Clean Up)

0900

As the diplomats began to arrive. They all looked shocked at the carnage that was on display. Several began demanding explanations. Marana came forward and began to answer them she knew Sarek would not wish to lie. For the first time he could see the value of an Betazid as an ally. He was frankly to tired to deal with the situation and wanted only to check Amanda's wounds and rest. He was gratified to see T' Mir arrive with Maria and Harris. Maria and Harris went to John who had waved Amanda off earlier not wanting her to worry about him as well. It seemed today's plans would have to wait.

Felix came over and smiled as he clapped Sarek on the back. "Well it looks like we may win this round Sarek. Earth will be hard pressed to refuse you anything after this save."

Sarek nodded. "Indeed. It would seem that way. I would have rather won by logic."

Felix laughed "To quote a Terran I once knew. "A win is a win."

"Indeed. Perhaps you are correct. Now If I may take my leave of you. Amanda has injuries to be attended to."

"Of course. She is one fine female Sarek. She is as brave as one of those cat creatures you have."

"A Leymath. " Sarek answered." I am indeed honored and pleased with she who is my wife."

Felix grinned and went to check on the Tellerite ambassador who was rubbing his jaw. It seemed Daniel had knocked him out cold. An impressive feat given the hard headed nature of that race. Felix made a mental note to offer to help train the human. While he had been impressive the youth had sustained several injuries. He had the heart but needed more skills. He doubted the defensive nature of Vulcan martial arts could match his peoples more aggressive style. Given he was human and weaker he would need all the help he could get.

Daniel grumbled as T' Mir made him sit down so she could look over his injuries. T'Mara gave him a firm look and he yielded with poor grace. T'Mir was silently amused that her sister took such firm control over the young male. It bode well for their future relationships. Daniel was a fine young man but he still had a lot to learn. Despite their impulsive bonding he was still in many ways a child. She almost envied her sister because she would have a chance to mold the man. She cleaned his cuts and lifted his right hand.

"This looks broken. What happened?" T' Mir asked seeking an explanation.

"I ah… It hit something." Daniel said sheepishly.

"What did it hit?"

"My face. " The Tellerite ambassador said. He carried over an ice pack and handed it to Daniel. "You saved my life. I owe you."

Daniel looked at him surprised he was not angry. "I come to serve sir. No debt is owed."

The ambassador began to laugh. "I see they are making a Vulcan out of you boy. But the offer remains. Do not lose your humanity it is what makes you interesting."

He looked at Felix who nodded in agreement.

"Yes , you pink skins have a unique way about you. You are more interesting then the Vulcan. When you get well come see me. I will teach you how to fight properly. Defense is all well and good but , you need to know how to attack as well."

Daniel grinned as he watched as T' Mir and T'Mara's brows shoot up at the same time. "I will remember that sir." he replied. "A good defense is a good offence they say." He was interested and also did not wish to appear less then polite.

"Indeed." T' Mara said looking at him sharply. She did not look pleased with this prospect.

"Do not be cross with the boy ,Vulcan he did well. He fought almost as good as an Andorian."

"Yes he was reckless." T' Mara said "I believe we will have to discuss his actions."

Felix roared with laughter. He could almost pity the boy. Except he was grinning and clearly looking forward to the discussion.

Skon looked at Amanda and could tell she was feeling stressed. He made a call and motioned to Sarek and Amanda. "You may beam up to the Surak if you wish. I can attend to the details here."

"Most kind father." Sarek said formally.

"I am fine really. Sarek we should not run off. It will look as if we have something to hide." Amanda said.

"My Wife Attend." Sarek said. He knew she was right …t he was in no mood to argue. She needed rest and care and he was going to ensure she received it.

Amanda sighed and went to him. He really did not fight fairly. "I love you Sarek." She said as she touched his fingers.

"That is not logical." He said He took a calming breath.

"Yes, I know especially given this. You are right we do need to talk." Amanda said.

"Two to beam up. " Sarek said not responding. He would discuss this in private. Now that the events were over it struck him how close he had come to losing his bond-mate. He was not a happy Vulcan.

Amanda sighed and yielded. Sometimes it was simpler to do that. Besides Sarek face had to be attended to his face was swelling up and turning a dark green. If they were alone she might be able to attend the injury better.

Skon eyes sparkled and almost wished he could hear that discussion. He turned and went to work on salvaging the peace process. He and Sarek had decided the best way was to invite all the delegates to Vulcan. It would at least please Amanda as she could now have her party. It would suit the delegates because security could be guaranteed. He went to make the suggestion and it was greeted with surprise and pleasure.

Part 85 (Rage and a Husband's Reaction)

They beamed directly to the compound and Sarek picked up Amanda and carried her to their rooms. The staff fortunately was not around to see this shocking loss of control. Sarek kicked the door to their suite shut. Amanda squirmed out of his arms.

"Sarek calm down." She backed away from him. He was clearly intent on stalking her. His anger now clearly visible. Even when he had been in Ponn Farr he had not seemed so formidable to her. He tossed his tunic aside and his boots hit the wall. He looked like a warrior of old and Amanda was frightened by his intensity.

Sarek stopped and took deep breath and said "Come here Amanda." He held out his hand.

"Sarek…You are angry."

He took a deep breath and answered honestly "Yes I am. I would not harm you my wife. Attend me." he commanded.

Amanda went to his side still concerned. Their fingers touched and she felt a solid shock. His anger was there but, the thing that was almost painful was his terror. Not at risking himself but at the thought she had once more been placed at risk and hurt. She could see and feel his shame at the violence and the harm he had done and that she had been forced to harm an other to save him. It was not his pride that had been wounded as she feared but his soul. She knew in that instant he would rather have died then to force her to kill. Shocked Amanda went into his arms willingly and held him tightly.

"I was so afraid Sarek. He wanted to kill you by using me."

He stroked her hair with his other hand. He held her close and she could feel his heart racing. Even his controls were useless in this regard.

"Never place yourself in danger again. Not even for me. Amanda, I could not live without you. You are my heart and soul the very air I breath."

Amanda held him "Sarek I am sorry it got out of hand. I never meant to disobey you. I was just so afraid you would be hurt. I knew Jeremiah was ruthless. He would have killed you just to hurt me."

"It is alright and we are safe. The threat is gone."

"Garak killed him Sarek. He stopped him in his tracks." Amanda said tears starting to fall as the impact of the days events began to hit her. Sarek simply held her and let her cry. His hands soothed her and the gentle motion of her rocking against him began to calm his own fears and anger.

"I am disappointed Amanda. You should have trusted me to see to this." Sarek said he sounded hurt.

"Sarek he was my responsibility." She said. "My family spawned him."

"No." Sarek said pulling her away from him. "Look at me." He commanded.

Amanda looked up a little shocked at his firm voice.

"It is my duty to protect you and Vulcan. You are my bond-mate not my body guard. I will not allow you to place yourself at risk again. Amanda it is not that I do not believe you could defend yourself or even me. The issue is this. Our lives our tied together my wife. What happens to one happens to the other. I know you still do not understand this fully but we are one. One heart ,mind body and soul. If you had died I would follow you." He explained. "I can not risk you. "

"Oh Sarek. " She said clinging to him once more. "One day we will be parted. I know this you know this."

"Never! Especially not when you take such foolish risks! What must I do chain you to my side?"

His sudden anger shocked Amanda but she knew it was because he cared.

"I love you Sarek." Amanda let down her shields so he would feel her love and devotion to him and their love.

She was crushed in his embrace. "I cherish you Amanda. More then I can ever express." He kissed her and she thought he had made his point clear enough.

I yield my husband. I will not take such a risk again.

Amanda felt Sarek as he shuttered with relief. I am pleased else I would have to lock you securely on Vulcan.

Amanda laughed not realizing he was being entirely truthful.

He held her and allowed her to believe it was humor even as he silently vowed she be safe and secure even if he had to lock her up.

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Daniel looked at T' Mara's wounds and once more complicated killing the Orion. He received a sharp look from his mate. T' Mara was most displeased at his injuries and she showed it.

"You were reckless Daniel."

"I was not. There was little risk. I shielded myself well enough." He replied.

"T' Mara lifted his now bandaged hand and he winced. She was making a point painful and clear.

"Well how was I to know he had such a hard Jaw?"

She touched his wounded arm and he groaned "And this?"

"It is only a minor wound." He said flippantly.

"It will hinder your training." T'Mara said calmly all business now.

"It will not. Pain is noting." Daniel said sounding Vulcan and this got him a harsh look from the healer and his mate.

"You will rest and heal first. T' Mara said She looked at T'Mir for support and her sister nodded.

Daniel scowled but said nothing else.

Part 86(Communications)

Four Days latter the Surak arrived at Vulcan. The Councilor and his family took a shuttle craft directly to the fortress. T'Lara steeped out of the shuttle and had never been more grateful to return home. She still could not believe what Sarek and Skon had done. That kind of foolish stunt was worthy of her youngest son not her oldest and her husband.

She was pleased however to be greeted by Silek and T'Gina as they disembarked. It seemed that their conference at Regial IV had finished early. She was proud of her daughter who was a gifted researcher. Her work on Bendii Syndrome offered he first breakthroughs in over a century. Silek supported her and had attended as she was expecting their second child. He had gone along to keep help with their son Socal. They boy was six years old and still had a lot to learn. His inability to speak meant it was not often he was left home alone with just his nanny. No Solcar always was with one of his parents. There was great concern about if he should attend school or be tutored at home. T'Lara thought it wiser to keep him home. Yet she would support her son's decision.

Amanda saw the child and smiled. He was a cute as a little elf. She smiled and bent down to greet him.

"Greetings Solcar chi Silek chi Skon." Amanda raised her hand in the Ta'al.

The child backed away behind his mother. He seemed afraid of the strange creature. Amanda could sense his fear so she did not push.

"Our son has no speech."

"I know but it would still be rude not to greet him. Has he learned sign language yet?"

"What is sign language?" T' Gina asked "We communicate through our bond." She seemed interested in this language.

Amanda looked up. "Well I think I have some books on it. It was a form of communication developed in the 1800's on earth o help the deaf and mute communicate."

"Our son is not deaf." Silek said. "He can communicate if he touches someone or though the family bond."

"Sarek said he has difficulty communicating with others outside the family. Maybe this technique could be used to help him." Amanda suggested

"Why would others learn this? It would have no value for them." T'Lara replied.

Amanda looked at her a little shocked at her apathy. "Well surly Solcar is not the only child who can not speak. Would this not make it easier for others to communicate as well? I learned sign language in high school. It is a fascinating way to communicate and has a beauty all its own."

Skon looked on. "Perhaps you could provide Silek and T' Gina with the references."

"I would be pleased to. Of course you would have to translate it to Vulcan rather then standard." Amanda said smiling.

"It is a form of standard then?" Sarek asked now intrigued.

"Yes. The form can be in any language. Most people use standard now. It is just like any other language and has its own rules of grammar and spelling. Often a hand symbol is representative of the whole world or phrase. There are letters of the alphabet as well but it would be to time consuming to spell out every word. Though it can be done that way." Amanda explained. Let me demonstrate. She looked over at Daniel. She signed ( "Daniel tell me what you want for dessert." )

He grinned and quickly moved his fingers.

"Pecan Pie? " She verbally translated.

Daniel nodded with a smile.

"I would like to study this more." T' Gina said. She could see how this could be a useful tool.

"I shall look for the texts. I think the book is in the boxes I had in the study." Amanda said "I will also send you a biography called the "Miracle Worker." It will explain how this technique changes a young girls life. While Solcar can hear this should help him communicate easier with others and not have to touch."

Amanda knew that it was hard for many Vulcans to accept the touch of an other and this new form of communication might limit that need.

Garak sat on a bench and handed Rordan a toy flitter. He listened as Amanda explained about sign language and wondered how they had ever thought humans were simple or stupid. He was still amazed at how they had saved the diplomats and how Amanda had managed to convince Sarek to keep his name out of it. He had sent received a communications from Romulus ordering the mission be aborted. Well he done that before hand. Yet, he doubted the Admiral would mind much as it served the Tal Shair's interests. He had even received a congratulations on his bonding. Garak was in shock over that and was concerned it was a warning that they intended to use him to spy further on Sarek and Vulcan. Well for now he listened he would worry about the rest latter. He thought about the sign language and realized it could be a useful military tool.

Part 87 (Rest)

Amanda unpacked and went to lay down. She was feeling very warm now and she was tired. The trip and the events of recent days had taken a toll. She had two hours before mid meal and she intended to take a long nap. After the meal she had promised to look up the references for Silek and T' Gina. She had a feeling that they would pick up the skill quickly and that if it proved effective T' Gina would write a paper on it and it might help Vulcan children. As she laid down she wondered how a full 9.56 percent could be born mute and 1.25 percent deaf and mute and that they had never developed sign language on their own. She grinned thinking it would be amusing to teach the Vulcan's something for a change. It would be an interesting research study to see presented. She yawned and drifted into an exhausted sleep.

Gabriel ,Lucian and Michael all watched her. Michael shook his head in exasperation. "She is going to change their whole society. Make that the entire alpha quadrant. How can this be good for our charges?"

Gabriel laughed and said "She will make them wage peace Michael. Besides it is going to be interesting to see my charges learn to adapt human customs."

"Oh yeah ,I can see it now. And What about the Romulan? He is already transmitting the Data on sign language to Romulus." Lucian added.

"Good maybe a few more children will live." Gabriel said "They will find that such children will be useful operatives and it may help to have greater understanding. Such beings are more attentive and they will help forge the links of peace."

Michael rolled his eyes thinking this human girl was going to flip the Galaxy on its ear.

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Daniel sat on his bed. He could not believe he was being forced to take a nap. He was 18 years old for Pete's sake. He had given in with poor grace when Skon had threatened to have T' Mir sedate him. He undressed and laid down on the cool mattress. He winced as his put to much weight on his hand. It was going to take several weeks to heal completely even with the bone knit. He guessed he would not be doing any martial arts or even basket ball for a while. He turned on some music and laid down. He wished T' Mara was with him. He felt very alone now after having spent the last four days with her. Unfortunately she had her duties to perform so he just had to rest. He hated he had to do that.

T' Mara looked into Daniel's room and found he had drifted to sleep. He was wearing only a pair of briefs and the room was remarkably cold. She slipped in silently and covered him with a light sheet. He did not need to become chilled. She brushed a stray hair from his face and looked at him carefully. He was so perfect in her eyes. Strong and f honorable and resting he looked so innocent. She felt a twitch of her lips. Well looks were deceiving and he was a man in every sense of the word and she could hardly wait until evening. She slipped out to finish her report for the high council and hoped that that august body would be able to withstand the shock of what had happened and why.

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T' Lara entered the kitchen and went over to T' Para.

"Greetings T' Para."

T' Para looked up and replied "Greetings My lady. It is agreeable to see you again."

"I am gratified to be home. I must inquire to the location of your brother and sister. It seem my son wishes to join with T' Mara."

T' Para sighed and looked up. "Indeed. Your son is a fine young man. They have gone to the mountain house. I fear my brother suffers from the fever."

"I see." T' Lara said well at least this would buy them time to heal all the injuries.

"T' Mara performed her duties well. I know Skon has offered her the position of Chief of Security for the council. She however may choose to remain with Sarek and Amanda on Earth. I would be pleased to see her in either post because she had excelled at defending the family."

T' Para's brow rose. "Your son and T' Mara? How has this happened?"

"Yes, It has come to pass. I am honored to call her daughter. I just hope your brother and sister will be equally pleased with Daniel as their son. It seems that Daniel was drawn to T' Mara."

"I can not speak for them T'Sia but we will always welcome Daniel. T'Mara told us how he placed himself in danger to protect her. That is the true measure of devotion Vulcan or not. It may be difficult at times , as Surak said Infinite Diversity and Infinite Combinations. He is a worthy male and I would be honored to call him family." T'Para said explaining her position and logic ."My husband was most impressed at his desire to learn about agriculture. He would like permission to help train Daniel if he still desires this."

"I am gratified." T' Lara said "My son is impetuous and I will admit be grateful that he will have T'Mara to curb that nature. Daniel may study anything he desires. We promised him that when he was adopted. To be a grower would be an honorable and worthwhile profession."

T 'Para nodded. Unlike many nobles the Xzsuraksquzo never looked down on any skill or work. They excepted all as equally valuable. T'Para knew her brother and his wife would be shocked. Daniel was a worthy young man and she had no doubt he would win them over. The only question would be if they be upset at T'Mara as Daniel was still quite young. That would be more of an issue then his being human. She made a mental note to remind them that humans matured faster.

"I have planned on making that Vegetarian stew that T' sia Amanda gave me the recipe for. It will be served with a rye bread from earth. T'sia Amanda suggested that the bread can be used as a bowl. The center pieces as a side dish. It contains over ten Terran vegetables."

"That sounds very good. How much will you make?" T'Lara asked considering her three sons appetites.

"I have used the largest pot. If we have left overs T'sia Amanda said it may be stored in the cold for three days or frozen." T'Para explained. "She also suggested I make chips."

"What are chips?" T' Lara asked

"Chips are made out of the vegetable / tuber called a potato and is thinly sliced and baked in the oven for ten minutes. T' sia Amanda seemed to think it would make a nice addition and she mentioned Daniel liked them a lot. This form is healthier then the processed form that they eat on earth and therefore is acceptable for their diets. We had been working together to modify recipes into more healthful options. "

"It sounds like you have succeeded in this. I can smell the stew now and it will be most tasty. I admit to enjoying Terran vegetables on occasion. I truly find the carrots and snow peas interesting for their taste and texture. I am pleased that you are trying new recipes." T'Lara said "You are a most exceptional chef."

T' Para was surprised at the praise and blushed. She however knew it was T'Lara way to show approval. She bowed her head slightly and continued to prepare the meal. T'Lara nodded and went looking for Skon.

Skon sat down with Sarek and they began to plan the conference. It was going to require careful planning and careful presentation. The fiasco on Earth could not be allowed to threaten the peace. Skon had already arranged for the great hall to be cleaned and set up. He knew food ,entertainment were now a must. That end he was willing to leave to Amanda and T'Lara.

Sarek seemed resigned and wished it they could skip the informal parts. Yet given the near disaster it would take a great deal of pleasure to overcome the hard feelings. Despite Earth being a thorn in Vulcan's side they wanted to be on good terms with the Terrans. It would not be in anyone's interest to have them fall out with the galactic community. Vulcan may no longer directly guide Earth but it was still wise to keep an eye on them for peace. Sarek was under no illusions about humanity. They had a great deal of potential but they could still drift down a darker path and it was up to Vulcan to subtly guide them. He knew Amanda would be offended if she ever realized he considered her people very immature. Yet, Sarek had his reasons this latest incident reminding him once more of how far humans had to go. He was certain that in time they would be much more civilized he only had to look at Amanda to know this. He wondered if he had did Earth a disservice by marrying her. Because he had no doubt if she had remained on Earth she could have been a leader to guide them wisely and well. He dismissed the thought as she was his and she would still help them because she would help him to understand humans better. Sarek knew his attitude was prejudicial and he meditated on it often. It was not that he felt Humans were inferior or at least he did not believe that he thought that way. It was rather that Vulcan was more evolved. Then there was Amanda who showed him he was often to stiff and unbending. He knew she would help relations because she would prevent him form being to pompous and arrogant in his superiority.

Part 88( Dressing Up)

Felix paced. He was eager to arrive on Vulcan. If anyone had told him even six months ago that he would actually look forward to visiting that dessert he would have laughed and then had the perpetrator locked up as being insane. Oddly he now considered Sarek ,Amanda and even Skon as his friends. It had to have been the battle and the fact that he had been deeply impressed with the fire the pacifist Vulcans had shown. They were not the weak creatures he had once thought. Farina was in their quarters looking through her wardrobe. He did not understand why? His wife was always stunning and it was not as if she did not know Amanda and consider her a friend. He shook his head wondering why females always worried about appearances? He went to the bridge to inquire about their ETA.

Farina walked to her closet she still could not decide what to wear. Felix damn him had no idea how important it was to dress properly. She had no intention of offending Lady Amanda or Lady T'Lara. What might be acceptable on ones own world or at a diplomatic function on neutral ground was different then what was acceptable on Vulcan. She sighed. She wanted to make a good impression so that relations could continue in a positive way. Vulcan was a conservative society so she automatically set four outfits aside as to revealing. Then she discarded Three more as being to heavy for such a warm climate. She recalled what Amanda had said about the sun being strong. So Two more were discarded. That left hr choice between 3 outfits. Critically she looked them over. She chose the one that had a hood aware of the sun and its strong rays. It was a pale ivory with dark blue trim. It was not ideal but it would have to do. She made a mental note to see if Lady Amanda would consider going shopping with her for more cloths. She picked up the discarded items and hung them back up. Then entered the sonic shower. She hoped she be able to relax. She was excited as a new hatchling to see Vulcan.

Amanda was nervous she had never hosted such an important event. She was so glad T'Lara was there to give her advice and support. She went to her mother-in law side.

"May I have a moment of your time mother?"

T' Lara looked up from the menu she was preparing. "Yes how may I serve?"

"I need advice. Mother what am I to wear?" Amanda said "I can not make a mistake it is important that I represent Sarek and Vulcan well."

T' Lara nodded understanding her fears. She recalled similar trepidation on the eve of her first event. This was only natural more so because it was on Vulcan.

"Perhaps you could show me what you intend to wear. We can then determine if it is suitable?"

Amanda sighed in relief. "Of course that is a god idea. I want to look like a proper Vulcan wife."

"Amanda I do not believe you could ever look less then appropriate." T'Lara said

Amanda blushed recalling her outfit for their raid. She was glad T'Lara had not mentioned that. Because she knew full well it was not appropriate tire for a diplomat's wife rather a commando.

They walked up the stairs to her and Sarek's quarters. Amanda lead the way and went to where she had laid out three outfits.

"I thought these might do." She said

T' Lara looked on and was surprised to see that they were all Vulcan robes. Several of the ones that she and Amanda had picked up while shopping.

" These are very nice robes. Which had you decided on?"

"That is just it. I do not know? I like them all. But would one be a wiser choice?"

Amanda asked. " I know you helped me choose them but they are different so I thought perhaps that they might have different functions."

T' Lara was pleased that Amanda had picked up on that subtle nuance. "Indeed. This one is for a more informal setting. A visit to family or friend." She said pointing to a pretty pastel green outfit. "This one would be appropriate. "She picked up a deep burgundy robe. It was elaborately decorated with markings in Vulcan. "I had them make this for you it holds out clan's name and symbols on it."

Amanda grinned then suppressed it. She liked that outfit the best. Yet it seemed daring to her with its form fitting cut. The outer robe hide the inner dress but still. If T'Lara said it was proper she would wear it with pleasure. "Well then This is the choice for dinner. Now what shall I wear to meet Farina?"

T' Lara's brow rose and suggested the light blue tunic and robe. "This robe would be suitable to greet a collage in."

Amanda looked it over and had to agree. "Yes it is pretty but not to formal. Perfect for greeting a friend."

T'Lara decided not to question Amanda's assertion though she thought it was to early for a friendship to have formed. Amanda continued to ask advice on dress and protocol which was wise in T' Lara's option. Now that they were home her education could be completed in this area.

"Amanda I believe we may need to do more shopping. We never planned on the conference being here. It will require more then one suitable robe and a gown."

"Yes, of course. Maybe we should wait." She frowned considering " I mean I am certain Farina will need clothing as well. Andoria is a world of ice not a dessert and Vulcan is warmer then San Francisco."

"So you would suggest we take her shopping as well?"

"Yes, If you do not mind. I do not think I would be comfortable shopping on a strange world. Especially given the past histories. Maybe this could be an additional unofficial olive branch." Amanda said chewing her lip. "You would not mind? She is likely to need advice on the proper cloths for the climate and I do not know enough to be helpful."

"I do not know much about Andorians or their fashions. "T'Lara said "However your suggestion has merit. It would be acceptable to offer such an expedition."

Amanda smiled and wanted to jump up and hug her. Yet she refrained pleased. "Yes we would not want her to get heat stroke or sun burn. "

TBC….