-1Disclaimers : See part 1

IDIC- New Frontiers

Part 89 ( Annoyance)

Daniel woke up. His head was pounding. He got up and stumbled to the bathroom and was promptly sick. He went to the sink and washed his face. The cool water doing little to relieve his headache. He brushed his teethe and rinsed out his mouth the foul taste gone. He looked up and noted he seemed feverish. He sighed and climbed into the shower. A hot shower would relieve the stress and pain he was certain. His wounds stung as the sonics hit him.

Daniel sighed and switched to a water shower forgetting he should not get the wounds wet. He laid his head down and the water beat on his neck. He sighed as he began to relax. He just hoped he could block his discomfort from T' Mara. Washing quickly he exited and noticed his shoulder and ribs were bright red. He sighed and reached for his shaving kit. He removed a straight razor and went to the other room. He looked at the razor and sighed. It was the only thing he had that her knew was from his biological father. Now it would help him he hoped. He grabbed a lighter and began to heat the blade. The wound had to be opened so the infection could be drained. He did not want to go to T 'Mir as T'Mara would find out and then worry.

T'Mara was in the life center having her own wounds cleaned when she gasped in pain. "Daniel."

"Is something wrong with your Bond-mate?" T' Mir asked concerned as she cleaned her sisters wound.

"Yes he is being foolishly noble. We have to go check on him before he causes himself harm." T'Mara said She pulled away from her sisters treatment.

"Indeed. He does seem to want to protect you. Illogical as you are older wiser and more experienced."

"Yes, But he is human and male. Neither are very logical when it comes to their mates."

"Yes, males rarely are logical. I am not certain about the human part. The combination must prove difficult to manage?"

"Yes." T'Mara said almost smiling "Yes it is, fascinating and exhilarating. I …feel…alive with him. I am content with my choice. Unless of course he is being foolish. Then it is exasperating."

T' Mir nodded as she could understand. Ones mate generally could exasperate one. Even if ones mate was a Vulcan. "Perhaps it would be wise to check up on him?"

"I agree. I need to change this tunic as it is covered in blood. So going to my quarters is logical. I do not wish him to think I am checking up on him."

T' Mir's brow rose in amusement. It seemed her sister was concerned for her humans ego. The two sisters went to the family wing. T' Mir ducked into her room and stripped off her shirt. She dressed and returned to join T' Mir who was knocking on the door.

Daniel cursed as he now had to answer the door. "Come in." He said knowing he could not hide his work. Blood soaked into the towel he had laid out to protect the bed. His wounds were draining.

T'Mara gasp and went to his side. She grabbed a towel and pressed it to his profusely bleeding wound.

"What have you done?" There was a trace of panic and fear in her voice that she could not quite hide.

T' Mir walked over and scanned the human. She sighed. She might not like the technique but she knew he was right the wound needed to be drained and cleaned.

She removed anapestic to clean the wound. "Allow me T'Mara the wound must be cleaned and then sealed."

"You cut yourself." T'Mara said clearly worried. "Why?"

"The wounded needed to drain. It is logical. There was an infection." Daniel defended.

"That is hardly the point. You should have called for medical assistance." T'Mara said clearly distressed.

"It is just a small wound." Daniel defended. He blushed defensive. He could not believe he had been caught momentarily forgetting the bond.

T' Mara glared. "You could have injured yourself. Daniel you are vital to me. You can not risk yourself."

He sighed "I did not want to worry you."

T' Mara traced his face lightly. Her fear transmitting to him. I could not bear to lose you.

I wanted to protect you. He touched her hand back lightly. "I wanted to spare you this."

T'Mara sighed deeply and counted to ten. Knowing he was only acting according to his nature to protect her. She sighed and thought the same thing human women thought for centuries. Men with their pride were just fools at times.

Part 90 (Working out the Kinks and Movie Pictures)

Daniel looked at her not understanding why she was upset. He was just cleaning his wound. He had always taken care of this type of thing. Bergman never took him to the life centers unless he had no choice in the matter. He hated to waste credits on him. He said noting more as T' Mir cleaned his wounds. He supposed it was that they thought he was to young to understand what to do. He had to admit he was glad T' Mir had set his hand and arm. That was not something he could have done himself. He winced ignoring the pain not wanting to appear weak.

T' Mir prepared a hypo spray and before he could object injected him.

"There is no need to suffer pain Daniel." She said "It is logical to accept relief when offered.

Daniel did not complain as he felt the pain melt away.

----------

Amanda dressed for dinner and looked at T'Lara. "I hope we can all relax tonight. I am so excited about tomorrow."

"Yes tomorrow will be an important day. I do believe it will all go well. We have planned for every contingency."

"I hope so. After the fiasco on Earth we have to have success." Amanda said

"I concur." T'Lara said "That was most unfortunate."

Amanda knew that the situation had unsettled her mother but the Vulcan was calm and did not show it. She hoped to one day have such poise and control.

"Amanda all will be well. Everyone will wish this to be a success. "

"Yes I do suppose everyone will be on their best behavior." Amanda said smiling. "After all it is not every day they get invited to Vulcan."

"Indeed. I believe you are correct that having the conference her increases the chances of success by 33.58 percent. Most of the races have never been here to Vulcan before." T'Lara said. "It will be interesting to see their reaction to our world." T' Lara said

Amanda grinned as she tried to imagine Felix's reaction to the lava flows.

-------------------------------------------

"Daniel you must keep this wound clean and dry now." T' Mir explained.

"Yes doctor." He said. "I feel better now. Can I go work out?"

"No. For the next four days you must rest. Your body has suffered an extreme Trauma it needs time to mend and rejuvenate properly. Your hand and fingers have not completely knitted. If you attempt to use them extensively you could cause permanent damage to yourself." T' Mir explained "You must rest and heal because our mother and father will return in five days. I believe you wish to make a positive impression so they may agree to your bonding with my sister?"

Daniel sighed and had to agree it was logical. He was human and would be judged as a weaker species. He did not want to be seen as an invalid as well.

"That true. I do not want them to believe I am not strong enough to care for T'Mara. I appreciate your honesty T' Mir."

"You are my sisters chosen bond-mate Daniel. I find you to be a worthy human male. While I do not understand the reasons for T' Mara's choices I will support my sister. She gave me support for my choice in mate and I can do no less."

"I will not let either of you down." Daniel said "I swear it. I just want to make her happy."

"Vulcans can be neither happy or sad Daniel. Yet in a bone contentment is acceptable. I wish that for T'Mara and you. I find that cherishing ones mate makes life most worthwhile."

Daniel grinned (So you love your husband.)

Daniel nodded. He would follow the doctor's orders and work out the kinks in his wounded body. He had to be fit so T' Mara's family would see him as a worthy mate. He briefly wondered if Vulcan's had shotgun weddings? He grinned hoping they did because he wanted to get married as quickly as possible.

Daniel watched T' Mir leave and held up his paired fingers to T'Mara who came back to his side. They touched and he sighed with contentment. If anyone had told him how fulfilling this simple touch could be he would have laughed at them. He was flooded with peace and caring. He stroked T 'Mara's hand

. "Honey I am supposed to rest some more. Can you lay down with me a little while? I could put on a Vid to watch."

T'Mara sighed and knew Daniel was bored. He was not used to inactivity but he needed to rest. She opened her com unit and told her second she was going to take a rest break. "Put on the vid. I can stay a short while."

Daniel smiled and grinned wickedly as he put in the classic Spencer Tracy can Catherine Hephborn movie. "Look who is coming to dinner." He kind of liked the idea of being in the role of Sidney Poittieea. The man had been a skilled actor.

He flipped it on and laid down drawing his bond-mate close to him.

"Why would someone coming to a family dinner be unusual?" T'Mara asked.

Daniel smiled. "You will note a difference in the races T'Mara. Imagine me in the lead males role."

She looked at him not understanding. "It is interesting. I will explain more latter. Come you can see how far humans have evolved. Well most of us anyway."

She laid down next to him and was surprised to mote the movie was in Black and White film. She wondered why Daniel seemed so amused at her confusion. Sometimes it was hard to understand humans. She felt him pull her close and she rested her head on his good shoulder and arm. She stroked his face briefly as the credits rolled. "You can explain the significance of this Vid after it is over."

"I will. "He said kissing her cheek. He looked forward to teaching her all about he movies and in doing so about human culture and traditions. It was fun to watch Movies with T'Mara because she watched with such innocence and wonder. He grinned this was going to be fun. "Watching these vids will show you a range of human behaviors the good and the bad."

"Why would one wish to watch the bad?"

Daniel grinned. "Because it is fun to watch the bad guys get beat. We will watch X-men or Superman then you will see why most people/humans think good will always wins."

T' Mara wondered at the logic of believing that the forces of good were stronger merely because of entertaining movies. Surely they were only written that way?

Part 91(Reunions and Ramifications)

Amanda dressed and followed T' Mara out. They were meeting Skon and Sarek to drive to the spaceport. It had been decided that they would at least meet Felix and Farina. Amanda had convinced them that friends deserved special considerations. Sarek had agreed as they had been the first invited. No one would take offence as most of the other Ambassadors would not arrive until latter.

Amanda was shocked to see the flitter. It was an impressive sight. She had seen her fathers limo but this one made the other appear to be a toy. It looked as if it could comfortably seat 10 adults. They climbed in and sped to the spaceport.

"Sarek when will the other diplomats arrive" Amanda asked

Sarek answered "Most will only arrive shortly before our dinner. I am afraid the change in location was difficult for some. Earth seemed particularly unwilling to arrive sooner."

Amanda rolled her eyes. "I am sorry Sarek." She said embarrassed her people were being so troublesome.

"It is not your responsibility Amanda. Earth will need to understand that the galaxy does not revolve around them."

Amanda winced. It was true but she just wished Vulcan did not need to be the one to teach that lesson. She could see this as a point of contention. Humans were and arrogant race and the current leadership was especially bad.

Amanda was grateful that she would not have to return to meet them. She had never been overly impressed by them and recent events made her almost contemptuous of them. She considered that perhaps it was true she was leaning more toward her new home world. Amanda sighed and recalled a biblical passage that said a wife must follow her husband. In a way Sarek had asked no more of her then this. She knew her human counterparts would never understand this. They would have expected she move Vulcan to Earth's point of view. That made her smile as Vulcan's were far to logical to be lead by humans at least at this point in time. Maybe in a hundred years or so when humans grew up a little.

She grinned thinking that humanity at this point of time was actually acting more like a child in the throes of the terrible twos. Maybe it would take two hundred years. She frowned at that thinking she would never truly see Vulcans and Humans in true friendships. She sighed suddenly saddened. Sarek looked at her sharply as if he sensed her sudden shift in emotions. His brow quirked.

I am fine t'hy'la. I just realized how immature my species is.

Amanda humanity is growing . Remember my wife it took Vulcan 5000 years and we to are still learning.

Amanda smiled weakly " Thank you Sarek. It is sweet of you but we both know Earths current leaders are morns."

Sarek did not answer assuming the statement was rhetorical even if he was uncertain what a moron was.

Amanda smiled brightly as Felix and Fannie disembarked. She went over to greet them. Sarek sighed and followed her realizing that proper protocol was not going to apply to Amanda's "Friends" he just hoped Felix did not take offence. Skon quirked a brow in amusement and T' Lara simply followed her husband and son. If they saw no harm in Amanda's enthusiastic greeting she would say nothing. She made a mental note to speak to Amanda latter about protocol.

Felix was surprised to see Amanda rush forward. Her smile was infectious and he found her greeting warm and enthusiastic. While protocol was the guise of diplomacy he had to admit the human's greeting after so long a journey was truly welcoming. He watched as his wife embraced the human.

"OH I am so happy you both arrived early. Come I can hardly wait to show you around." Amanda said

Sarek and Skon arrived as the elder Skon raised his hand in the formal Ta'al.

"Greetings Ambassador. Live long and prosper. Vulcan welcomes you and your lady."

Felix grinned at Skon's formal greeting and replied "Peace and long life councilor. I am honored by the invitation and the greeting. I never thought to be welcomed so pleasantly to Vulcan."

Amanda blushed.

"Felix stop you are embarrassing Lady Amanda after her kindness in coming to greet us. "Farina chided.

"Amanda I am pleased to see you too." Her antenna bobbed up and down a sign of happiness that Amanda was beginning to be able to read.

Amanda smiled "Come we should get you both out of this sun and heat. Farina this is My honored mother T'sia T'Lara."

Farina bowed formally. "I am honored ma'am."

"Vulcan is honored at your visit. My daughter is correct this heat and sun are harsh even for Vulcan's please come I am certain the flitter will be more comfortable." T' Lara said " We have arranged for you to stay at the fortress if you do not mind? Amanda thought you might like to rest before dinner this evening."

Felix looked at Sarek puzzled.

"Amanda thought you might be suffering from warp lag. I can arrange for secure communications if you wish to inform your consulate. We do not mean to impose."

"No, That will be acceptable Ambassador Sarek. We are honored to be your guests. I will contact my people from your home. It is most kind of you to share your dwelling with us." Felix said honored and surprised. "I hope that this can be the first of many such visits. I know I look forward to showing you and your lady my home world. Amanda mentioned she enjoyed snow and ice."

"Indeed. My wife loves winter activities. While fortunately she watches hockey she ice skates very well. It is aesthetically pleasing to watch." Sarek replied knowing that unless something really went wrong this Andorian at least could be counted as a friend. Amanda was correct they just had to let go and find common ground. Who would have believed it would be enjoyment of a Terran sport?

Felix's antenna moved around even as he looked about. He could not believe how warm and red Vulcan was. It was lovely but warm. He was glad he had chosen the light warriors cloak.

Part 92 (Reactions)

The preservers watched as their children actually seemed to be enjoying each other for once. The Elder smiled. Yes, this was indeed the beginning of true racial harmony. Amanda was charming Vulcan's fieriest foes with ease. Felix and Farina both were pleased to be on Vulcan. Peace would become a more. Gabriel watched as Sarek walked along side of Felix.

"That ice you have sent us has been most beneficial. We have never had access to so large a source of clean water. Our engineers were most impressed with your gift. " Sarek said

"We hoped it would prove useful. While we accept that Vulcan helped us because we are allies I felt it still only proper to thank you." Felix explained "I am just sorry so much was lost in delivering it."

Sarek's brow rose. "It was the perfect amount to refill the sea of M 'Larin. "

Felix looked a little shocked and then laughed. "I am pleased and should not admit it since you think we did accurate calculations but that was more by chance then design."

"Was it? It is still a welcome result. Our scientists feel that with this large infusion of water the sea and its life may be restored. It will now allow us a second large open water habitat. The fact that it is a fresh water source is most beneficial to the region as well. Many species may be reintroduced to the wild in time. Vulcan is most grateful."

Felix was stunned he never considered such a simple gift would create such an impact. Then looking at Vulcan he had never really considered what a dessert world might mean. "Then I am pleased I was able to supply this. Vulcan and Andoria are allies. If this small gift helps us grow stronger ties then it was well worth the effort."

"Indeed, I concur. You will be long remembered for your kindness to our people." Sarek replied." An Andorian who shared his world's water wealth with us and became our whole world's guest friend."

Felix turned a deep blue . 'I am honored Sarek."

They arrived at the house and Skon lead them in. He poured the ritual water and it was excepted with grace and a few blushes. Sarek took Felix to make the call and T'Lara and Skon lead Farina to the sitting room. They all sat down and Amanda could hardly wait to hear the news from Earth.

Skon listened with care as Farina relayed Terra reaction to the events at Star Fleet and Federation headquarters. The "spin" as humans called it once more put the spot light on his people and what Earth considered interference. Skon was not pleased with this. What choice had they? The Government had been compromised. Sarek had made the only logical choice. The Terran Media however was stating that Sarek had done this so Earth would owe them and to prove he was superior. Skon just hoped relations could be salvaged at this conference.

T' Mara laid in Daniel's arms strangely at peace. They had been watching the movie for an hour and she was fascinated by the interactions. She nibbled the popcorn finding she enjoyed the texture and the faintly salty taste. Daniel held her close and began to relax as she laid her head on his shoulder. He to became engrossed in the movie and the simple joy of sharing. He relaxed as T'Mara fingers traced his muscles on his arms and chest. It was highly relaxing and he felt himself begin to drift to sleep. T' Mara watched as his breathing slowed and he drifted to sleep despite his interest in the movie. She allowed her shelf a deep sigh as she to closed her eyes deciding to finish the movie latter. Logically she would not get much sleep tonight so a short rest period would be rejuvenating for them both. She drifted to sleep.

Farina laughed as she Amanda told her of her first attempt to use the Vulcan cheese to cook.

"I thought it would be like cheese on earth. That it would melt smoothly and we could put it over the vegetables. Instead it became a glob of gooey mush."

"How did you compensate? " Farina asked having a hard time.

T'Lara looked at them both strangely. "Amanda stuck the tuber into the cheese."

"You should have seen it. It looked like a cheese popsicle."

Farina laughed familiar with that Terran treat.

"It actually is very tasty." Amanda said

This made her Andorian friend laugh harder. "Amanda do not feel bad. I remember the first time I tried to make Felix's mother recipe for Targ."

"Targ is that not a Klingon animal?" T 'Lara asked interested despite it being a form she never would do.

Sighing Farnia nodded. "Yes. Felix and his father grew to enjoy the food after a mission to Quonos. It was not pretty."

Amanda laughed and even T'Lara had to admit that that was indeed a disaster in the kitchen. Really it was bad enough the male expected his mate to cook the food but to expect her to butcher it as well.

"So what happened?" Amanda asked.

"Killer is at home in his pen. Really I could not butcher him. He was to cute. And he is such a loving pet. Besides the Tofu I got from Harry Mudd worked just as well. Everyone loved it. Well at least until Killer got out and joined the dinner party looking for a snack."

Amanda laughed thinking of the pictures she had seen of Targs they were hardly cuddly pets. Yet she had to admit she agreed with Farina and it served Felix right to have to eat tofu.

"So this trader was useful?" T'Lara said.

Farina giggled. "No T'Sia he is really wicked. Yet it was an emergency. I do believe I have grown fond of this tofu."

"Actually that is not a bad idea. " Amanda said "It is a high protein source and it is not made of animals. I must remember to speak to T' Para about trying it is some recipes. I know it makes excellent burgers. It might make it easier for Daniel and I to change our diets."

"Indeed if it is a healthful alternative it would be wise to employ it." T' Lara agreed.

"I think we should but it might be wise not to inform Daniel."

Farina grinned. "I take it your brother is a carnivore?"

"Yes, He loves a juicy steak. "Amanda said she was smiling. "I have to admit craving a juicy hamburger. I had forgotten about Tofu as an alternative. Thanks for reminding me."

The women continues to speak of food and how it might affect the dinner and conferences. T'Lara listened to the easy report between Amanda and Farina and was most impressed. They were not discussing anything of grave intellectual importance yet in this last three hours she had learned more about

Andorians then she had in the last 30.2years. She listened as Amanda moved the conversation along with skill probing and gaining intimate knowledge of their guest and her people while apparently merely being friendly. T'Lara knew Amanda was enjoying the conversation she noted also tell Amanda was filing information away for future reference. She was certain that this causal air was actually a very effective interrogation method. One that she knew no Vulcan would ever employ. Was this the reason humans seemed to find it easier to connect to other races? That was a point worth considering and discussing with Skon before her meditations.

T' Para entered the lounge and brought them tea. They all sat in a comfortable silence as they sipped it. Amanda leaned back and for the first time felt truly at home on Vulcan.

TBC….