The time it took to leave the space station and return to Sarek's estate was full of silence. Neither father nor son spoke, like wise each cadet contemplated his own duties and how they would benefit by his training.
Spock paused a moment before he stepped off the land shuttle. This was his home, or had been before he declared himself vre'kasht, inside would be his mother. He sighed as he thought about the pain his distance had caused her. Before he had a chance to step off the shuttle into the clear view he watched Amanda move out of the house. He found it impossible not to let out a gasp as he saw her.
"Sarek, you have returned," she said with a warm smile, "and you have brought the cadets. Boys, I have prepared food for each of…." She paused as she looked at the cadet still standing in the shadows of the shuttle. Her eyes clearly made out the well defined tips of the ears. Her smile brightened as she continues her speech, "you. For some of you it may be your first taste of Vulcan food. If you are not aware, Vulcan's do not eat meat so you will find none in our home. Also Vulcan spices are more potent then Earth's so you may find your mouths on fire. Do not drink sodas, rather drink lematya milk; it has properties that numb the taste buds enough to ease the pain…and it will be painful, until you adjust."
Spock moved off the shuttle and into his mother's clear view. He was unsure how he wanted to handle the fact he was in his parent's home. No one knew he was the son of Ambassador Sarek. They only knew he was a human/Vulcan hybrid.
He at least had the knowledge his mother would not embarrass him. She may treat him differently than the other cadets but neither she nor Sarek would state he was their son unless Spock wished it. Vulcans held privacy in high regard.
Finally he addressed Amanda formally and raised the traditional Vulcan solute, "I am most honored to be in your home."
"The honor is ours I assure you," she said sweetly.
"Cadets your first lesson will be Vulcan etiquette; how to present yourselves for meal. Cadet Spock, please see they each understand correct mannerisms as it pertains to dining." He turned to his wife, "While the cadets prepare for their lesson allow me to assist you." Sarek moved towards the house, "I will expect that you do not enter my home until you each know the correct way to do so."
"Aye S..arek," Spock couldn't help but to fell wrong about calling the man who gave him his life by his name.