Disclaimers:See Part 1

Part XXIV (Reunion)

Amanda was shocked to see several Vulcans come out to greet them.

"Welcome home, Sa'haile," A Vulcan woman said. She was dressed in a long robe and had an air of certainty about her.

Soval raised his hand. "It is agreeable to see you again, T' Pin. T' Pin, may I make you known to my lady wife T' Amanda Cole."

"T' Amanda, it is an honor to meet you my lady."

Amanda smiled. "Thank you. I am pleased to meet you, T' Pin."

"T' Pin is my Aunt and she has come to welcome us home," Soval stated.

Amanda was shocked that an Aunt would address Soval so formally, then again, it was Vulcan.

"I have arranged a meal for you both and it will be ready in 20.25 minutes if you wish to refresh yourselves first."

"We will avail ourselves. T' Pin, I hope you will join us?" Soval asked.

She nodded but Amanda could tell she was pleased at his request. She bit her lip to hide her grin and was amazed at how easy it was to read Vulcans. She was surprised now that she had ever had any difficulties in that area.

Amanda followed Soval to their quarters, once more in awe of the castle. The rooms were large and airy. She saw brightly covered tapestries hanging and windows let in light. The furniture looked ornate and ageless. This was a home fit for a king.

"Soval…"Amanda said feeling suddenly out of place.

Soval went to her side and stroked her face. "This is our home, beloved."

"I am afraid. I do not know what to do."

Soval stroked her face and answered in a way that shocked and pleased her.

"Amanda, beloved, all you must do is love me." He pulled her close and kissed her lightly." I am still the Vulcan you bonded with."

She sighed and hoped she could do this. "I love you. I just am so scared I will fail you. I do not know how to do this…."

"Amanda, I to must learn. I have never had a human wife. My first wife was a good woman but she was at best a friend. I feel with you Amanda and it is …. necessary that you be here with me. You are my soul."

Amanda held him a moment more. "Soval, I would like to clean up."

Soval held her a moment then stepped back both their controls restored. "The washroom is there if you would like a sonic shower. It must be turned down."

"Thanks," Amanda said, heading in. She had 9 minutes.

Soval watched her enter the bathroom. He removed his robe and set it aside for cleaning. He quickly left the room and entered a guest bedroom. The sonic shower cleaned him efficiently and he dressed in a fresh tunic and pants. His soiled clothing was set aside for cleaning. He reentered his room and brushed his hair.

Amanda emerged and dressed, surprised Soval had changed so quickly. She noted his light tunic and slacks and had to admit he looked very good in the more casual attire. It occurred to Amanda that she really had never seen him in a completely relaxed setting. She smiled as he touched her waiting fingers.

"We have much to learn about each other, my wife. That will have to wait until after our end meal."

Amanda blushed as her stomach growled signaling her body's agreement to that fact. She followed him down, as a proper bond-mate should, admiring the view as a human would. They entered the dinning area and Amanda took her seat.
T' Pin had set the dishes out and Soval served them as was proper. Amanda took time to observe his economy of motion. On the Enterprise, they had simply retrieved food from Chef. Here the food smelled equally appealing but Soval was careful in his portioning. She had to admit it was more efficient then the large portions Chef tended to serve. The meal was eaten in silence and Amanda almost wanted to squirm. Soval gave her a sharp look as she ate, quickly eager to be free to converse once more.

T' Pin watched the human eat and was fascinated by the speed in which she consumed her meal. A Vulcan would never eat so quickly. Yet, Soval had warned her that his wife had been a soldier. Perhaps this is why she ate so fast. The Human consumed a large plate full of steamed vegetables and the rich savory stew. Her hearty appetite was a clear compliment to the meal. T' Pin felt pleased that she had made wise choices for this meal.

Part XXV( Family Reunions)

Soval went to his meditation room after end meal as he had much to consider. He knew in the morning they would be meeting with the clan Matriarch T'Pau . While Soval was head of his house she was the traditional leader of the clan. He had no doubt she had many questions to ask him; questions he had been unable to answer on the Enterprise because of the Star Fleet presence. He was going to have to explain why he had wanted to add 79 non-Vulcans to the clan rolls and why he had taken a human life-mate. To Soval it was simply the logical thing to do. He had his points all lined up and he would of course win any debate. He knew his house was going to be shocked at his and T'Pol's choices yet it was logical given their close ties to the humans. He watched the flame burn and knew peace for the first time since his kidnapping. To be home was a relief that he could not explain. Here he felt grounded and more in control. He wanted Amanda to know him as the Vulcan he was, not the one he was often forced to be to Earth's leaders.

Amanda helped T' Pin in the kitchen. "End meal was very nice. I hope you will be willing to teach me how to cook properly. I am afraid I do not know much about Vulcan cooking. I can cook Terran food but I do not think it would work for Soval."

T 'Pin nodded. "It would be difficult to secure the proper ingredients here."

Amanda smiled "I am certain of it plus I do not think Soval would like my fried Chicken though it is very good. I will need to learn about vegetarian cooking. I do know how to make several pasta dishes but I do not know if there are vegetarian cheeses available."

"It is possible to find such items on Vulcan. We do not digest dairy products well. I researched this and found some humans have similar problems?" T' Pin said.

"Yes, I have it myself. I usually use cheese made with soy. I drink soy milk though I can eat ice cream if I am prepared with the proper neutralizing agents. I will need to use them as I must have lots of dairy for the next few months at least. I just hope Dr. Phlox has enough medicine to keep me from becoming ill," Amanda said "Maybe I should order a cow from earth."

"A cow? Why would you require such a creature?"

"For milk," Amanda said, smiling. "But maybe the replicators will do. Maybe I will just stuff myself on ice cream and pickles. What a cliché but the truth is I am craving them."

T' Pin looked confused. "I do not understand."

Amanda shook her head. "It is said that humans crave certain foods during pregnancy: pickles for the sour taste and ice cream for the calcium our bodies require."

T' Pin dropped a glass. Shock showed on her face.

"Soval did not tell you?" Amanda asked.

"No he did not," she replied, fighting to hide her shock.

"Well I will find a way. Believe me I would prefer not to have such bizarre cravings. Maybe I can find logical alternatives."

"Yes, there are many food choices available without consuming animal product, "T 'Pin said.

Amanda grinned. She liked Soval's Aunt.

XXVI The Logical Reasons

The Enterprise crew gathered to be formally adopted into the clan of Surak. Soval stood in front of the Clan Matriarch T'Pau and gave his reasons for his actions.

"I know many consider my marriage to a human to be illogical. Yet I am here today to give my reasons for taking such an action. It is my hope that once this action is explained it will become clear to why I adopted the crew of the Starship Enterprise.

Reasons-

1- Amanda has courage. She faces every situation with a courage and bravery that I have rarely seen. Even when the situation is hopeless she stands ready to snatch a victory.

2- Amanda has honor. She has stood by her duty to me even when she should have left me.

3-Amanda is intelligent and able to solve many problems with logic or creative adaptations.

4-Amanda is loyal to me and her family and friends.

5 Amanda is gifting me with a child but that is secondary to the last reason.

6-Amanda is my very soul. She makes me feel….Happy.

7-Amanda is my inspiration and my strength.

All these traits are human but also uniquely her own. Therefore it is logical she become my mate and logical that I adopt her family. Since Enterprise and her crew are family, the adoption will please her. Pleasing one's mate is the only logical thing to do."

Skolar nodded. "Indeed it is logical to keep ones wife content." He looked at
T' Pau whose brow rose in amusement.

"Logically argued, Ambassador. Welcome to the family, T' Amanda, and I concur it is only logical that Soval claim you. The heart has little logic though Soval like most males would claim otherwise. We welcome you and your family to our clan. May we all live long and prosper," T' Pau said. "I believe you will make a good clan mother for this portion of our family.

Amanda had to grin - leave it to a Vulcan to argue that love was both logical and necessary while denying that emotion existed. She raised her hand in the Ta'al and repeated the greeting, noting the almost smile on T' Pau's face. She just hoped humans as a whole never learned this because it would definitely confuse them.

The End for now.