An improbable friendship
Sarek immediately found her intelligence arresting. Her academic credentials of course suggested it, but Sarek had met many of this world and others who had amassed such honors only to be lacking in any real intellectual curiosity, having become complacent and self-satisfied. In addition to her apparently sharp analytical skills, she was capable of intuitive leaps that often left Sarek behind temporarily as she reached conclusions without necessarily progressing through all the steps of logic he would have considered necessary. Nonetheless, they often reached the same conclusions, even if their methods were different.
And when they did not, their debates were spirited. As obvious as the correct answer was to him, she would refuse to back down, often surprising him with a line of argument he had not thought of. He found the intellectual give and take in her company to be more stimulating than that with any of the other Humans in his association, or his staff. He knew his staff wondered why he put up with such a highly emotional Human. He wondered as well, but he did it anyway.
Sarek found Amanda extremely perceptive of and sensitive to his culture, as well as others, a skill and an outlook that was rare in his experience. She never attempted to sublimate her own humanity, but at the same time never allowed the lens through which she perceived the universe to be limited to a solely Human perspective. She, in fact, lived the principles of IDIC very effectively – more so than many Vulcans of his acquaintance.
At the same time he detected a hidden vulnerability about her. Her demeanor was almost always confident, but occasionally, like a curtain being raised and then lowered, he would sense a trace of fear at revealing too much of herself. Even so, she lived passionately, and this fascinated Sarek, as it was so different from his controlled existence. Outwardly calm and professional most of the time, she nonetheless possessed a mischievous sense of humor which she often employed around him, for some reason. She allowed herself to engage in life, with joy and enthusiasm for friends and her work, with burning anger for injustice, and intense compassion for those in need.
Sarek also found that she drew him out as no other could. He allowed her to broach topics, personal and otherwise, that he would have refused to discuss with any other. He found a certain peace and acceptance in her presence that enabled him to reveal aspects of himself that he had shown no one else.
Sarek noticed that she sought him out. He did not object; her company was…agreeable. He too sought her out at unscheduled times for relatively minor reasons. He imagined that she noticed this as well, but for some reason it did not bother him.
He found her company stimulating for some reasons he understood and others he did not. So he welcomed her presence, and decided to continue to gather data. It was logical to seek to understand the underlying dynamics of a particular stimulus, after all.
ooo
Amanda definitely found herself warming to the reserved Vulcan ambassador. His mind was razor sharp, and he was the most intellectually curious person she had ever met. Unlike so many of her learned colleagues or the politicians she encountered while working on the Universal Translator, he was not constantly seeking to fit new information into a preconceived worldview. She thought this was perhaps because his role required the skills and the disposition to effectively understand her world and its people. She recognized the balancing act required for him to be flexible and open enough to succeed as a diplomat while also maintaining the traditional behavior obligatory to one representing all of Vulcan. Somehow he managed to be galactically cosmopolitan while still very Vulcan.
Amanda also came to realize that his occasionally arrogant demeanor was often the result of the Vulcan habit of simply stating established facts without regard to the unintended emotional impact they might have on his listeners. Similarly, his dominant, pervasive air of command belied both deep compassion and a surprising perceptiveness.
She found that she could increasingly discern his moods – for they did exist – from the smallest of signals. His disposition was like the desert, seemingly barren to the untrained eye, but in actuality teeming with vibrant, carefully concealed, life.
One of Amanda's most pleasing discoveries had been the dry wit hidden underneath his cool exterior. He could make her laugh at the most unexpected times, and she found his sense of humor resonated with her own. Tantalizingly, Amanda occasionally glimpsed a hint of passion, tightly chained and seen only fleetingly, such as when he read poetry aloud. She had nearly dropped the PADD she'd been holding the first time he had read a few lines of Neruda's A Song of Despair in advance of asking her a question regarding its meaning. His voice had held her mesmerized, even as his expression had innocently denied any emotional conveyance to his words.
In their private conversations he slowly opened up to her, revealing these sides of himself, and she to him. His complex character fascinated her.
She further detected, still hidden beneath layers of control, a solitude, a vulnerability, about him that was startling given how often he was surrounded by aides and colleagues and the furnishings of power. It was solitude and vulnerability she could relate to.
She found herself seeking out his company. She learned she could trust him as a friend, and trust was something she did not give easily. Though never indicated by any outward emotional sign, Amanda knew he welcomed her presence, too.
Thus began their improbable friendship, the expressive Human linguist and the reserved Vulcan diplomat. They spent more time together, titles giving way to first names over time as they explored a shared passion for literature, history and cultural analysis, over tea or walking in Golden Gate Park.
Jousting
"You did that? Well, that's ridiculous!" Amanda snorted.
Sarek turned toward his Human companion, robes swirling in the hall. He engaged his controls, ensuring that his face remained impassive as he faced her. He would not rise to the bait. He noted to himself – even as he replied, "Precisely what do you find 'ridiculous,' Dr. Grayson?" – that his response to her occasional outbursts had changed since they first met a month ago.
Whereas initially he'd had to quell actual irritation with her emotional provocations, now he found he experienced a certain... amusement. And further, almost a sort of... pleasure, if he dared admit that, in schooling his response (or lack thereof) to them. It was a kind of game between them, he realized. It was an illogical game, but an intellectually stimulating one, for him, to anticipate what was likely to trigger an opening salvo from her, and for her in turn to demonstrate logic to justify the emotion behind it. It was strangely gratifying to him that she almost unerringly did produce a valid line of reasoning, even if emotionally based, a kind of illogical logic.
She answered his question. "It's ridiculous to expect a bus load of school children to remain silent for the entire time they are touring the Embassy. It's just not realistic!"
"Vulcan children would behave thusly."
"In case you hadn't noticed, Mr. Ambassador, you are ambassador to Earth, not Vulcan."
He arched a brow. She was challenging him, in that peculiar, verbally pugnacious way of hers. He considered the fact that he would not tolerate this sort of behavior from anyone else, with the possible exception of Soran, and Soran would never behave in such a way. No one but her. Why he granted her this unique dispensation, he was not entirely sure.
Amanda continued. "It's just not normal for Human children. You can ask them to behave quietly, of course, but to expect them to be utterly silent for an hour and a half is just not going to happen. No wonder the principal withdrew her request for a tour."
She looked up at him, eyes twinkling now with mischief. "You know, for one of our outings I could take you to visit a school, so you could see Terran kids in their native environment." She waited a beat. "But I don't think you could stand it."
He did not disappoint. He drew himself up before firmly responding, "I believe I would be equal to such a challenge."
Amanda's laughter filled the hallway. She got him. "I have no doubt that you are, Ambassador." She smiled, and was rewarded a moment later with a responding light in his eyes. Light that enticingly enhanced his aquiline good looks.
She had been teasing him, he realized, and he relaxed ever so slightly. Acknowledging that the point was hers with his eyes, he held her gaze for a moment. "Perhaps I shall modify my response to the principal. I believe our delegation could withstand hosting a tour of Human school children even if their behavior is not quite up to Vulcan standards."
"Very diplomatic of you, sir. Infinite diversity in infinite combinations?" she replied, eyes still twinkling.
Sarek maintained his steady gaze. "Indeed."
The desert
It had been an exceptionally cold and rainy late fall. Chilly layers of marine fog rolled over the city day after day. During the sunnier early fall, Amanda and Sarek had walked for hours in Golden Gate Park, but now the colder temperatures and higher humidity made Amanda reluctant to suggest they continue, knowing it had to be uncomfortable for Sarek. For a time she proposed indoor venues for their weekly excursions.
Then one day when they were scheduled for a repeat visit to the New Palace of Fine Arts, she came to his office, her eyes dancing with anticipation. "I have an alternative plan for today, if you're game."
"If I am—?"
"Game. Willing to try something. It's nothing outrageous, I promise!"
"I suppose I am willing to try something that is not outrageous. Where will we be going?"
"Back over to Golden Gate Park, but I won't make you walk around in the cold." Sarek raised his brows inquiringly, but she only laughed, "You'll have to wait. It's a surprise!"
"Surprises are illogical." She merely placed a finger over her lips and smiled conspiratorially over her shoulder as he accompanied her out the door.
Once they arrived at the park, Amanda piloted the flitter to the vast complex of buildings that housed the Academy of Sciences. Parts of it were several hundred years old, but others were quite new. She led them toward a more modern cluster of tall, domed structures, "Terran Biospheres" emblazoned over the cluster entrance. Once inside, they passed underneath a large wall mural depicting the major habitats found on Earth's surface, and entered a hall ringed by airlock-like entrances to adjoining domes. There were lines of people waiting to enter some of the domes, such as "Tropical Rainforest" and "Alpine Glacier," but the one Amanda led them to had no line: "Desert."
The attendant at the door took the pass Amanda handed him and momentarily looked askance at Sarek's long robes, then shrugged. "Please stay on the marked path. It will lead you through eight different desert habitats found on Earth. Take care to remain adequately hydrated. The exhibit closes at five o'clock. Water bottle or sunscreen tablet?" he offered. Amanda accepted both; Sarek declined.
As they stepped through the second door they were greeted with a warm, dry breeze. Amanda read from the display nearest them. "Southwestern North America, high desert. Current temperature 46.1 degrees Celsius, humidity 6%." She turned to him. "It's not quite Vulcan, but it's better than what you've been experiencing lately."
Sarek was momentarily taken aback. She had been thinking of his comfort in bringing him here? Before he could think of what to say she removed the light sweater that covered her sleeveless dress. "That's better," she breathed, taking a sip from her water bottle. Sarek studiously examined a group of plants to his left rather than gaze at her bared shoulders. "Are these plants carnivorous?" he asked while engaging his controls.
"No, those are succulents. Most carnivorous plants on Earth are found in wetter, tropical areas."
"Interesting. A significant portion of Vulcan's desert flora is carnivorous."
"Really! Tell me about it," Amanda responded and Sarek obliged as they walked, describing the similarities and differences between Vulcan's arid climate and the Earth desert areas represented in the exhibit. After a time, they paused at a bench and sat. Amanda chuckled as she drank from her water bottle. "I bet this bench doesn't get many visitors."
"Are you uncomfortable?"
"No," she smiled. "I'm not accustomed to the heat, but I'm adjusting."
They sat in silence for a moment, then Sarek spoke. "Thank you."
"For what, Sarek?"
"There was no logical reason for us to come here today, yet I find it... a welcome change."
Realizing he might be embarrassed by his admission, Amanda responded, "On the contrary, Ambassador, coming here was quite logical. It is beneficial to mutual cultural understanding to compare the physical habitats of our respective worlds, and while you could no doubt arrange an expedition to see all of these areas of Earth in person, this venue allows for efficient exploration in a short period of time." And I get to do it with you, she added silently.
Sarek dipped his head toward her in acknowledgment. "Then I commend your logic."
"I am honored."
They sat for a long time in comfortable silence, until the artificial sunset signaled closing time. In the atrium, Sarek's security detail patiently waited.
Water, sand and waves
"Dehydration."
"Drowning."
"Heatstroke."
"Hypothermia."
"Large predators."
"Large predators."
"Sandstorms."
"Tsunamis and hurricanes."
"Carnivorous plants."
"Poisonous fauna."
"Suffocating," she added, "under a collapsing sand dune."
Sarek raised a skeptical brow. "I find that implausible."
"It could happen!" Amanda insisted. "Well, anyway, you have to admit that deserts are at least as dangerous as oceans."
Adopting his most serious negotiating pose, Sarek responded, "I will concede that a cursory and incomplete survey of hazards may suggest such, but I further contend that an analysis of actual per capita casualties will yield a more informative result."
"Oh, pfft." Amanda replied dismissively.
Sarek's brows rose into his hair. "That is hardly a valid response."
"You're just afraid to come out on the bay with me in an actual boat," Amanda declared, challenging him.
"I reject such an emotional characterization. Very well. I will accompany you on said boating expedition on the condition that you agree to a comparable desert trek."
"I've been out in the desert before, though – the Mojave and the Sahara!"
It was Sarek's turn to be dismissive. "They pale in comparison to the Forge. You must experience a Vulcan desert."
"So you're going to whisk me off to Vulcan, then?" she asked slyly, her mouth curving in a mischievous smile.
"That can be arranged."
She was pretty sure he was teasing.
ooo
The expedition was borne out of that debate, and now Soran was asking himself why he hadn't insisted that Stanek accompany the Kevet-dutar and Dr. Grayson instead. He sat, huddled in the back of a speedboat with Stell and Sporn, trying to quell the rising queasiness in his mid-section. The other two were there ostensibly as security for Sarek, but Soran noted grimly that they did not look in much better shape than he.
Amanda had piloted the small craft away from the dock and was now heading out into the middle of San Francisco Bay. Sarek watched with interest as she stood at the helm, clearly enjoying the salt spray and wind in her face, while he worked to overcome his own aversion to the large body of water. Her grin widened as they sped faster over the waves.
"Hovercraft just don't do the ocean justice. This is the best way to really experience it," she said, "aside from actually swimming in it. But I wouldn't recommend that in San Francisco Bay; it's cold even for Humans." Sarek nodded, his gaze sweeping the shore.
"If you find yourself getting sea sick – motion sickness – it helps to keep your eyes fixed on land," Amanda offered to the group, noting Soran's tight grip on the bench and rather ashen complexion.
"Vulcans do not experience motion sickness," Sarek intoned.
Maybe you don't, she thought, but decided not to call attention to Soran's plight.
Suddenly a huge swell rose off the ship's port side and slammed against the hull. Amanda saw it coming and kept her grip on the helm, but lost her balance when the boat slammed into the trough. Sarek saw the wave as well, and his strong hands caught her and steadied her with ease even as the boat continued to pitch.
In the split second between almost falling and landing against him, a million thoughts raced through Amanda's mind. The initial scare averted, she could not help but notice the lean hardness that supported her, or the corded strength of the arms that gripped her. She realized with a sudden shock that Sarek registered with her not only as a colleague and a Vulcan, but undeniably as a male as well. Very definitely a male. And he's a touch telepath, you idiot, she fumed at herself, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt her face flush red.
Sarek saw Amanda start to fall, and easily caught her when she tumbled toward him. He raised his mental barriers, but not before detecting a rapid jumble of emotions from her – surprise, embarrassment, attraction – Attraction? Analyzing his own reaction, he thought, Surprisingly, this experience is not intrusive; nor is it unpleasant…
Amanda pulled herself upright, although Sarek still maintained his steadying hold. "I'm sorry, Sarek – Ambassador – I—"
Sarek's eyes were unreadable but his voice was softer than expected. "There is no offense given where none is taken." For a moment their gazes locked, each staring at the other as if searching for something. The moment ended when Soran cleared his throat, obviously confused by his S'haile holding this Human female and doubting the propriety of it. Sarek did not acknowledge his aide but released Amanda. "You are unharmed, I presume?"
"Yes, definitely, thank you." Amanda nodded and turned back to the water. A moment and a deep breath later, re-composed and satisfied that there were no vessels too close, she looked over at Sarek again. "Want to drive?"
"Yes," Sarek answered without hesitancy, now more confident in their watercraft. Amanda thought she saw Soran's head jerk up at that but had to focus instead on instructing her pupil.
"I believe I understand the requisite principles," Sarek said calmly, placing his hand on the throttle. As the engine hummed louder he added, "It is similar to driving my hover bike."
Amanda took a moment to visualize Sarek on a hover bike. Then she noticed how quickly Angel Island was rushing toward them. "Hmm, probably ought to ease off a little there, Ambassador."
He inclined his head toward her. "I defer to your expertise." He backed the throttle down and, after a moment, returned the controls to her. Amanda could tell he did so reluctantly. It's fascinating to see this side of him…
"We can always come out here again, you know," she told him.
"An interesting possibility," Sarek returned. He stepped back slightly and studied her while she navigated some boat traffic. He was favorably inclined toward the idea of another such experience with Amanda. Her ease around and enjoyment of the water is novel and fascinating. Such a creature of her watery world – it is logical and consistent with the principles of IDIC to learn more about one so different. And holding her when she had almost fallen had not been disagreeable…
For his part, Soran thanked logic when they returned to dry land. Later, he and Stell and Sporn would discreetly visit Healer T'Alen seeking a remedy for the unexplained gastronomic distress resulting from this most curious outing.
Missed in translation
Amanda glanced up as Sarek entered the empty office that had been set up as a testing room for the translator. "Thank you for coming, Sarek. I appreciate being able to double-check my translations against yours."
"Thanks are not needed, Amanda. It is logical to test the system before disseminating it more widely."
"Well then, let's see how this thing works, hmm?" Amanda gestured Sarek toward a seat across from her and handed him an earpiece. "We'll start with just a few simple phrases that haven't been directly programmed in and then we'll take it from there."
As she took her own spot she thought quickly of a phrase to start, a safe, standard Vulcan phrase. Thanks being necessary or not, I'm glad to see him… She spoke into the mic, "I am gratified by your company." That should be harmless enough.
Sarek listened for a moment and then Amanda saw his brows climb as he turned toward her. "'I am attracted to you'?" he recited back, questioning.
"What!" Amanda exclaimed, her face turning red. "That's not what I said. The statement was 'I am gratified by your company.'" Then she laughed. "I promise!" Although both statements are true, she thought.
Sarek remained expressionless, suppressing a sense of embarrassment himself. "Indeed. That is a most interesting result."
"I think this needs more testing than we first thought."
"We should attempt different parameters to determine if the results are similarly skewed. Perhaps, if you would allow me to examine some of the underlying code, I might be able to assist in identifying the source of the problem."
"You would have time to do that?" Amanda asked, surprised and pleased by his offer, and relieved that he didn't appear to be offended.
"I am able," Sarek said simply, sitting down beside her so they could both look at her PADD together.
Vulcan embassy reception
A few nights later, Amanda walked back into the embassy after work. The Vulcan delegation was hosting a reception, and they had graciously included the translator team on the invitation list. Amanda came mostly out of curiosity, interested to see how their Vulcan hosts interacted with their diplomatic counterparts.
She was struck, first and foremost, by how quiet it was. There was no music or other entertainment, only murmured conversation, punctuated now and then by Human laughter. Vulcan receptions were, it seemed, relatively sober, business-like affairs, not surprisingly.
Sarek was conducting business in earnest, using the venue to engage his Human counterparts on the merits of the Centauri Accord and on other matters of Vulcan interest. Efficient as always, he had accomplished all but one of his desired objectives for the evening when his attention was diverted – Dr. Grayson was at the door, glancing about the room before stepping inside. He excused himself from the group he was with and met her there.
"Dr. Grayson, I am gratified by your company this evening," he greeted her.
"And I, yours, Mr. Ambassador," Amanda replied, eyes twinkling at the shared reference. His gaze lingered on her and one side of her mouth quirked upward, knowing his unasked question. "I was curious to see what goes on at a Vulcan Embassy reception," she said as explanation for her presence, looking around again before returning her eyes to his. "Is that what you were curious about?"
"Indeed," Sarek responded. She is perceptive. Perhaps I am also more transparent than I should be, he thought. Nonetheless, rather than being disturbed by her ready analysis of his mind-set, he was oddly gratified by it. Interesting…
"Curiosity is a fundamental driver of discovery. It is an admirable trait," he continued. His voice was smooth and deep, and his eyes animated as he focused on her. "May I assist in satisfying your curiosity by introducing you to some of our guests?"
At first Amanda demurred, not wanting to distract him from entertaining his colleagues. Sarek responded earnestly, "I have already seen to those who require such. As for the rest, they are quite capable of entertaining themselves." At that she laughed, deciding, it will be more pleasant enjoying his company while meeting people than it would be on my own. She allowed him to escort her from group to group.
When he introduced her to a group in conversation as a chief investigator for the Universal Translator, one of the group, a middle-aged man who seemed to wear a permanent scowl, raised his eyebrows. Amanda knew Simon Petit; he was the lead envoy from an Earth colony. Petit asked, "Well, Doctor, maybe you can explain to me why this supposedly 'universal' translator gadget isn't a huge waste of money."
Amanda smiled graciously. "It's nice to see you, Mr. Petit. As you know, the Universal Translator is designed to enable beings that do not speak each other's languages to communicate. The most recent tests of the translator's algorithm's have demonstrated a 98.9% accuracy so far in translating languages whose governing linguistic rules are known – and we're working on that last 1.1%. And," she added, "in addition to the intrinsic benefits of greater communication, the translator has a clear role to play in facilitating the commerce that the Centauri Accord will enable."
The other members of the group nodded at her explanation. Petit merely rolled his eyes. "Is this your idea of a 'one-two punch,' Sarek?" he asked grumpily. A short while before, Sarek had succeeded in gaining Petit's agreement that the Centauri Accord would benefit the envoy's world and hence deserved support.
"I think not. Vulcans are a non-violent people as you know, Mr. Petit," he answered, brows peaked, causing the other guests to laugh.
The pair excused themselves. Amanda was enjoying how Sarek demonstrated casual authority with his diplomatic colleagues, never aggressive in making his points but always in control of the situation. When she glanced at her chrono, she was shocked to see that she had been at the reception well past the time she had planned to be at home in bed.
She stopped him as they passed by the entrance to the reception hall. "Sarek, this has been a fascinating evening, but it's time for me to go. Thank you for inviting me."
"I understand, of course," he replied, gazing down at her. "Since it is late, may I offer you the use of the embassy transporter?"
"Oh no, that's not necessary, but thank you. I'll be fine," she reassured him. "I'm glad I came." Her smile lingered on him for a moment before she turned away toward the cloakroom.
He nodded in acknowledgement, hands behind his back, eyes following her as she crossed the hallway, carefully controlling his sense of disquiet at allowing her to walk away, unescorted. The concern was illogical and primitive; she was not his, and she went home or to other engagements every evening this way.
At that, he should have turned back himself and returned inside. Instead he remained for a moment further, unnaturally rooted to the spot. It is not entirely logical, but it is within acceptable parameters… He comm'd Soran. A minute later, confident both that Soran would conduct that final piece of business and that he himself would return within an acceptable interval, he was striding down the corridor to intercept Amanda.
He caught up to her just at the embassy entrance. "Amanda."
She looked up, not expecting to see him again.
He cleared his throat. "If you do not object, I would like to escort you home."
A look of pleasant surprise quickly crossed her face before she protested, "But your guests—"
"As I indicated before, my guests are quite capable of entertaining themselves by now," Sarek replied gravely. Amanda laughed again. Why do I find her laughter pleasing?
Now she was speaking, a teasing lilt in her voice. "Well in that case, Mr. Ambassador, I would be delighted to have you escort me home."
It was a pleasant walk to her apartment. Sarek was back at the reception before any of the other guests noticed his absence. And they both had enjoyed the evening's interlude. I am gratified that she came.