"Sorry I'm late," Amanda said, a little breathlessly when she met him in the courtyard the next Monday.
"It is of no consequence," Sarek replied simply as he stood but Amanda didn't fail to notice the warmth in his eyes. He was glad to see her. "Is anything amiss?"
"No. It's done finally!" she exclaimed. "We turned the code and the specs over this morning." The Universal Translator's Phase I development was complete.
Sarek bowed slightly. "I offer my congratulations."
Amanda smiled. "Thank you, and thank you for your role in it. It is a big accomplishment. The team deserves to celebrate. Ironically, though, we did a great job, and now we've all been sacked!" She gave a short laugh.
"'Sacked?'"
Amanda chuckled again. "Yes. Fired, laid off, made redundant, terminated…"
"Terminated?" Sarek asked again, this time with some concern.
"Oh no, I don't mean physically! 'Sacked' and the other words mean 'released from one's job' in this context. And I'm exaggerating a bit, to be fair to the Federation committee. The arrangement from the beginning was that the development team would create a working Phase I Universal Translator, and when we were finished we would be released to return to our previous positions or find something new. Several of the team, in fact, are going to take positions on the translator maintenance team that's being formed now."
Sarek nodded at her explanation. "And what are your plans?" he asked.
"Undecided, as yet," Amanda answered slowly, looking up at him. "I could go back to Harvard, but I'd like to see what they have to offer first. I'm making inquiries elsewhere as well, to Oxford, Instituto Brasiliero, University of Mombasa and a few others on Earth, plus the leading languages institute on Rigel V that my brother recommended very highly."
"Indeed." Sarek's expression was blank, but he was nonplussed. Although he had known the translator team would be dispersed when the project was complete, he had not realized that Amanda would very likely leave the San Francisco area for her next position. This was not an insurmountable issue, of course, but it was an added complication.
Amanda's face was serious as she continued, unwittingly answering his unspoken question. "Unfortunately, there just aren't that many options here. I've contacted the Monterey Languages Institute, and there are a number of Federation linguistics positions, but they wouldn't offer the teaching component that I would really like to get back into. I do like being here, though." Then her eyes crinkled with mischief. "I've put up with a lot to work in this city. Take the official who had the idea that I worked for him on the last part of this project. What a terror!"
Sarek picked up her reference to their argument seven point six two months ago – it seemed so distant – and he replied in kind. "It could be that said official's comportment ultimately proved beneficial, would you not agree? Perhaps you should consider the Vulcan Science Academy."
"You're very funny," Amanda responded sarcastically, knowing he would object to her characterization. Then she looked thoughtful. "I hadn't considered the VSA, actually. It would be quite an honor to receive an appointment. I just don't know if they would have need of someone with my background."
Sarek turned serious as well. This was an alternative that would at least be acceptable in the long term. "I am certain they would."
Amanda looked at him strangely at this pronouncement. "Really? Sarek, you wouldn't be trying to ship me off to Vulcan again, would you?" she teased.
Sarek merely arched a brow back at her. "I wish you to have access to all of the relevant options." And if it weren't for five thousand years of stringent conditioning, indeed I would have long since shipped you off to Vulcan.
At the end of their lunch, Amanda paused, almost shyly. "The awards celebration for the project team and everyone who has contributed is this Saturday. The whole Vulcan embassy has been invited, but I wanted to invite you personally."
"I am honored."
Sarek wanted to broach the subject of their future, but he knew this was neither the place nor the time, sandwiched in between meetings and work for the both of them. Instead, he pulled a data chip from his pocket. "You may find this of interest," he offered. "It is a selection of Pre-Reform poetry."
Amanda's eyes lit up in that special way that moved him inexplicably. "Oh Sarek, thank you! I hope you won't get into trouble for giving me this."
"Just do not report my actions to the ambassador," he replied gravely, earning some more of her pleasant laughter.
Pensive, he watched her until she was out of sight.
Pre-Reform SentimentsThe collection of Pre-reform poetry that he had given her was spellbinding. Sarek had told her that very little poetry from before the Awakening had circulated outside of Vulcan, and Amanda could see why. The often-passionate verse painted a very different portrait of the Vulcan people than what was typically presented. She was pleasantly surprised, after reading some, that he had even shared it with her. Now, her curiosity piqued, Amanda felt compelled to ask him about some that truly puzzled her.
"Sarek," she asked him, "would some of these verses of T'Kel and Sanek be considered analogous to Terran love sonnets, like those of Donne or Browning?"
He hesitated momentarily before answering. "There is no direct translation. Some of these verses do celebrate ashaya, but the translation to 'love' would be incorrect. The Terran concept of 'love' is imprecise. Humans can 'love' another being but also can 'love' a sandwich – inanimate objects, foods, ideas… In Vulcan, the concept of ashaya only applies from one being to another, and would never refer to objects, preferences, or any other thing. And it is very infrequently discussed."
"I see," Amanda replied, noting his somewhat stiff demeanor. Deciding to move away from such an emotionally laden topic, she asked about another verse that had her puzzled. "Sarek, this one… it's difficult for me to decipher some of the characters and symbols. They seem to be from an even older time than the other works in this volume, but I believe it's titled 'The Seeker,' or perhaps 'The Hunter'…? It seems to be written for or to someone like an ashaya verse, but I don't understand all of the surrounding references — fire, violence, and insanity. What is this one about?"
To Amanda's surprise, Sarek actually shifted uncomfortably. He was obviously far more reluctant to discuss this. He responded cautiously, "It is indeed quite ancient. Its meaning is… rather difficult to discuss…"
As if on cue, Sev interrupted them to inform Sarek that he was needed immediately in council. Sarek apologized and excused himself, leaving Amanda with the mystery of the unexplained verse. What meaning in an ancient poem could be so hard to discuss?
CelebrationSarek entered the large hall alone, taking a moment to survey the scene before him. He beheld an unexpected sight. Amanda stood in the middle of a group of children from the Vulcan embassy as well as several of the Terran university students who had served as interns on the Universal Translator project. Sarek had observed before that her features were aesthetically pleasing, her body healthy, and the colors of her hair and eyes made a pleasant if unusual combination, but tonight was as if he had never seen her before. While her light blue gown was decidedly more feminine than the professional clothes she usually wore, and it highlighted her slender figure, it was not that different from other gowns he had seen her wear. Her hair cascaded in soft curls down her back. Again, pleasing, but not new to him.
Nevertheless, and against all logic, Amanda was more agreeable to his eyes this night than any before. She was absolutely beautiful. He startled himself with the intensity of the thought, and more so with the impulse to claim her company away from this place immediately. He resisted, observing her for a moment as she bent down to a group of the Vulcan children, introducing them to her interns and pointing out refreshments. Sarek felt warmth in his chest as he watched her almost maternal actions. She was a brilliant scientist, a capable leader, and skilled in caring for others. Before he could ruminate further, she noticed him, and her face lit up.
"Sarek! It is agreeable to see you," Amanda greeted him warmly, offering the ta'al.
Sarek responded in kind, stepping closer. "It appears to be a successful celebration," he added, looking around while quelling the riot of illogical thoughts in his mind.
"Yes, it is," she agreed. "Although I have to apologize in advance: representatives from several of the institutions seeking to hire translator team members are here, and it's been difficult for any of us to hold a conversation unless it involves one of them."
"Of course, I do not wish my presence to distract you from discussions of importance," he replied graciously.
He was not quite prepared for the reality of the situation, however. It took twenty-eight point six minutes for them to cross the room to the bar, as they were stopped six times by university and linguistic institute representatives wishing to speak to Amanda about the merits of their particular institution. It was not the delay that Sarek found bothersome, but the inescapable fact that each of these organizations was seeking to lure Amanda away, to another city, continent, or planet. Away from him.
Finally, refreshments in hand, Sarek was gratified to have Amanda's attention to himself for a few minutes when the lights suddenly lowered and the music volume increased. A Human with a microphone announced "It's dance time, folks!"
"Oh, no!" Amanda laughed apologetically over the suddenly very loud, pulsing beat.
Before Sarek could respond, a young Terran male practically burst upon them from out of the crowd. One of her interns. "Hey Dr. G! May I have this dance?" He made an exaggerated bow before her, and Amanda laughed again.
"Oh all right, Tyler. Just this once!" With a quick apology to Sarek she allowed herself to be led away onto the dance floor, leaving him watching.
His first thought, that he could easily best this rival male, was quickly followed by a second: But we are not on Vulcan, and she is not yet mine.
The dancing continued for some time. Sarek took refuge by politely greeting those he knew, keeping watch on Amanda as she danced all the while. He was talking with Soran when he noticed she had left the dance floor.
When his eyes found her again, Sarek saw a tall Human male, perhaps a few years older than Amanda, receive an enthusiastic greeting from her. He stiffened involuntarily as she embraced the man and held him there for a disconcertingly long moment. Who is this? They spoke animatedly to one another and Sarek felt compelled to investigate. He excused himself from Soran and strode over, taking a position at her side.
"Sarek!" Amanda exclaimed with a smile as he approached. The man had seen him coming and was already watching him. She turned to the strange male. "John, this is my friend Ambassador Sarek whom I was telling you about. Sarek, this is my brother John, here on a surprise visit from Rigel V."
"Nice to meet you, Ambassador," John said simply, eyeing Sarek faintly suspiciously.
Sarek nodded and stared back, conspicuously expressionless.
Amanda watched the two men in confusion with the sensation that something almost primeval was going on. She sighed in exasperation. "Sarek, you'll have to forgive him. John is my older brother and he often forgets that he can be over-protective for no reason. Isn't that right, John?"
Neither man spoke, but fortunately, at that moment Madeline Juarez, Federation Under-Secretary for Education and Economic Opportunity, approached. "Ambassador," she called, oblivious to the interaction before her, "perhaps we can finish that discussion about cross-world career training under the Centauri Accord?"
With that Amanda said to John, "Let's get you something to drink," and steered him toward the bar. "Excuse us," she murmured to Sarek, her eyes apologetic. The Under-Secretary looked like she was planning a long discussion.
As the pair moved away Sarek heard their conversation drift back to him.
"So he's the one you've been spending all your time with?"
"John – relax! We're friends."
John snorted in disbelief and Amanda bristled.
"We work together. Just where do you get the idea—"
"I know what I see," John interrupted.
"You're ridiculous," Amanda exclaimed defensively.
"I have a Y chromosome and I doubt his is all that different." His tone softened. "Look, Mandy, I just want you to be okay."
"Don't call me that. And I'm definitely 'okay.'"
Sarek spent the minimal amount of time necessary to conclude his business with the under-secretary. His thoughts continuously circled back to Amanda, somewhere across the room, surrounded by those who would take her away. It was a testament to his Vulcan control that neither his Federation associate nor anyone else could detect the steady rise in his blood pressure, nor his intense desire to rid the room of all rivals, male or otherwise.
He reflected that he would not be so discomfited if Amanda were already safely his. His attempts so far to broach the subject with her had failed, and he chastised himself for not pursuing it – and her — aggressively enough.
Enough. His warrior instincts roused themselves. I must act more boldly to secure she-who-should-be-mine.
The lights dimmed another time. The PADD-Jay announced, "Last dance, folks! This one's gonna be traditional," he added. There were some loud groans from the dance floor, but he silenced them. "Sorry, it was a request."
Sarek searched for and saw that Amanda was, for the moment, alone. However, his ears detected voices of people from one of the university groups attempting to hire her away; they were approaching, and he could tell they were intent upon engaging her attention once again. Not this time. Smoothly as a prowling le-matya he moved to her side.
"Amanda," he began, catching her attention and bowing ever so slightly, "May I have this dance?"
Surprised, and more than a little mystified, Amanda could only nod, staring up at him as she took his proffered hand and followed him onto the floor. Given how their "dance lesson" had concluded weeks ago she could not imagine his motivation at the current moment. But she had no time to inquire. Sarek turned to face her, took her right hand in his left and placed his other hand at her waist. She held her breath.
The dance began slowly. Amanda recognized the piece as a classic waltz from Earth's 19th century, something about a river, she thought. She felt Sarek's hands begin to guide her and they started to move, slowly circling around the room. One-two-three, one-two-three... His steps were smooth and sure. She had started to relax when the pace of the music accelerated, and she recognized it as more than a typical beginners' box-step; rather it was a classical Viennese waltz, demanding much greater speed in addition to complex spins across the floor. She gulped inwardly; she had never danced this type of waltz before and she doubted she could compensate if Sarek faltered. It was all she could do to simply follow his lead as somehow he twirled her effortlessly.
For Sarek, the dance was not difficult once he'd had the rudimentary instruction. He was proficient in several forms of traditional Vulcan dance, and although quite different from this, those skills served him well now. The feel of her in his arms gave him intense satisfaction and… much more, but he could not focus on those sensations now. His eyes reflexively swept the room for challengers.
Even knowing how inappropriate the impulse was, he wanted to claim her at this very moment. He wanted to know her thoughts, too; was tempted to allow his shields to slip so he could sense them. But he resisted. I have not obtained her permission.
He had sensed attraction from Amanda before, but he did not yet know if attraction in Human terms could extend to encompass the full physical and emotional reality of Vulcan passion. I am but a savage in my desire for you —what would you do if you had knowledge of this? He looked down at her and held her closer still, her thoughts still a mystery to him.
When Amanda looked up at Sarek she was startled by his burning stare, as if he were consciously ignoring everything and everyone in the room around them, daring anyone to interrupt his concentration — on her. She involuntarily sucked in her breath, and that tingling in her core returned with a vengeance. Engulfed by his presence, she tried to block the erotic images her mind conjured of what she would rather be doing with him at this moment. Maybe John has a point…
Focused on these unsettling thoughts and on following him, it took Amanda a moment to realize that they were the only ones on the floor. As they spun still faster she stole a wondering glance up at him, but his impassive visage revealed nothing. The music rose to a crescendo and suddenly the dance was over as Sarek spun her to a perfect stop. He released her slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. She blushed.
Amanda heard the unexpected sound of applause and realized it was for them. Sarek led them off the dance floor as if waltzing with her like that had been the most logical thing in the world. Unnoticed by the pair, the members of the Vulcan delegation in attendance did not react outwardly to their leader's surprising behavior, but they all took note. Is the kevet-dutar making a claim?
In the ensuing semi-private moment Amanda whispered, "Sarek, that was amazing. When… how—?" She trailed off.
"I found your dance instruction to be quite...inspiring," he replied simply.
She looked up at him, breathless. "Well, Ambassador, I'd say when you set your mind to something, you certainly accomplish it decisively!"
"Indeed," was his only reply, still watching her with those smoldering eyes.
The event wrapped up quickly after that, the Translator team gathering briefly to say their farewells. Sarek soon found himself standing with Amanda and John in the rapidly emptying hall. John's challenging stare had intensified since the last dance, but Sarek felt little concern for the Human's belligerence. Amanda was his sole focus.
Amanda glanced between the two men, who still regarded each other silently. "Between the two of you, I feel like I had a couple of chaperones tonight. I haven't had that experience at a party of mine since high school!"
"I come to serve," Sarek replied drily.
Amanda laughed. "Well at least you have a sense of humor about it, unlike my brother!" She shot an exasperated look at John, who merely shook his head.
No, actually, Sarek thought, I most definitely do not.
Normally after an event such as this Sarek would escort Amanda home. Tonight, she begged off, apologetically explaining that she and John needed to catch up after her brother's unexpected arrival. Sarek had wanted to speak with her, alone, as he had attempted twice before, but realized he had a long evening of meditation ahead of him instead. She looked back at him regretfully when she left.
ooo
Hours later, he reflected. The evening had been atrocious; too many rivals — people and organizations threatening to take her away. Meditation had only partially cleared his mind. His emotions regarding her were overwhelming and chaotic. He felt deep tenderness and raging passion, violent protectiveness and serene peace in her presence. He had attempted to rid himself of these troublesome emotions but found at best he could keep them marginally controlled. In this situation, the philosophy of c'thia told him that he must accept the reality of their existence, and do his utmost to control his reactions to them.
He knew she would need to decide on a new position in the near future and he also knew he needed to act soon to finish what he'd started, before failure to do so threatened his control. He could no longer continue without resolving the ambiguity in their situation.
RecognitionAfter Amanda said goodnight to John, she reflected on the evening. The event had been a success. The Universal Translator team and their guests had enjoyed themselves with a well-deserved celebration of almost two years of hard work. Several of her team members had secured new positions by night's end, and she herself found she had more options to consider than she would have imagined possible.
Thinking about those options, Amanda realized with a pang she didn't want to leave San Francisco for her next position. Specifically, she didn't want to leave because Sarek was here. Commuting to another Earth city was easily done, but it wasn't the logistics that were at the forefront of her attention. Over the past several weeks and months, her feelings of attraction for him had undeniably grown and strengthened, and although she had never explicitly communicated any of this to him, she had definitely detected some of the same from Sarek. She didn't want to let that go.
She also realized how unique it was that she felt strongly enough about him to influence her thoughts about her next move. It had been so long since she'd actually had any attachments significant enough to matter. She was always able to stay in touch with her friends wherever she moved. But for someone who was more than a friend —perhaps a lot more than a friend — that just wasn't going to be sufficient.
And in addition to the emotional attachment she felt for the Sarek she had come to know and care for, there was something else. Tonight she again had detected that particular undercurrent from him – dark, male and possessive, all tightly controlled, but undeniably there. Underneath his urbane, diplomatic exterior lurked a hidden side of him, very male and dominant, and she had to admit it thrilled her. It contributed to his commanding presence, but he always kept it out of sight and under wraps. Nevertheless, Amanda had glimpsed it and was mesmerized by it. She wanted to see that side of him, out in the open.
When she fell asleep that night, her thoughts still tumultuous, she dreamed she was swimming her typical work-out in her gym's lap pool. She relaxed in her dream, into the familiarity of her body's rhythmic movement and the feel of the cool water. Strangely, though, after a few minutes the water became warm, too warm for the pool, then hot. Then the hot water transformed itself again, becoming hot sand against her back, everything around her no longer blue but red, and the water against her front suddenly becoming a hot, solid body whose strong arms embraced her. She did not need to see his face to know whom it was that held her.
Observations and Conclusions
Back at the embassy, the discussion was succinct, logical, and certainly discrete. The staff returning from the Universal Translator event briefly analyzed their leader's rather notable behavior that evening.
"Does he make a claim on the Human?"
"He engages a significant amount of time with her, more time than Embassy business would suggest."
"And his behavior in her presence has been atypical. He voluntarily walks in the rain with her."
"Indeed; he ventures out onto open bodies of water at her invitation."
"They appear to debate for sport."
"He tolerates her Human emotions."
"Perhaps he attempts to bridge our two cultures by doing so."
"He willingly touched her in public this night. They are both unbonded."
"Indeed; he seeks to make a claim."
"This is illogical speculation. His actions could be explained in an entirely diplomatic context."
Silent stares of polite disagreement.
"But will the Humans understand such a claim? Does she?"
"Uncertain."
"She knows of many of our ways."
"But not of these matters."
"Logic dictates that he make his intentions clear."
"Indeed."
And Yet Still More Terran PressThe Universal Translator celebration had clearly been enjoyed by the many diplomatic and Federation officials in attendance, and it was an excellent showcase of the outstanding technological accomplishment that was the translator. However, instead of the diplomatic sections of the news vids covering it or the event in any depth, all of them focused on one detail: a clip of the Vulcan ambassador waltzing with one of the translator team's lead investigators.
After only a few hours, the feeds were running side-by-sides of the dancing couple and the holo outside the "Expressions of Love" exhibit, making it clear that the pair in both pictures was the same. By the end of the day, the holo of them leaving La Belle Étoile had joined the line-up. The headlines invariably made the progression of holos seem that much worse, running the gamut from the mildly clever, "Not Lost in Translation at Universal Translator Wrap-Up Event," to the leering, "Testing the Translator, or the Translator Developer?"
Further, the discussion surrounding the coverage had broadened. The debate over the propriety of the press' coverage continued, but now there was a new dimension: vid and text letters to the editor that commented on the apparent relationship itself. While those defending the apparent couple's right to privacy were generally favorably inclined toward them, this new thread was generally disapproving. Like should go with like, the argument went; Humans should seek out other Humans, and Vulcans most definitely should not get involved.
ooo
Sarek was in UFP Attorney General Arne Stewart 's office that afternoon to discuss some recent legal questions raised about the Centauri Accord. Stewart was one of the few Human colleagues Sarek had high regard for and considered a friend; he was efficient and usually quite logical in his approach. The two had known each other for years and had worked together for as many. Stewart had been recently appointed to the Federation Judicial Council and would take his new post soon; Sarek congratulated his friend on the advancement.
They had concluded their business when Stewart happened to glance up at the newsfeed screen on his wall, which at that moment was showing the clip of Sarek and Amanda waltzing across the floor of the UFP headquarters ballroom underneath a speculative headline.
Stewart shook his head, watching the vid. "You know, Sarek, the press really seems to have it out for you."
Sarek replied, "What the Terran press considers newsworthy is sometimes difficult to comprehend."
"Well, of course," his colleague acknowledged, "but in your case it seems they're really digging for something." He paused. "That's Dr. Grayson, isn't it?"
Sarek did not respond directly. "One would imagine that the press would seek targets with a higher probability of producing interesting news than myself or my colleague."
Stewart regarded his friend with some concern. "I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but just be careful, Sarek. I've seen more than a few diplomatic careers sidelined on this world by manufactured scandal."
Discussion with SoranStanding in the main hall, Soran eyed the members of the Universal Translator team who were moving their effects out of the embassy, transitioning on to new positions or back to the ones they had left prior to joining the project. Looking over at Sarek, he ventured, "I understand Dr. Grayson is seeking a new position following the conclusion of the Universal Translator project."
"Yes," Sarek replied, focusing on his PADD.
"Perhaps she could be offered a position at the embassy."
This drew Sarek's attention. He considered his old friend for a moment, weighing what to say. "Dr. Grayson is eminently qualified in a variety of disciplines, and would no doubt be a valuable addition to the embassy staff. However, my k'war'ma'khon, I cannot extend her such an offer at this time."
Soran was confused by that. He knew his friend was speaking of something of a personal nature by the way he had addressed him as brother-by-choice, but was momentarily at a loss to understand what it could be — until the one possibility occurred to him. Perhaps he had not misinterpreted the signs he had seen after all. His eyes locked on Sarek's. "You seek a… personal relationship with Dr. Grayson?"
Sarek did not directly acknowledge his friend. "Human mores are quite specific in this situation, though there are frequent exceptions. However, I must respect them."
Soran was silent for several seconds, and Sarek wondered what his reaction would be. Then Soran spoke. "What you contemplate will not be easy, my friend. However, it is a fitting example of Kol-Ut-Shan, of IDIC. Dr. Grayson is a most logical choice."