Disclaimer – If I could claim Star Trek as my own I would
Earth date, Late February 2265 – S'chn T'gai compound, New Vulcan
Last meal had been consumed in traditional Vulcan fashion, in silence. Afterwards once the table was cleared Selek and Sarek resumed the kal-toh game they had started the previous evening. Not surprisingly Selek had won more games, considering he had been playing a lot longer than his relative.
"An interesting move," Sarek observed.
"My sa'mekh taught it to me," Selek replied.
"A wise parent," Sarek responded, the irony not lost on him that he referred to himself in another life. The concept of parallel universes and time travel no longer a topic read on science PADDS.
"Indeed, a wise parent who had his challenging moments."
Sarek did not probe more, he knew enough about his counterpart to be thankful that he and Spock did not suffer such a long estrangement. He was determined it would never happen. Hence his acceptance of his son's decision to continue his career in Starfleet. Thoughts of Spock led to thoughts of Amanda. She would be so proud of their son and perhaps of him for taking the steps to move on after her death. It was something she had all mapped out since due to the shorter Terran lifespan there was a greater probability she would cease before himself.
Well he had started the steps, his first social engagement with healer T'Ynise was due soon. He had asked that she accompany him to the Tellarite embassy tomorrow evening. It would be interesting to see how she handled those illogical beings.
"I find the population debates on the council most fascinating." Selek decided to turn the conversation to a neutral topic.
"What is the probability they will accept the findings of the Federation scientists?" He asked his 'cousin'.
"Natural multiple births for Vulcanoids is only 1 in 1000*. If we wish to increase our population lowering these odds is only logical." Sarek replied.
"However, how successful has female hyperovulation treatment been in the past?"
"In my experience not very." Sarek answered.
Selek understood his reference. Amanda and Sarek had lost quite a few babies before and after Spock was born. In one case the loss of twins via IVF was extremely devastating for Amanda. Having even a Vulcan hybrid wife drastically reduced the chance of history repeating itself.
"Healer T'Ynise has identical twin brothers, it seems to be a genetic trait on her father's side." Selek replied.
Sarek was reluctant to ask but he did so anyway.
"Did you know a healer T'Ynise in your past?"
"Yes, a very fascinating woman, you have chosen well." Selek responded.
Sarek raised his head from the game. He looked at Selek as if to say 'continue'.
"I met Healer T'Ynise at a Starfleet medical conference in 2280. I found her intriguing, and so did sa'krei Terek."
"Sa'krei Terek, son of T'Halle, sister to T'Pau?"
"The one and the same, unlike myself Terek did not hesitate to show his interest. I am pleased you followed his example."
Selek rose from the table to fetch them both glasses of wine.
"My parents and I attended their bonding ceremony, it appears T'Ynise is fated to be associated with the S'chn T'gai clan one way or the other."
Sarek was about to reply that fate was illogical but perhaps this revelation was one that defied logic.
He sipped his glass of wine and returned to the game, he spied an opening. He made the move and spoke the words 'kal-toh'.
"Well done Sarek, you have won, I believe there is a high probability you will win again."
They both knew Selek was not just referring to the game.
Author's Notes
Seems the muse has returned folks, sorry for the delay but Sarek is back in action. This scene was on my mind before the great, late Nimoy passed away, I had to get it out of my system.
*Hope this was not too boring according to wiki multiple births in humans are 1 in 90, (might be due to the invention of IVF since the 1980's).
Sa'Krei – male cousin, well Krei is female cousin and Sa is a male so put the two together and you get Sa'Krei.
Spoken English is in italics, all other conversations are in Vulcan dialect
