Chapter 15

Vahklas

By Blacknblue (aka Bluenblack)

Disclaimer:I don't own Star Trek. I wrote this for fun. Anyone is free to download and/or redistribute this story as long as you keep it complete and intact, and as long as you don't make any money from it.

Vulcan terms used in this story were taken from the online Vulcan Language Dictionary, the Vulcan Language Institute, or I made them up myself.

This is not edited. Take it as you see it, typos and all.

A/N (Standard note): This story makes several references to events that took place during earlier stories in my series. It also incorporates aspects of the Vulcan social and economic structure, as described in my prior stories. If you have not read my earlier work you might have issues following along. Enter at your own risk.

Anyone is welcome to use anything I invent in these fan fics as long as they don't make any money off it. I also appreciate it when they take the time to give me a brief nod. Otherwise help yourself.

In order, the stories in this series are:

1) For Want of a Nail

2) In The Cold of The Night

3) Father To The Man

4) Purgatory

5) Hess + Kov

6) and this critter, Vahklas

#

(Originally I expected this to be the last chapter. It seems I miscalculated. Either I underestimated my own tendency to jabber on, or the characters decided to take the bit between their teeth and run off across the countryside again. So there will be at least one more after this one. Maybe two. Sorry.)

#

Ganlas stood at relaxed attention before the Council while they collectively scanned his preliminary report. Chief Minister T'Pau had already received an advance copy, of course. She sat patiently alert and waited, with eyes half-closed, while the rest of the Council completed their silent review. One by one they retracted the screens in front of their seats and looked up.

Two Ministers were not in attendance at this meeting. It was traditional that during periods of clan friction, the representatives of both clans would withdraw from active participation in High Council business while terms of recompense were being negotiated.

When the last of them had finished, T'Pau said, "Your report did not refer to the presence of non-Vulcan DNA at the crime scene. Is there any evidence that the perpetrator might have been an off-worlder?"

"All of our information is preliminary," Ganlas replied. "However, we do not at this time have any indications of a non-Vulcan criminal."

"The routine starting point," T'Pau said, "is always to determine who benefits from a crime. Who has gained an advantage, or is more secure, because the crime has occurred? Do you have any conclusions regarding this question?"

"The most obvious answer is Romulans," Ganlas said blandly.

T'Pau's discipline was universally acknowledged to be exemplary. But she was young by Vulcan standards, and it was possible for sudden surprise to provoke a reaction from her. She stiffened to a slight but noticeable degree, and her jaw muscles tightened slightly. "What leads you to such a conclusion?"

"Both krei T'Pol and Charles have assured me that Earthgov is operating under the conviction that war with the Romulan empire is inescapable," Ganlas looked indifferent. "Therefore, the Romulan empire has a potent motive to disable Charles."

T'Pau recovered quickly, although her expression was still not as controlled as Surak would have found appropriate. "It seems that your kin have been inappropriately forthcoming with respect to classified information."

Ganlas added mildly, "They did not provide details concerning the Romulan threat. Merely, as Charles put it, a 'heads up' to the family. Charles told me that while the details are classified by Starfleet, the fact that his people are preparing for war is not. It would be impossible to conceal this fact in any case, as the general Human population is neither blind nor idiots. It is undeniable that this event has damaged the Human war effort."

"It would also explain the lack of non-Vulcan DNA," T'Pau said grimly. "Backgrounds are being investigated?"

"Yes," Ganlas said. "We have indications that both the Humans and the Andorians are also pursuing investigations into the possibility of Romulan involvement. But the indications are neither specific nor confirmed. Queries to the Humans received evasive replies. We did confirm that the frequency of communication between the Human and Andorian embassies has increased by a factor of four. "

T'Pau actually closed her eyes briefly over that one.

Kuvak spoke up. "I will request that my son's mate initiate inquiries on this matter. However, I cannot guarantee that Starfleet will be forthcoming with information. They might consider her loyalty compromised."

"I am informed," Ganlas said, "that krei T'Pol and Charles will be awakened from their conjoined healing trance early this evening, provided that their vital signs remain stable. Once they fully recover, I am confident that they will provide information to the family up to the ultimate limits that honor allows."

One of the other Ministers asked Ganlas, "Concerning your kinsman who was slain. Is there any evidence of inappropriate behavior on his part?"

"Yes," Ganlas said, which caused a noticeable reaction among some of the younger members of the Council. "He left a message with one of our clan. He requested that in the event of his demise or disappearance, it should be delivered to either the clan elders or one of the family who held a senior position in the Security Directorate. I received the message this morning."

T'Pau's nostrils flared. "What was contained in the message? And why was this not reported immediately?"

"It was not reported immediately," Ganlas said candidly, "for two reasons. First, because I was investigating the situation and I wished to confirm all of the allegations prior to reporting it. Second, because I was searching for an option that would permit me to reveal the necessary information while preserving my deceased kinsman's privacy."

"Understandable," Kuvak said calmly, forestalling an irritated remark from the Chief Minister. The previous Council meeting, especially the confrontation with the two alien ambassadors, had done nothing to improve T'Pau's equilibrium or mood regarding this matter. "Since your kinsman has perished, there would be no logical reason to pursue punishment for any infractions he may have committed. You may present the information."

"My kinsman's message states," Gnlas said, "that he had agreed to provide a clandestine copy of the autopsy report to agents of the Andorian Dark Guard. He further explained that he owed the Andorians a debt. What type of debt the message does not specify. For the Council's reference, I note that my kinsman's only son is a fugitive from justice who recently disappeared from Vulcan space without a trace.

"The Andorian agents explained that they merely wished to obtain complete information regarding the death of one of their own soldiers, and they did not trust the High Council to provide it. My kinsman saw to reason to doubt this statement.

"When he attempted to copy the report, he learned that it had been placed under tight security lock. One of his co-workers noticed his attempt and reacted with illogical negativity to what should have been regarded as a routine file search. He also stated that he had overheard something, which he did not specify, which caused him to believe that he might be in danger. He was planning to explain to the Andorians that what they wanted was impossible, but he was writing the message as a form of insurance."

Ganlas stopped and drew breath. "That is the entire message. Several of my kinsman's co-workers had recently been transferred to his facility. All of the recent arrivals are now missing. Their personnel records are either incomplete or inconsistent."

T'Pau pressed a button. "Summon the head of the Science Directorate, Bio-Science division, to the Council Chambers immediately." She released the button and said, "Obviously the autopsy contained information we need. Perhaps there are lingering traces that remain, despite the portions of the body that were removed."

"Eldest Mother T'Para has already ordered another autopsy," Ganlas said.

"No doubt," T'Pau replied, "and I intend to make the full resources of the Science Directorate available for this effort. I want Tolaris's body analyzed down to the subatomic level. If there is anything at all unusual about it, I want to know what it is."

"Have there been any disturbances at the factory or hospital?" One of the oldest Ministers leaned forward slightly. "Specifically, any points of friction between our people and the Andorians, or the Human guards?"

Kuvak twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Overall, the coordinated operation has been unexpectedly effective." Ganlas replied blandly, "There was only one unfortunate incident, when Jorin came to the hospital to offer personal regret and recompense. Apparently Anna Hess is not prepared to accept recompense at this time."

"My son's mate," Kuvak offered regretfully, "is still struggling to master her emotions. In compliance with the formal arrangement that she and my son made with Charles and T'Pol, the Human term is godparents, they have accepted temporary oversight of the Tucker children. Unfortunately, Anna's resentment of the attack is exacerbated by her lingering irritation regarding the previous charges Jorin filed. When these are added to her natural instinct to protect the children that she is tending, I acknowledge that she is unable to cast out her anger at this time."

"In the interest of equitable disclosure," Ganlas said, "my mate and the hospital healers report that both T'Lissa and the newborn male respond to Anna with the trusting acceptance of a blood relative. Commander Hess has openly exhibited equivalent affection toward the children. I note a further detail that my operatives reported. Commander Hess specifically ordered her Human guard to stand down, and explicitly forbade him from killing Jorin. Plainly, her anger is not completely out of control."

"Nor shall we permit it to reach that point," Kuvak said. "In a related matter, Anna gave orders that any members of Tolaris's clan who wished to take a leave of absence from work at the factory until the situation stabilizes is free to do so without penalty of any kind. She thought it might be desirable to 'remove temptation' from the Humans and Andorians."

T'Pau inclined her head in approval. "Plainly, your son's mate is dedicating her efforts to following the path of logic despite her anger. Quite respectable for someone who is physically barred from the disciplines of Surak. I will make a point of noting this to Ambassador Trask and Starfleet Command."

#

T'Hosh stood up when Minister Kuvak walked into the outer office. He halted and offered the ta'al. "Greetings, T'Hosh. It is agreeable to see you. How may I serve?"

She returned the gesture with what had finally become well practiced ease. "It is I who have come to offer service, Minister. My work shift at the factory has ended and I find myself without useful occupation for the rest of the evening. It came to me that perhaps I might be of service by assisting Commander Hess with the Tucker children."

Kuvak's expression let a trace of approval leak through. "A logical suggestion, krei. Anna has been overtaxing her stamina throughout this ordeal. Kov also expressed concern to me that she is neglecting her own nutrition and hydration. Permit me to contact the hospital and arrange security clearance."

When a High Council Minister calls to arrange security clearance, security doesn't sit on its thumbs. Six minutes and forty-one seconds later, Kuvak's comm chimed and printed out a top level pass for T'Hosh, providing unrestricted access to any part of the hospital she might feel inclined to visit. She inclined her head, offered the ta'al again, and headed out.

Entering the hospital presented no difficulty. Accessing the appropriate wing was only a mild inconvenience. However, reaching the waiting area where Anna and T'Lissa were sojourning proved vexing. Despite her unrestricted pass, every security operative she met, and she met many, required her to wait while the pass was confirmed and she was physically scanned.

The final obstacle was right outside the waiting room door, in the form of a massive Human warrior. T'Hosh tilted her head back to an uncomfortable degree in order to examine the bottom of the man's chin, ironically speculating about differences in ambient air pressure. His body armor enhanced the impression of mass, while the pulse rifle he cradled did not reassure her of his cordial intentions. Nor did his expression.

"Did you want something?" She had seen friendlier looks on the faces of smugglers in the depths of Rigel's less attractive districts. "This is area is restricted."

"I am here to see Anna Hess and assist her." T'Hosh offered the pass for his review.

The Human scowled and carefully tucked the rifle stock under his right arm, with his hand on the fire controls. He pressed the door button three times, then twice, then three more before taking the pass and examining it.

The comm activated and Anna's voice came through. "What is it?"

"Commander," the guard never took his eyes off T'Hosh. "A Vulcan woman is here. Has what's supposed to be an open pass signed by your father-in-law. Claims she was sent to help. Name?"

"T'Hosh," she said. "Anna is my supervisor at the factory. Kov is my kinsman."

The door opened behind the Human behemoth. "It's all right, Lieutenant. She's family. Cleared." He relaxed and stepped aside, returning his weapon to its original position. "T'Hosh, this is Bill Sharif. Come on in, T'Hosh. How are things back at the ranch?"

"The ranch?" T'Hosh stepped into the room and felt the door close behind her. T'Lissa was slouched on the bench with a PADD in her hand, obviously ignoring it. The child looked bored, displeased, tired, worried, and irritated. As did Anna.

"Just an old Human joke." Anna waved a hand. "Anything unusual at the factory?"

"Work progress has slowed," T'Hos reported. "However, the project is continuing to advance at an abbreviated pace. Approximately 82% of the members of Tolaris's clan have accepted your suggestion and taken a leave of absence. Their departure seems to have lowered the tension levels among the Human and Andorian staff significantly. The remaining members of his clan are taking care to behave in strict compliance with both Human and Andorian standards of formal politeness."

Anna sighed. "It's a shame that they are catching the fallout from that son of a bitch. Most of them are good people, as far as I can tell. They don't deserve this."

T'Hosh experienced a brief surge of satisfaction. "It is agreeable to hear you say this. I confess to trepidation that the attack might result in long term animosity with Captain Tucker's people."

"There's no sense blaming his family." Anna rubbed her forehead. "I'm not proud of my own reactions about this, honestly. That kind of vengeful behavior was the reason that we had to rebuild so many civilizations in the past. But we finally got past it. If we hadn't, we would still be eating each other."

T'Hosh locked her teeth and fought down a shudder. "Minister Kuvak suggested that you might appreciate the opportunity for respite? I brought some distractions for T'Lissa." T'Hosh slipped the strap of her bag off her shoulder. "Have you ever played kal-toh, T'Lissa?"

The little girl perked up slightly. "Uh-huh. Ma-mehk taught me. Sa-da says it makes his brain turn inside out and whimper. But I think it's fun." She scrambled off the bench.

Anna hesitated. "I really could use a hot shower," she said softly. "My uniform is getting a bit extreme. Do you think you could handle her if I ask Kov to send me some fresh clothes?"

"Certainly," T'Hosh said. "I will enjoy improving my acquaintance with T'Lissa. It is difficult to find an adequate kal-toh partner." She got busy setting up the game.

Anna ducked out briefly. Upon her return she announced, "Larka volunteered to go get them. She's been running her boot soles off since this happened, doing anything and everything to help. I need to remember to include a commendation for her in my report. I don't know if it will impress the Andorians or not, but she's earned it."

"I suspect a commendation from you will carry significant weight with her superiors," T'Hosh said. "Captain Tucker obviously places great trust in your judgment. Therefore, so will the Andorians."

Anna settled onto the nearest chair, looking tired. T'Lissa offered, "If you wanna take a nap, Anna, I don't need the couch right now. It always takes a while with kalto n'cause you can't just poke a stick anywhere you want n'cause it'll make everything fall down like a sand pile and then you gotta start all over so you gotta figure out where ta put it and that takes a while and Sa-da said that's why it makes his brain whimper."

Anna chuckled. "Your Sa-da can think in seven dimensions at the same time, baby. He makes other people's brains whimper. Most likely he just has trouble keeping track of all the sticks, like I do. Human memory isn't as good as Vulcan when it comes to keeping up with a lot of small things that just happened a minute ago. A few big things, yeah. We don't have any problems with that. But a bunch of little things happening all at once? We forget some of them."

"This connects to another subject that I was hoping to discuss." T'Hosh continued placing the game assembly and did not look up. "I am interested in the differences between Vulcan and Human minds. Specifically, I would like to discuss your brother's mind."

"Not surprising."

T'Hosh flickered a swift glance at the commander and back to the game. "I do not mean to be provocative," she said. "If you do not wish to talk about this under the circumstances I will understand."

"What about Anna's brother?" T'Lissa looked curious. "Did he do something bad?"

"No, honey." Anna smiled. "I talked to Kov's eldest about maybe asking T'Hosh if she might like to marry my brother. That's what she wants to talk about."

"Oh." T'Lissa looked fascinated. "Are you gonna marry Anna's brother, T'Hosh? Anna says she wouldn't trade him for anything even is he is a trilenoince but I still dunno what a trilenoince is whatsa trilenoince Anna?"

"It just means we argue sometimes, honey," Anna said. "That's what siblings do. Humans say that if two people never argue, only one of them is thinking. Or maybe only one of them cares."

T'Hosh felt her belly tighten, remembering the last time she spoke to her family and their cold indifference. Then she gathered her courage and said, "The eldest said that if I were to consider this matter, I should be fully informed. Then she told me of a recent meeting that she attended. She mentioned that you and Kov, Kuvak, Captain Tucker and Lady T'Pol, and the eldest of T'Pol's clan were also in attendance. She described the information that was discussed."

Anna pursed her lips and nodded. "Makes sense. We still haven't had the chance to decide whether to make it public or not. Never got the time to settle the question."

T'Hosh said, "Noted. In the family, all is silence. I admit to being pleased at this news. I hope that you do not find my attitude offensive."

"Nope," Anna said. "I'm not offended at all. I haven't had the time to approach my brother about the subject, so I don't know if he will be willing to consider it. Allowing for this, what's your general opinion of the matter?"

T'Hosh looked at T'Lissa. "I do not have top level clearance. Therefore I will not ask whether T'Lissa shares characteristics with the proposed child for whom I have volunteered to provide a host womb. However, given the circumstances of the meeting that the eldest described, and the identity of the attendees, and the recent birth of T'Pol's child, and the fact that T'Lissa's eyes bear a remarkable resemblance to Captain Tucker's eyes, I cannot avoid suspicion."

"No comment," Anna said. "The crew of Enterprise are a synthetic family. In the family, all is silence."

T'hosh smiled quickly and finished setting up the board. "If you are familiar with the game, T'Lissa, you may move first." She continued speaking to Anna, "In the event that my suspicions are correct, it is self-evident that recombining the bloodlines produces beneficial results. T'Lissa exhibits characteristics typical of superior intelligence, health, and strength."

"She's also limber as a... never mind. You wouldn't understand the reference." Anna grimaced. "Officially, I didn't say that."

"Certainly not," T'Hosh said. "Officially, the Science Directorate has categorically stated that Humans and Vulcans are genetically incompatible." She inserted a stick. "Your move, T'Lissa."

"Is it ok to talk to T'Hosh about things that only family is supposed to talk about, Anna?" The little girl sounded uncertain. "You told Bill that she was family, but that means she's Kov's family, don't it? But Ma-Mehk said it's ok to talk to Kov about it and you about it and Kov's Sa-da about it, so does that mean it's ok to talk to T'Hosh about it?"

"Hm." Anna scratched her forehead. "How about we hold off on you talking about it to anyone that your mother or father didn't specifically give you permission to discuss things with? I don't think they would mind, but we better wait until they say so themselves."

"Then hows come you talk about it?" T'Lissa demanded.

"Because T'Hosh is going to maybe marry my brother," Anna said patiently. "If she does marry him, she will need to know about how to have babies with him."

"Oh." T'Lissa nodded in satisfaction and returned her attention to the kal-toh board. She inserted another stick and the seemingly random pile of metal twigs transformed itself into an inverted pyramid, balanced on its point. "Haha." She grinned. "I always like that one."

"Impressive." T'Hosh raised both eyebrows and reset the game. "Let us continue."

"She does things like that all the time," Anna said proudly. "She tests out at the top end of the scale for both races, all across the board."

"Would it be possible for me to inquire about your bond without causing offense?"

"Depends on the question," Anna said. "Ask, and if I don't want to discuss it I will simply tell you. Then we can move to another topic."

"Agreed," T'Hosh said. "The eldest informed me that contrary to the position of the Science Directorate, Humans possess rudimentary telepathy. However, while you are relatively sensitive to receiving telepathic messages, your brains lack the surplus energy necessary to transmit effectively except during extreme emergencies. Is this information correct?"

"That sums it up fairly well," Anna said. "We also have no shields at all." Her face changed. "Which is no doubt why this hit Trip so hard."

T'Lissa seemed to be ignoring the adults. The child took a piece without hesitating and inserted it. Then she sat back with folded hands and waited with almost adult composure.

T'Hosh placed a piece and asked Anna, "Earlier, you spoke of the difference between Human and Vulcan memory. My primary concern about taking a Human mate is the inherent differences between the Human and Vulcan mind. The challenges in maintaining long-term harmony seem formidable."

"You would think so," Anna said. "But we perceive the universe in similar ways. Kov and I had a surprisingly easy time forming our bond. Trip and T'Pol formed their bond almost by accident. I guess it's not quite so surprising now, though." She paused. "Do you accept the contention that Captain Archer carried the katra of Surak for a time?"

T'Hosh considered. "I have no evidence to refute the claim. In its favor, I have the testimony of the Chief Council Minister, two members of my own clan who met Captain Archer in the Forge prior to the bombing ordered by V'Las, and the testimony of Lady T'Pol. Therefore, I accept it unless new evidence causes me to re-examine the data."

"You are more open minded than most of your people," Anna said. "Anyway, many people have asked why Syrann would have chosen a Human to bear the katra of the father of logic. T'Pol told me that Captain Archer explained it to her. He didn't choose a Human. He chose the only male available, who happened to be Human. It seems that the basic structural differences between male and female brains can cause serious issues with a cross gender katra transfer. In other words, there is more difference between male and female than between Human and Vulcan."

"There are no significant differences?"

"I didn't mean that," Anna said. "There are a lot of differences. For example, Vulcan brains are better equipped to process detailed information rapidly and accurately than Human brains. Your minds seems to have evolved under conditions where patient attention to details, and careful analysis of a situation before acting, are the price of survival."

"An accurate summation," T'Hosh said. "This is not the case with Humans?"

Anna sighed and looked at T'Lissa with a smile. "Poor little honey. What a rough road you have in front of you to walk."

"Whadda ya mean, Anna?" T'Lissa looked up, puzzled. "Where am I going and why do I hafta walk?"

Anna chuckled. "Just an expression. I was just thinking of all the years ahead until you grow up. That's all. Have you made your move?"

"Yes," T'Lissa looked across the table. "Your turn, T'Hosh."

T'Hosh thoughtfully placed a stick and the pile morphed into a lopsided tower with a bulbous top. "Not quite what I was attempting." She touched a control and the pile collapsed again. "Your turn."

"We evolved to pay attention to details," Anna said. "But only when we need to."

T'Hosh blinked. "I do not understand."

Anna considered. "Our minds are subdivided, and only part of them pays attention to details. Unless something important comes up.

"I am even more confused."

"How can I describe it?" Anna rubbed her forehead. "The Anna Hess that you are conversing with is not the entire Anna Hess. There are at least three parts to a Human mind, and probably more. Exactly how many is a subject for ongoing debate. But the part you are talking to is the conscious mind."

T'Hosh looked fascinated. She leaned forward and inquired, "What are the different parts and what functions do they serve?"

Anna closed her eyes and leaned her head back. "Bill just shifted position outside the door. I heard his boot scrape. There's a tiny vibration in the air circulation unit, I never noticed it until now. Sounds like someone has neglected the maintenance schedule for the impeller. T'Lissa just kicked the leg of her chair, and you moved your arm, I heard the cloth of your blouse rustle. At least two people have just walked past in the hall. I heard them talking. Now T'Lissa has just placed her stick."

Anna opened her eyes to find T'Hosh watching her with a bemused expression. "I was unaware that Human senses were so acute. Your colleagues seldom seem able to hear so well. Is it because you have had time to become acclimated?"

"Partly," Anna said, "but that's not the main reason. Under Earth conditions most Humans, unless their hearing has been damaged, are capable of hearing a whisper two hundred paces away."

"Indeed?" T'Hosh permitted her surprise to show openly.

"Yeah," Anna said. "Some of us can actually hear all the way down to Brownian movement. And we can see literally for hundreds of kilometers. Our sense of smell is much more sensitive than a non-Human would conclude, given how little attention we pay to it. At least, when we are inside and in a city. Plus, our tactile sense is capable of detecting extremely slight changes in ambient air pressure, minor variations in moisture, variations in nearby electromagnetic fields, miniscule changes in gravity, the slightest amount of physical movement and several other environmental factors."

"Impressive." T'Hosh sat back looking thoughtful, until T'Lissa impatiently reminded her that it was her turn to move. After placing a stick she returned to the conversation and asked, "So the subdivisions in the Human mind relate to your sensory processing?"

"Mainly," Anna said. "Or that's what I think. There are other theories that offer other explanations. But I figure it this way. You can consider the conscious mind as a combination of user interface and sensory filter. It exists for the purpose of focusing exclusively on things that are important to immediate survival. All of the sounds I told you about were coming into my mind all along. But my conscious mind didn't become aware of them until I deliberately focused on them. The data was coming in through my senses and going straight to my subconscious mind, which grabbed the input and processed it in the lower part of my brain. Meanwhile, my conscious mind was dealing with the more immediate issue of watching T'Lissa and talking to you and trying to keep Bill from shooting anyone."

"Then what purpose is served by detecting the additional information?" T'Hosh asked. "Evolution tends not to conserve characteristics that do not promote survival."

"The information was there if I needed it," Anna told her. "And if the subconscious mind had detected something that it thought meant danger, it would have sent a surge of fear through me. I would have taken a jolt of adrenaline and instantly started searching for the threat."

"Why would your conscious mind not have already been aware of the threat?" T'Hosh asked. T'Lissa poked a stick and the pile collapsed, to the child's obvious consternation. "That result is one of the inherent dangers of the el'niharen strategy, T'Lissa. Let us try again." She reset the game.

"The conscious Human mind is not very intelligent," Anna said. "All Human creativity, in fact most of our processing power generally, is locked up in the subconscious. The conscious mind merely keeps track of what's important for immediate survival."

T'Hosh considered for a moment. "I do not understand why the conscious mind does not simply work with the rest of your brain to process the information. If the information is actually needed, would it not be more efficient?"

Anna twisted the corner of her mouth. "Earth is a busy place. If we tried to process everything then and there, we'd be so preoccupied that we wouldn't have time to react when the predator charges, or the snake strikes, or the venomous arthropod crawls onto us, or a double handful of other things try to kill us at the same time. Not to speak of the storms, or the wildfires, or the earthquakes, or the mudslides, or the flash floods, or the other Humans. On Earth, you have to stay ready to jump fast, and jump in the right direction, with almost no warning. At least under the conditions that our ancestors evolved in."

"Understood," T'Hosh said. She placed a stick and said, "Perhaps this is reason Humans adapt so quickly to new colonies."

"Probably," Anna said. T'Lissa looked up quickly.

"Ma-mehk said we're gonna move to a colony where it isn't so heavy for Sa-da and his feet won't hurt all the time."

"That's another factor to consider," Anna said seriously. "Humans can't live long term under Vulcan gravity. If you marry my brother, you would have to emigrate."

"That would not be an issue," T'Hosh said serenely. "Our ship only returned under the press of inescapable necessity. I would have no objection to living on Earth, if I would be accepted there. I understand that some areas where Humans reside are quite pleasant."

"I honestly don't know about that," Anna looked sad. "Vulcans are not popular on earth right now. But as the wife of a Human, especially if it got to the point where it was safe for you to openly admit to being the mother of a Human's child, you would be more acceptable than other Vulcans. Except T'Pol of course. She will always be the exception."

T'Hosh inclined her head. "You were about to present an illustration of the interaction between the conscious and subconscious Human minds?"

Anna paused. "Only a Vulcan could recite a sentence like that so smoothly and casually." T'Hosh raised an eyebrow.

Anna considered for a moment. "Let me give an example. There are a lot of open grasslands on Earth. Specifics vary, depending on latitude, altitude, and continent. But essentially they all consist of a godawful ocean of grass as far as the eye can see, with an occasional tree or bush sprouting up along the wet spots. There are all kinds of animals living in places like that. But the ones Human mainly pay attention to are the big herbivores that graze on the endless plant life. And the big carnivores that prey on the herbivores. And on Humans."

"I deduce that this mental subdivision assists you in hunting and/or evading predators," T'Hosh said. "Which is it?"

"Both," Anna said. "The big grazing animals move together in herds across the landscape, eating grass as they travel from water source to water source. Sometimes they migrate with the seasons, again depending on location. The predators follow the herds wherever they go, picking off the old, the very young, and the cripples."

"Logical," T'Hosh said. "It sounds typical for class M worlds."

"It is," Anna said. "My earliest ancestors did the same thing, following the herds and competing with the big predators. Keep in mind that most of these herbivores can run like lightning. They are literally born able to run. The few that can't run fast are lethal."

Anna looked at T'Hosh as if waiting for a reply, so she said, "Acknowledged."

"Predators on the grasslands are experts at camouflage," Anna said. "The only cover available is usually the tall grass itself. They need to get close before they can attack, or the prey will take off running. So predator color and markings match the vegetation. When they sink down in the grass they are effectively invisible. Almost everything on Earth has a keen nose and sharp ears. So predators hunt upwind by instinct."

"I begin to perceive," T'Hosh mused. "Your minds are constantly monitoring your surroundings for potential attack."

"That's part of it," Anna said. "It's true, we're doing that. But there's also a more proactive component to it. For instance, when the wind blows across the grasslands it causes the grass tops to ripple. Much like waves on the surface of water. The shape of the ripples are effected by the underlying terrain. Minor variations in the ripple patterns can be caused by dips in the ground, ditches, mounds, or things like rocks and logs."

"Or by the body of a predator," T'Hosh guessed.

"Exactly," Anna said. "But consider how subtle the clues can be. A hundred paces away, across a plain of moving vegetation, one area of grass might be moving in the wind to a slightly different pattern. Obviously something is on the ground there. Is it a crouching predator? Is it a log? Or a rock? Or just a fold in the land? You can't dodge every minor variation in the landscape. After all, the ground is irregular everywhere."

"So how do you distinguish?" T'Hosh asked.

"We look for changes and variations," Anna said. "To do that, we have to be aware of the larger environment at all times. Not just that one tiny area. We spread out our perception and let our senses pick up all the data coming in from every direction. Sounds, scents, and the entire waving pattern across the whole field of view. Does anything sound unusual? Are there any smells that don't belong? Blood, predator feces, decay, or even the smell of newly opened ground? Are there any other areas where that ripple pattern is repeated? Multiple areas might indicate the presence of a hunting pack. Then we wait to see if that minor variation moves, or if it remains stationary. All of this comes in at once, meanwhile the conscious mind is busy looking around for specific details like tracks or broken plants."

"And this continues constantly?" T'Hosh considered. "I begin to understand why Humans require so much sleep."

"Sa-da don't sleep enough," T'Lissa said. "It's your turn, T'Hosh. Ma-mehk says Sa-da don't sleep nearly enough and she wants him to not work as much n'cause it's not healthy."

"She's right," Anna said. "Your dad never did sleep enough. I'll try to harass him more about it."

Anna looked at T'Hosh. "The subconscious continues monitoring things while we sleep," she said. "Things change too fast and too often back home to ever completely relax. Everything I said holds true for other environments, too. Like in a forest. We soon get attuned to the sounds of birds, and the rustle of leaves in the wind. Any sudden change in the background sounds will get our attention."

"Fascinating." T'Hosh considered. "Many of the Humans at the factory tend to react badly to frequent changes. I take it that the same process you describe occurs with the Humans working there?"

"Yeah," Anna said. "Our subconscious is constantly aware of everything going on around us, while our conscious mind is trying to focus on the job in front of us at the same time. Repeated alterations in our environment make us irritable. It's especially noticeable in Humans like me and the others from Enterprise. It's not nearly as bad as it was when we first came back. But part of us will always remember. So we keep soft music playing in the area where Humans work. It helps to provide a distracting background, and soothes the nerves. We really like to keep things calm and predictable whenever possible."

"This is useful information," T'Hosh said. "It clarifies several aspects of Human behavior that have puzzled me."

"Favorably or unfavorably?" Anna stood up and stretched.

"Not unfavorably," T'Hosh said. "I will be interested in meeting your brother, if he is agreeable to the suggestion."

The intercom buzzed.

"Commander. Captain and Mrs. Tucker are waking up. A trainee just brought a note that they are going to want to see Miss T'Lissa."

"Ma-mehk! Sa-da!" The little one leaped from her chair and dashed for the door.

#

Trip's hand flashed up and caught the healer's arm before he could deliver another smack to T'Pol's face. "Enough. I got this." The young man stepped back without argument and Trip turned to the figure beside him.

"Hey." He reached out and laid a hand on his wife's cheek. "C'mon sleepyhead. Rise and shine." Her eyes flickered open and stared at him. "Time to get up, hon."

Her eyebrows pulled together in puzzlement for a second, then flew up as her eyes widened. T'Pol shot to a sitting position. "Where is my baby!?"

"Your son is safe and healthy, krei." Jul stepped forward. "It was necessary to perform a surgical birth while you were unconscious, but there were no complications. He is currently being tended in the neonatal ward by members of our clan. He has also received frequent visits from his sister and his… godmother."

T'Pol unwound a fraction. "How is T'Lissa coping?"

"Surprisingly well," Jul said. "Kerlek has been monitoring her." Her expression changed slightly, although only someone intimately familiar with Vulcans could have detected it. "Both the Human and Andorian embassies have insisted on providing security for your family, in addition to the clan members assigned by the Eldest Mother. As Kerlek is not a member of our clan, it is unfortunate that he has been subjected to unwarranted scrutiny. However he has accepted it with patience."

"I'll talk to some people," Trip swung his legs off the side of the bed. "But I can't gripe because they were worried about us. There won't be any more problems about that, don't worry. Er, I mean, you can be certain the issue will be dealt with."

"Excellent," Jul said. "Now. Both of you will please remain immobile while you are scanned." They both held back their impatience as long as possible while the team went over them with microscopes and tweezers.

Finally Trip said, "I gotta see that my children are safe and deal with family security issues. I'll come back and be a biology experiment later, folks." He hopped off the bed and T'Pol made haste to follow. They stepped into the hallway and encountered a medium sized crowd waiting.

"Sa-da! Ma-Mehk!" A hurtling torpedo launched herself and got scooped up in midflight by her grinning father. An orderly hurried over with a powered chair for T'Pol, who hesitated only an instant before gratefully sinking into it. "Sa-da we went to see Malcolm n' he was all sad n'cause he didn't know where nobody was n' he was lonesome but he was glad to see me n' Anna n' we held him and he was happy but he was still wanting to see you n' Ma-mehk n' I'm glad you feel better Ma-mehk I was worried n'cause you fell down and I couldn't wake you up n' I was scared n' now everybody's ok and we can all go home!"

"Not quite yet, T'Lissa," Jul followed them through the doorway. "You mother and father need to remain here with your brother for another three days of observation to make sure that they are fully recovered. However, you can be with them frequently now. As can your brother."

T'Lissa grabbed Trip in a neck hug and tried her best to choke off his air, with fair success. He finally wheezed his way loose and deposited her on T'Pol's lap, whereupon the little one repeated the process with her maternal parent. Trip turned to face the other adults in the hallway, where Anna and two more young women stood looking relieved, amongst a motley army of security from Vulcan, Earth, and Andoria.

"Are you all right, Anna?" Trip asked. "You look worn out."

"Am I all right?" She looked at him in disbelief. "You dumbass." She gave him a quick hug, followed by an arm slap. "Don't you ever do anything like that again. You hear me?"

"Yes, ma'am. Ow." He winced. "I promise never to hold still and let you smack me again." She laughed and wiped tears of relief.

Trip looked past her. "T'Hosh. Larka. Good to see you both."

"They've been helping," Anna sniffled. "T'Hosh came over to play Kal-Toh with T'Lissa, since I'm certainly no challenge for her. Poor Larka is the one who really deserves a pat on the back. She's been running her feet off down to the ankle bones trying to fetch things back and forth between here and the plant. Besides going after anything and everything T'Lissa or I took a whim for. She deserves a medal for putting up with all of it. Not to speak of applying CPR on you in the cafeteria and hauling you here in her aircar to start with."

Trip walked over and offered his hand. "Thank you, Assistant Attache Larka," he said formally. "I owe you a debt of honor."

She hesitated before taking his hand. "With all respect, captain. You owe me nothing. You are a Hero of the People. It was simply my duty to provide whatever aid was within my power."

"That's a matter of Andorian honor," Trip said. "I'm talking about Human honor. If you expect me to acknowledge your beliefs, you have to acknowledge mine. And by Human standards, I owe you a debt. I won't forget it. If you ever need help, or protection that I can give, or someone you care about needs help or protection that is within my power to grant, say the word. It's yours."

"I… uh… Sir… I…" She floundered while the two Andorian guards stood nearby like statues, carefully wearing no expression at all. The Human MACO grinned, and a pair of Vulcan's wearing Security Directorate uniforms looked supremely disinterested in anything but scanning the hallway in both directions.

"I'd like to make a courtesy call on the ambassador, too," Trip said. "If you think he might have time to see me? No hurry about it. Let me know whenever he gets the time."

Larka blinked and straightened. "I am quite certain that Ambassador Kilruym would be honored to receive a visit from a People's Hero at the time of your convenience, captain. There is no requirement for advance notice. If he has another appointment scheduled, he will cancel it."

"No need for that," Trip waved a hand. "I just wanted to drop in a chat about a few things, that's all. It won't be for a day or two, at least. I'll call him then, when I get the chance. All right?"

"Certainly," she said.

T'Pol said quietly. "For my part, I am grateful for the assistance of everyone who has offered help. For now, however, I confess to lingering fatigue and a desire to visit my son. Followed by a period of meditation. I hope that no one will be offended."

"Offense would be illogical," Jul said firmly, giving everyone a relatively mild glare. "Especially for such an eminently reasonable suggestion. Come with me. I will escort you to your room and then bring Malcolm. Anna, I strongly suggest that you seize this opportunity to return to your home and replenish your reserves. You have not eaten in twenty-one hours, nor slept in eighteen point seven hours, to my certain knowledge."

Trip told her. "Get you butt home, commander. Take a hot soak, eat something, and hit the sack. And take tomorrow off to get some shuteye. That's an order."

Anna grinned. "Aye, aye," she stopped to yawn, "captain. I'll be back to see everyone tomorrow, if I can fight through the crowd. I'm guessing you'll have a mob here now that you're awake."

"Not unless you're ready for one, captain," the MACO said seriously. "You let us know when you're ready for visitors. Until then, nobody will bother you."

"Absolutely not, Captain Tucker," the senior Andorian said. "You may depend on that."

"Sounds good." He smiled at his ladies. "Let's go see our boy."

"C'n I help get him, krei Jul?" T'Lissa bounced to the floor. "I wanna tell him that Ma-mehk and Sa-da are awake."

"That would be agreeable," Jul said. "I am certain that your presence will soothe your brother and expedite the matter." She gave the orderly a numeric location code and everyone headed off in their respective directions, each with their designated flock of armed attendants hovering.

The room had only a single bed, but as the orderly helped T'Pol into it, he explained that a larger bed would be installed later that evening. The young man parked the chair in a corner and cleared out, leaving the pair in privacy for the first time since they woke up.

"Trip." T'Pol turned an anxious look on her husband. "I am concerned by what I sense of your intention. If I am the cause of further strife and pain for you, I will not survive. I am not exaggerating. I do not understand how you can endure my presence as it is. I knew that I had caused you pain, but I never fully understood the depth and intensity of it until now."

"Shush." He leaned over and put two fingers across her lips. "You know better than that. You didn't do anything wrong. Not one thing wrong. We both made mistakes, yeah. But neither of us ever intended to hurt the other one."

"You know what I did." Her voice was empty.

"I know what the alternate T'Pol did," he said. "But she didn't mean to hurt anyone. She was crazy from grieving, and scared, and running like a wounded animal. She never wanted to hurt the alternate Trip. She just didn't understand. That's been us from day one. We didn't understand each other. But we're starting to learn."

"I am frightened." Her voice cracked and she looked away. "I cannot cast out this fear. I have tried many times. From the time we regained T'Lissa, I have carried the terror that you would somehow learn of everything."

"I love you." She cringed and curled into a ball. Trip slipped an arm under her and pulled her back around. "Everything you did, you did because you were trying to either keep from hurting someone, or save someone from getting hurt, or make up for what you thought you had done to cause harm to someone else. Or else you were just hurting so bad yourself that you couldn't think straight. Never once, not one time, did you ever set out with the intention of causing pain for anyone else."

She started crying silently. Deep, wracking sobs that were kept locked tight inside her chest and never made it out her throat. Trip groaned and hugged her. "Darling. You and the kids are my life. Seeing what happened through your eyes makes it all clear now. If things had been the way you expected them to be, if we hadn't both been making assumptions about each other that didn't fit the facts, everything would have been fine all along. Stop beating yourself up."

"How can I not?" She gasped. "Daniels will know that I have revealed this to you. He said it did not matter to him if we were married, as long as T'Lissa lived and you designed Earth's new ships. He will go back and undo our years together. He will destroy us. He will make our marriage to never have been, and I would far rather die!"

"I won't say a word," Trip promised. "Besides, at this point there isn't much to reveal anymore. We already know the war is coming. Everyone does. And Daniels told us we're gonna win it. The rest is just details. But I won't say anything."

"Will you let this pass, husband? I beg you. Please." She wiped her eyes. "If you kill him all we have will be taken from us."

His face became very calm. "It's going to be all right, wife. Since the day we moved to Vulcan, we have lived under the customs of your people. Have we not?"

"Yes." She took a deep breath. "Revenge is not the Vulcan way. Not anymore."

"This isn't about revenge," Trip said. "But it's not your purview, wife. This is a threat to the safety and security of my family. This falls under my authority. Does it not?"

"Trip."

"Does it not?"

She looked down. "What are you going to do?"

"You don't need to know anything at all about this, wife." Trip kissed her temple and let her lay back down. "All you need to concern yourself with is the family. Heal. Rest. Enjoy the children. Plan out how you are going to aggravate me into eating properly and getting more sleep. Stockpile earplugs just in case Malcolm has a set of lungs like his sister. I will take care of external threats. This is the Vulcan way, and I am your husband. Right now, you have time to get in some brief meditation until the kids get here."

He stepped into the hallway and leaned against the wall beside the door, crossing his arms. Trip lowered his head and brooded. Fortunately, the Andorian guard on duty was not familiar with Human body language or physiology. He didn't know enough to get nervous when Trip's pupils contracted to pinpoints, leaving his eyes looking like twin chips of polar sea ice.

#

"Be welcome, captain." Kilruym offered his hand in the Human fashion. "I offer the best wishes of the Andorian people for your wife's swift recovery, and the strong health of your children."

"Thanks," Trip told him, taking the hand. "And thank you for seeing me, ambassador."

Kilruym smiled. "Captain Tucker. It is an honor and a privilege to welcome a Hero of the Andorian people to this embassy. You are more than welcome to come here at any time. To visit, to make use of our facilities, or to reside here if you wish." He gestured toward the most comfortable chair in his office. "Please, sit. I understand you enjoy coffee? Unless you would prefer ale?"

"Coffee's fine, thanks." Trip sank into the chair and looked around. "I should have come here before this. Things have been hectic with the project, but that's no excuse. This is a nice place to work. Simple layout, with everything handy. I like that."

Kilruym looked pleased. "I suppose it is a remnant of my time with the Guard," he remarked, setting a cup of steaming coffee next to Trip. The ambassador settled himself into the chair directly across from his guest and took a sip of ale. "I am not surprised a veteran like yourself would appreciate the value of efficiency."

Trip's lips twitched and he nodded. "There's no room for frills on a ship, is there? And no time for wasted motion. Seems like there was always some kind of emergency going on. Either the ship needed fixing, or somebody was shooting at us and the captain was screaming for more power than the engines were designed to put out. After which, the ship needed fixing again. Didn't have time to waste looking for things."

He picked up the coffee and took a sip. Kona. Tasted like the real thing, too.

Kilruym chuckled. "Some things are universal," he noted. "There is nothing like operating under emergency to teach a person the value of order and procedure."

"Yeah." Trip fell silent and looked down. Kilruym watched him carefully for a time. Finally he ventured a careful remark.

"Assistant Attache Larka told me that you wished to discuss something, Captain Tucker. Let me assure you that this room is completely sealed and secure. Nothing said here will reach ears that you do not authorize. I give you my oath on that." Kilruym waited.

Trip leaned back and stared at the ceiling. It was dark grey and mottled, like the cloud cover over a snowy wasteland. As he watched, the clouds drifted and shifted. He hadn't noticed before. A hologram projection, but high enough to be out of the main line of sight unless you looked up. Not a bad idea, really. Replicate the natural sky indoors. Andorians were like that. Subtle in their use of technology. Careful people. Not much got past them either. Look at P'Jem. And that planet where Shran had jumped in to help rescue T'Pol and the captain. He lowered his eyes to look at Kilruym. He probably already knew most of it anyway. Shit, their High Command most likely knew.

"While we're on the subject of Larka," Trip said. "I want to commend her. My second, Commander Hess, tells me that Larka was a tremendous help to her and to my daughter while T'Pol and I were down. According to Anna, Larka went above and beyond the call of duty on several occasions to make sure that T'Lissa had everything she could possibly need. You've got a fine young woman there."

Kilruym smiled and inclined his head while his antennae curled in acknowledgment. "I am pleased to hear that Assistant Attache Larka served with distinction. I will make a note in her record that she earned your particular approval."

There was a brief period of silence. "You know all about what happened at my house," Trip said bluntly. "The details of the attack."

"Yes." No part of the Andorian moved. Not even his antennae.

"I know a little bit about Andorian telepathy," Trip said. He leaned back and closed his eyes. "At least, I know that some of your people are powerful telepaths. Humans aren't very impressive that way. We just barely have enough ability to qualify as telepathic at all. And we don't have any shields. None. So when Tolaris mind-raped my wife, it flashed across our bond and hit me full force."

Kilruym's hands tightened into fists on the arms of his chair. "Captain. If there is anything we can do, or offer, to mitigate this..."

"Thanks." Trip smiled wanly. "But T'Pol's clan has some good mind healers with a fair background in telepathic damage. A lot of them were operating in secret when V'Las was in power. But they kept the old knowledge alive. We're getting help. But I appreciate the offer. One thing about it though." His face tightened. "I picked up a lot of information from his mind."

Kilruym tensed. He leaned forward the slightest bit.

"How much do you know about my wife's first husband, Koss?" Trip looked at a distant corner of the room.

Kilruym spoke with delicate precision. "Our reports indicate that there has been prior friction between you." Trip choked out a bitter laugh. The Andorian continued, "Your revelation of his family's dishonor provoked his uncle into direct action against you. We do not have confirmed proof of his precise activity, but he was convicted of criminal behavior. As a result, you were awarded 15% of his holdings - holdings that would otherwise have been inherited by his nephew and grandsons." He paused, "There are unsubstantiated rumors of interference with your Kahs Wahn test, but we have no supporting evidence of this," he finished tactfully.

Trip chewed the inside of his cheek. "Yeah. Speaking to someone else, or interacting with anyone else during the Kahs Wahn would invalidate the test. Doesn't matter why." He looked rueful.

"Indeed." Kilruym twisted his antennae in agreement. He kept his gaze locked on the Human.

Trip rubbed his eyes. "Evidence obtained during a mind meld is not admissible in court on Vulcan. I can't prove that Koss sent Tolaris after my wife." The ambassador straightened and stiffened. His face darkened to near cobalt and both antennae drew back to his scalp.

"That..." Kilruym locked his teeth. "I see." He breathed through his nostrils.

Trip met his eyes. "Without proof, there's nothing I can legally do. I can't move against him directly. Even if I nailed the sonuvabitch, it would do more harm than good. It would shame my wife and children on Vulcan for the rest of their lives." Kilruym nodded sadly. "Plus, it would derail the warp project for who knows how long. The whole agreement about the shipyards would have to be renegotiated. My people can't afford that." Trip stopped and gritted his teeth. "This project is important to my people. I'm sure you know why. If you don't, Commodore Shran does. He was with us. He saw the same things I saw. The chronometer is moving, and I'm afraid we don't have enough time as it is."

"I understand completely, Captain Tucker." Kilruym said flatly and coldly. "I am honored that you saw fit to confide in me."

Trip clasped his hands around his coffee cup and bowed his head over it. "I would give. There's no tellin' what I would give, if I could just get my hands on him for five minutes. But I can't, and it's killin' me."

Kilruym's face changed. He leaned forward and put a sympathetic hand on Trip's shoulder. "An honorable man always puts duty ahead of self. There is not a warrior in the galaxy who would not burn with the need to avenge this outrage with his own hands. But an honorable warrior puts the needs of his blood before his desires. Have faith, Captain Tucker. Justice will come."

Trip looked up. "I never understood why you folks think you owe me anything. But if you can help me figure some way out of this, I'll be the one owing you."

Kilruym smiled and twisted his antennae in polite amusement. "You do not understand, Captain Tucker. You stopped a war that would have cost millions of lives. You were willing to sacrifice your life, your name, your career."

"I couldn't just sit there and let V'Las get away with it," Trip mumbled.

Kilruym stopped to look at Trip, who blinked and looked away. He continued more softly, "You had nothing to gain and everything to lose. But you did it because honor demanded it. More, you risked the lives of your crew. You willingly took upon yourself the responsibility for their lives and honor. All for the sake of saving those millions of Andorian lives. And when it came to final battle, you threw your ship and crew directly into the firefight. One ship, against the entire Vulcan fleet."

Trip had nothing to say this time.

He finished. "Every Andorian who might have died in that war owes you their life, Captain Tucker. Every parent of every child who did not die in a Vulcan firestorm owes you their child's life. A debt like that does not get paid in a single lifetime, no matter what you might ask of us."

Trip blew out his breath and sat back. "I still don't think you owe me anything, but I won't argue." He finished the coffee and stood up. "I better get back to the hospital. I like to be there when they bring my son in for feeding." He paused. "If you don't mind, unless my wife specifically asks about it, I would prefer that no one from the embassy discusses this conversation with her. It's not something she needs to be worrying about."

"Of course." The ambassador escorted him through the reception area to the front door. "Set your mind at rest, captain. I am confident that all will be well. In this universe the dishonorable tend to self-destruct."

As soon as Tucker was gone Kilruym headed for his secretary's desk and spoke with soft viciousness. "Get Larka up here. Instantly. And Tegrath as well."

TBC