A/N This brief visit to Vulcan continues to solidify the bond between Sarek and Spock. As usual, no profit, or thief- only new characters are mine. No beta involved.

Chapter Thirty Two

Klee-et-Get Ready to Fight

When You Wish Upon A Star

The day that the Vulcan passengers boarded, Sarek's familial bond sparkled, the message from Spock simply said, "Your enemies are aboard my ship." Sarek knew immediately who was being referred to. He had been advised that Sla'nus and S'weed would be returning to Vulcan.

The message received served as a source of satisfaction for Sarek. It was an indication of the complete reconciliation that he had with his son. The light of his bond shone brightly. Sarek confessed that the conduit for such an event had been his daughter, Nyota. At that point he felt his son's anger toward Sa'nas, which had been triggered by his misrepresentation of her character and their relationship. It was a foreign feeling of rage, but it resonated within him and was used to fuel a creative spark. He would find the solution, but it had to find its basis in Surek's thoughts, 'as far as possible, do no harm'. So while a klee-et (get ready to fight) would be called, he would depend on a Terran way of thought called a 'bluff' to comply with Surek's edict.

Instilling terror in an opponent had been used in battles for centuries. As evidence of this mind set we have such activity as the painting of faces, war cries and the display of weapons. Sarek's first line of terror would be his dress, and the common knowledge about his martial arts skills. In the practice of K'a'sum'i the only garment worn on the upper body was one black glove on the right hand. There were just four masters of that art on Vulcan and he was one of them and the most proficient.

The rules were very simple. The one issuing the challenge would announce the reason for the call to combat, and allow the challenged one to deny or accept the charges and then accept or deny the challenge. The overseerer of the combat was called "The Preserver of Life'. The title fit because only he was allowed to intervene if life was threatened. If the only thing happening was a sound beating, no action was taken. Although such challenges were allowed, they were rare. In this time, the art of diplomacy was almost inbred in Vulcans as a people. But lies and slander were viewed as serious offenses against the peace and harmony of Vulcan. So Sarek's charges would peak the interest of even persons who might not agree with his politics.

The family honor was involved, so clan members were encouraged to attend.

Sarek sat in his office with the express purpose of composing the challenge invitation. It was while he was deep in thought that there was a slight rap on the door and he said, "Enter".

He knew it was Amanda and as she opened the door she first put her arm into the office. In her hand was a basket filled with food. She then presented a 'neatly turn' ankle and finally her head, turned sideways with her curls bouncing.

Shaking his head in feigned disbelief, he said, "Wife attend."

She entered and placed the basket on his desk and then came behind the desk and sat on his lap. Sarek did so like desert before his meal, so he commanded, 'security lock.'

Amanda was still in the office when he continued working on the invitation. Amanda did not have to ask, the link had answered her questions. But, she sent, 'Have you figured out the most intimidating style?'

"No"

Getting up from her seat she came back to the desk. Looked at his almost complete work and added at the bottom a small sketch of a black, gloved hand. The perfect touch.

Your presence is demanded at

The

Place of Combat

As one challenged

In a

Matter of Family honor

Called by

S'chn T'gai Sarek

Star Date

2252.0112

Time

First Light

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Back on the Tiberius Spock had to admit it had been similar to a weight being lifted off of his shoulders when the Vulcan delegation beamed down to the Vulcan surface. Captain Pike allowed Spock special shore leave-twenty-four hours. The coordinates were set and after beam down he immediately made his way to his parent's home.

His approach to the house allowed him to think of some experiences of his youth. His brother Sybok hanging by his knees from that tree. His remebrance of his exploration of the duct work that was paramount to the smooth operation of the heating and cooling elements of a Vulcan house. He viewed the vast desert plains where he had experienced his kahs'wan. The wind carried the sound of voices, and then a feminine laugh. They were both at home, probably in the garden.

Vulcan doors were never locked, so his entrance was unobstructed, he stood just outside the entrance to the garden and opened the familial link. His instruction was simply, "Mother, turn."

Well he was fed, caressed, hugged, stroked, petted, by of course, his mother. He realized that his father was aware of Sla'nus and S'weed's return to Vulcan. Spock was then advised of Sa'nas' presence on the planet.

Sarek stated that since there was an interconnection-Sla'nus and S'weed's against Sarek, Sa'nas would also be against Spock, although the latter's reasoning was not clear. Those three males were members of the same clan. It would make more sense to challenge the younger with the focus of the family honor being what had to be addressed. Sa'nas had sullied the reputation of his 'daughter' Nyota, and should be made to answer for it. Any differences between Sarek and the two ministers would have to be taken to the council members.

This could never have been Spock's fight-the family head fights for the clan and family's honor. This would be a totally unbalanced conflict, in Sarek's favor of course. Besides Suus Mahna, Sarek was a master of five other Vulcan martial arts. Very few of the martial arts presently practiced were aggressive. But K'a'sum'i (deadly techniques) and V'shan (study of pressure points/nervous system with a view to bring unconsciousness) were areas of his proficiency. He also was a master of Navorkot, which practically guaranteed a combatant's success by the avoidance of injury. The discipline involved jumps and/or rolls to avoid contact, as one anticipated the other combatant's movements.

As the end of his shore leave drew near Amanda was seated next to Spock in their spacious gathering room as she elbowed her son, Amanda asked "Were you surprised?"

Spock eyebrow rose and there was a tinge of green on his ears and cheeks as he answered, "Yes mother, pleasantly so."

"That is all I wanted to hear."

A few minutes later he left to initiate the beam up point. His parents stood at the doorway and watched him as he was swallowed up by the swirling lights.

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