Chapter Thirty three
Pehkau (Stop/Cease)
When You Wish Upon A Star
The place of combat was simply an outdoor area with a dirt field. A raised platform was to one side. The platform gave 'The Preserver of Life' a place to stand and observe. The only other persons with official assignments were the 'Time Masters,' two hooded Vulcan with Kuseks (small bells that are shaken) . They would signal the time increments that could best be described as 'rounds.' Around the perimeter of the cleared area witnesses to the event could stand. This was not ever a long, drawn out event. The master of the art usually made himself manifest within a short period of time and then dispatched his opponent.
There were no cheers, whistle, or even speech-silence prevailed. Each combatant was allowed a 'second'. who aided him to dress or undress as the case might be. Sarek and his assistant, S'ion, entered the combat zone, and then his second assisted in the removal of his robes, under tunic and undershirt. Once disrobed, Sarek stood before all as a very impressive male. His sculptured, muscular torso rippled with obvious strength. He stood at least a head taller than Sa'nus and possessed far greater muscle mass than his opponent. On viewing her husband, Amanda drew her knees together, her thoughts were, 'My husband is wondrous."
His discipline of choice this day was K'a'sum'i (the art of deadly force). The only garment allowed on his upper body was a black glove worn on the right hand. He wore black wide-legged pants and a red sash. His feet were shod with laced leather slippers.
Sarek performed his warm-up techniques, stretches, bends, kicks and was in the midst of them when Sa'nas and his second entered the area. Upon observation of his opponent, there was a shadow of trepidation upon Sa'nas' face. Gone was the cocky curl of his lips. He realized how 'bested' he already was and the 'games' had not even begun.
Sa'nas' family had followed him into the area. Sla'nus and S'weed conspiratorially inclined their heads towards one another. They wanted victory at all cost, even at the sacrifice of Sa'nus, whose eyes had widen when he observed Sarek's dress. Wide-legged pants, a red sash, a black glove. He was a master, a grand master of K'a'sum'i Sa'nus had started to get undressed and it was within that period of time that it dawned on him, that he was simply a pawn, being used by his uncle to work out his personal vendetta. Although he had to admit his speech had triggered this conflict, in reality, this was not his fight, he would refuse to be a 'sacrificial lamb'. If his uncle thought his opponent would have been Spock, perhaps there was a fighting chance, but against Sarek, his loss would be abominable.
In the middle of dressing for combat he stopped, looked toward his uncle and then approached the platform and spoke with the 'referee' who gestured for Sarek to approach. The conversation went this way. It was loud enough to be heard by the audience.
The 'Preserver of Life asked, "Osu Sarek, of the house of Surek, what is your charge against Sa'nas, of the house of S'lonn.
Sarek held up his hands in a gesture usually used to silence a crowd, and said,
"This is a combat of honor, Sa'nas of the house of S'lonn has slandered a member of my family, my adopted daughter, Nyota Uhura, of the USA, clan of Wakifunzi, Bantu people. The slander involved a statement that questioned my daughter's morality, her purity, and her integrity, these charges are false and need to be rescinded and a formal apology presented to my family. Unless there is that compliance, combat should proceed."
Anyone observing Sa'nas would have noticed his agitation.
With that a loud voice was heard, "Nash Nagoya dungi pehkau" (This confrontation will stop). It was Sarek's mother, T'Pau, head council member. Her bearers lowered her chase and she stepped into the arena.
She addressed the two combatants in Standard,
"Are we reduced to the beast we were before. Have the youth of these new generations been trained to disrespect their elders, sully their host's reputation, and question the morality standards of another species and then judge them by our own? No! No! This is unacceptable."
Sarek knew there could be no further discussion on the matter of combat. With that, Minister Sla'nus approached and looked into Sa'nas' face with an expression that could best be interpreted as disgust and then spat into his nephew's face. This action was viewed as illegal within the mores of Vulcan society.
T'Pau witnessed this immoral action taken by Sla'nus. Even his compatriot, S'weed's body had the posture of disbelief. The Council's Chief, T'Pau said, to the hooded Vulcans,
"Penkau Sla'nus"(Arrest Sla'nus). With that he was swept off his feet and touted off.
Sarek then approached Sa'nas and brought his gloved hand up to the young males face and gently removed the spittle. He said to him, Zahai-tor Sarek (Follow me) In the meantime, T'Pau crossed the area to speak to her daughter-in-law, who had the Terran look of pride that at that point T'Pau wished she could mirror.
Through the bond Sarek sent to his son, 'All is resolved. We live in peace.'
Spock nodded. He would get the details later. Today he would send his beloved a message. He still would not reveal the accusation, but he would let her know of his father's and grandmother's wisdom.
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Space to Terra
Star date 2252.0113
Page One of one
Beloved
Through our bond, my father has informed me of the settling of a serious matter that needed resolution.. My grandmother was instrumental in bringing a peaceful end to the conflict . She is formidable. I spent my younger days in total fear of her. Her intense gaze has been known to instill fear into the most powerful of males. When we finally travel together to Vulcan you will meet her.
We are now on our way to Kaless V. It is a Vulcan colony that has contacted the Federation with a report of an outbreak of Karanian Flu. All the crew has been vaccinated against that infection, so we are in no danger. The instructions require delivery of immunization and curative medicines. None of the crew will be exposed because these items will be beamed down. After that we have been instructed to proceed to the Orion system to study an anomaly. Long term sensors indicate it is an energy burst, not a star. If it proves to be a new type of star it should prove to be a break-through study.
Did you attend the end-term ball? Of course, I would have preferred to be there and again dance the waltz with you. If you attended, I hope your time was enjoyable.
With my next message to you I will start counting down the days before we reach Terra. At this time our ETA has not been established, but believe me, upon arrival, I will find you.
Forever,
Your Spockh
Terra to Space
Star date 2252.0114
Page one of one
My beloved Spock
Yes, I did attend the ball. I worked in the kitchen so I was able to see what was going on without having to refuse to dance.
Spock, please take care of yourself. I have started working on a project I believe you will approve of. You will see it when you return.
I spoke to Amanda yesterday, she and Sarek are well and they also talk about your return to Terra. I keep continuing to review my visit to Deep Space Nine and have thanked her profusely. Convey my best wishes to your captain.
Always,
Your Nyota
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Sa'nas followed Sarek down the dusty road, at the end of which stood a house, Sarek's home. Within minutes, of their entry, Sarek's second also entered, along with Amanda. Sarek gathered his clothes, excused himself and requested Sa'nas and S'ion, to remain for something to eat. Through their bond he requested Amanda to prepare a light meal.
The males dined together and Amanda excused herself and retired to their bed chamber. She already knew exactly what her diplomatic husband would do. When Sa'nas left their home this evening, he would be Sarek's friend and loyal ally.
Sarek's first question to Sa'nas was,
"While you were at the Embassy, did you enjoy your work?"
"Yes Osu Sarek."
Taking a paternal stance Sarek continued, "My son, why would you jeopardize that position by antagonistic speech directed at my son?"
Sa'nas looked down, a green tinge was seen on his cheeks and ears as he stated, "It was quite illogical. The female in question, your daughter, is an extremely aesthetically pleasing female Terran.. Your son's presence and association with her, in essence, was objectionable to me. I would have completed any challenge for her attention. My base accusations were really spoken because I wished to indicate that she was not worthy of your honorable son and thus I could get what I wanted-her."
By voicing his thoughts, Sa'nas could see how illogical they were. For if such had been voiced to him, under similar circumstances, they would have sparked a protective instinct in him also
Based on the young male's confession, Sarek pursued a pointed line of questioning, by asking, "What about her attracted you? You have been exposed to beautiful Vulcan women?"
Honesty prevailed, "It was the beauty of her skin color Osu Sarek. Never in my life have I seen someone like her. That quality shown even more due to her colorful garments."
"I must let you know Sa'nas, her greatest appeal is not her appearance but her mind, like my son, she will graduate at the top of her class.
"Her father is my dear friend, he lived here on Vulcan for a number of years. He was adopted into our clan and now his daughter is part of our family. Sa'nas, perhaps an assignment to our consulate on her continent will allow you to find another of her same hue that will appeal to you and will be accepting of you. Be honorable in this matter.
"But first my son, look at the person's mind, because beauty can fade but the meeting of the minds will endure."
"Please Osu Sarek, accept my deepest apology for the wrong I visited upon your family. I regret any harm I have done. I realize now that my uncle was using me to do injury to you and your family. I have trusted him implicitly since the death of my father, who was his brother. I do not know what will become of him now that he has publicly disgraced himself, but if it can be arranged, I would like to leave for my new post as soon as possible."
"You may leave tomorrow. May you find Valdena" (The maiden represents love, joy and beauty).
Sa'nas rose from his seat and bowed low before his former enemy.
And as Amanda had predicted, he said, "Osu Sarek, I am your life-long loyal servant."
Amanda came into the room and stood by her husband. Sa'nas approached her and again bowed his head, "Lady Amanda, I envy your son. His parents are loyal to, and supportive of, him."
Addressing the three others in the room he gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Live long and prosper."
In parting Sarek says, "Please do not forget us, contact us through the Embassy. All answered his salute with, Peace and Long Life."
"Thank you."
With that he smartly turned and left the home.
Through their bond Sarek's reflections were, "There was no use allowing all that good training to go to waste. After all, you yourself have said that we are the galaxy's most proficient recyclers."
S'ion now stood to take his leave.
"Honored friend, I will now depart. We are all grateful for today's outcome." Addressing Amanda he looked at her pointedly and said,
"Lady Amanda, I agree with Sa'nas' sentiments." To the two of them, his expression was, "May your rest be productive. Live long and prosper."
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Once they were alone in the house, Sarek carried his wife to their bedroom. While in his arms she played with his hair, and said,
"My diplomat husband, I knew you would have him 'eating out of your hand.'
With a raised eyebrow Sarek said, "That would be highly illogical and un-Vulcan. No wife, he used the plates and utensils you provided."
Seeing her look that spoke the words, "Wrong!"
"Oh, a Terran expression. Wife, you must explain it to me after we take care of more important matters."
She was kissing his ears as she said, "I wonder what that could be?"
Those words started the purr and with a voice barely above a whisper he said, "Wife, shortly there will be no question in your mind."
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