Chapter Thirty six
All of Vulcan in One Place
When You Wish Upon A Star
Before he went anywhere, Sarek would have to speak to his mother. On Tuesday she favored a 'high tea' at her residence. It was the one time in a week, that he knew for a certainty she would be at home. He would plan to visit her on that day.
From the time of his adoption, T'Pau had viewed Benjamin as a member of the clan, almost a son. His years on Vulcan had in some way modified his thinking patterns. He had learned various schools of meditation, became a master of suus mahna and yet he was human. He was one of the few who stood a chance at besting Sarek at chess. The fact that he was not Vulcan, but could think, fight, compete and learn like a Vulcan baffled Sarek. But that did not stop him from claiming him as his friend, his they'll (soul mate) and at times his confidant. As a matter of fact, when Sarek first discovered he was drawn to Amanda, the first person he discussed the matter with was Benjamin.
The idea of their progeny bonding was a welcome thought. Sarek imagined the eventual passing on of his Ambassadorship to his son who would also have a Terran mate. The two most powerful members of the Federation would be joined politically and in Sarek and Spock case, physically by reason of their Terran mates. That spoke of stability to Sarek.
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The invitees to T'Pau's 'high tea' varied, she included the wives of various council members, and even the mates of working class Vulcans and young Vulcan females, because it would be these youths that she would eventually allow to perform this ceremony, to pass it on to perpetuity.
All were seated in a semi-circle in front of T'Pau who was on a slightly raised platform that allowed all to witness her movements. For the most part the ceremony was silent. All the tea cups were on trays, there were two tea pots, one contained scaling water, the other the tea leaves.
T'Pau turned the pot that contained the tea so that its handled faced the right, the one with hot water's handle to the left. Placing her joined palms above her head she then lowered them to her chest and whispered, "Au Terai tor ferik-tor wuh'" (Join together to create one) With that she would pour the hot water in the tea pot.
The wait for the tea to brew was also silent, and quite a few minutes long. Once the time had passed, the tea was poured and a young woman, previously assigned served the tea. The brew was never drank quickly, it was sipped, and allowed to stay in the mouth to savor the taste and aroma. Even though the cups were small, following that protocol, it still took quite a while to finish the tea.
Another young girl, who was also assigned at the time of the last tea, collected the cups on the trays and after bowing placed them before T'Pau. The entire group remained silent for a while and then said in unison, "Etwet ki' kah'ru nahr t' tei tranush" (We have learned (the) discipline of tea, patience)
Sarek stood in the anteroom at his mother's residence. She had already dismissed the women who had joined her for her high tea. Sarek was always anxious when he approached his mother on matters of state.
She had been described as 'all of Vulcan in one place.' Wise not only because of her years of life, but also because of her years of exposure and experience. First, at her father's side, then at her husband's, Skon, the son of Solkar who was the Vulcan who initiated "First Contact" and later became Vulcan first ambassador to Terra.
She had served for years at Sarek's father's side and now was Principle Minister of the High Council. Her voice ruled, and her intense gaze paralyzed. Such was the power of T'Pau.
As she entered, her formal robes fluttered around her purposeful stride she extended her right hand, "My son, welcome."
Sarek bowed his head in reverence and touched the extended hand with his forehead.
"Mother, my visit was unscheduled so I welcome your acceptance."
Turning she simply said, "Attend."
Her powerful son, followed her and she stopped at her office door. Turning to face him she said, "Our bond is troubled. You must tell me wherein lies the problem that you are attempting to solve."
"It has to do with the one who is now my lone heir, the son of your son, Spock."
"I have been monitoring his activities. He does honor Vulcan. He was not born or trained for mediocrity."
"Yes, this is true. He has just returned from a two year exploration under Captain Christopher Pike. It is because of his separation from Terra that we have met an impasse to his further development. He has met his K'dawa, a Terran female. In fact, the daughter of Benjamin Uhura, of our clan.
Their relationship has survived a two year separation, they do not wish to be separated again and desire to be bound. The problem is with a certain ruling issued by Star Fleet Academy regarding relationships between instructors and students. They have been discreet and moral in all of their dealings. You would be proud of his Vulcan control. The daughter of Benjamin is named Nyota, she has just turned twenty Terran years. She is brilliant and mature.
They have hesitated to bond at such an early age, but after the separation, they have decided that such a bonding and subsequent relations within the walls of our Embassy is beyond the application of any Terran law. I wish your wisdom to shed light on this matter." T'Pau put her forehead on her templed fingers and there was silence.
Finally she spoke, "We will leave for Terra. I shall guarantee their bonding, for T'Pau shall perform it herself."
Sarek filled his mother on the plan that he and Benjamin has created.
While pacing T'Pau stated,
"I will inform the Council of my absence. The Federation president will be advised of my arrival. I will stay at the Embassy.
I am most concerned that this unfulfilled Vulcan need could accelerate the coming of 'his time.' I must be present to explain all to my new granddaughter. I must explore her mind as soon as possibly. We leave at first light."
Sarek was overwhelmed, he had no idea his mother's concern for Spock ran so deep. It was a very good development. For in reality, who could deny T'Pau anything.
Through their bond, Sarek advised Amanda of the current developments. Her joy was unbounded. Members of the household staff had already packed the necessities, now she would gather articles such as formal robes, and slippers, plus a gift she had for Nyota.
As T'Pau had stated, they left at first light.
When the official Vulcan craft touched down, there was an honor guard in place. The Federation president was at the head of the receiving line. He bowed low to T'Pau who extended her gloved hand. He touched it with his forehead. She simply said, "Vulcan Embassy tomorrow at 0900 hours." He bowed and said, "Of course, Lady T'Pau" and with head still bowed, walked backward to the rest of the receiving line.
The Embassy vehicle was already parked, ready to transport passengers and luggage. Speaking well of Vulcan efficiency, all within five minutes of arrival, the vehicle was loaded and was on route to the comforts of the Embassy.
T'Pau was settled in her special apartment. She was advised that 'last meal' would be served at seventeen hundred hours. She retired to meditate.
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Sarek and Amanda were at the front door to greet the Uhuras as they exited their vehicle. Benjamin was an imposing figure, taller than Sarek by a few half a head with a long braid down his back. He was wearing the Wakafunzi clan's unique dress. Amanda swallowed up M'umba with her hugs, and the two females departed, arm in arm, chatting and patting each other like persons attempting to verify a reality. The Embassy staff removed all their luggage and smaller bags and deposited them in their special suite on the guest room side of the Embassy building.
Sarek took Benjamin aside and said, "A most powerful ally is here, T'Pau."
The look on Benjamin's face was priceless. Mother T'Pau rarely left her home planet. The outcome was beginning to look better and better.
The couples separated to freshen up and give time to allow the visitors, to unpack. One of the staff would eventually notified the Uhuras of the waiting meal in the formal dining room.
T'Pau was seated and Benjamin went to her and on bended knee exposed his neck, and placed his forehead on her knees. "M'aih T'Pau amseetrl (Mother T'Pau, your presence honors us.)
This posture of complete surrender, was as ancient as Surak. To expose the neck and back put the person's continued life completely in the hands of the receiver of such submission. Such was the Vulcan Way.
To honor tradition, the meal was eaten in silence. After the meal the women went to the residence, and of course, the men went to play chess.
Benjamin had not advised Nyota of their visit. He was sure the reaction that would be observed would be total shock. Sarek advised all that they expected a visit from Spock and Nyota later that evening and T'Pau took her seat opposite the door of entry, prepared to greet her grandson.
They had been in the lab late and it was only at Sarek's insistence that they made their visit so late in the day. The security guard announced their presence and Nyota preceded Spock into the room. Her eye lit on her mother as soon as she entered and she ran to her and placed her head on her lap and sobbed.
Benjamin placed his hand on her shoulder and she looked up. He addressed his only daughter, "Hello, image of my wife." Yes, in truth, it did not take a close examination to see the resemblance.
Spock had bowed his head to his parents and then took the similar position that Benjamin had taken, but in his case his equal standing with his father allowed him to immediately rise up and seek out his grandmother's fingers.
"Thee has grown tall, son of my son. Turn and allow me examine your person."
Spock complied.
His grandmother voiced her observation,
"You are being prepared for greatness."
Spock acknowledged with a bowed head and then went and guided Nyota to this formidable female, T'Pau of Vulcan.
Mother of my father, may I present to you my intended bondmate, Nyota Uhura, daughter of S'chn T'gai Benjamin Uhura and M'muba Uhura of the Wakafunzi clan, Bantu people of USA. Nyota gracefully dropped to her knees and placed her forehead on T'Pau's knees. Using the back of her hands T'Pau raised Nyota's face so as to look at her. She nodded her head,
"Thy beauty is remarkable my child. Would thee be opposed if I read thy mind?"
Nyota addressed her elder,
"As you state, you may do."
With that T'Pau placed her open palm on Nyota meld points and closed her eyes. As she explored the young woman's mind she made several discoveries. She was brilliant, even by Vulcan standards, she was deeply attached to Spock, or as Terrans would say, she loved him, and she is chaste. Benjamin had tailored her mind for greatness. She will be the perfect Ambassador's wife when the time came.
After the meal all retired to their sleeping quarters. Even Spock and Nyota stayed, he in his quarters, she in her room.
Once T'Pau had returned to her suite she looked about her and decided that this space, redecorated would be her bonding gift to Spock and Nyota. It was set aside and very private. She would simply stay in Spock's rooms if and when she ever returned to Terra after the bonding. Perhaps she would return at the birth of her first great-grand child. No other event should merit her removal from Vulcan.
She would let Amanda know of this latest development. The removal of items from each one of their present sleeping areas should allow for a quick change of furnishing in what would become their honeymoon suite and apartment here at the Embassy.
T'Pau was very satisfied with this arrangement and went to her com to request Amanda's and M'muba's presence, not in her residence, but in Amanda's residence rooms. She wanted this gift to be a surprise for her grandchildren. She did not wish for Nyota to overhear anything.
T'Pau observed Nyota. She was busily engaged in school work.
"My child, I shall return shortly. Then we will continue our talk."