Sarek and Amanda

Chapter 5

"They did what?"

Amanda winced and watched as Professor Templeton's face gradually turned from white, to pink…to red…and then a strange shade of purple. She was positive that if humans could emit steam from their ears he would have been doing it at this moment.

Instead, she sighed and reclined back in the chair closing her eyes. Slowly her hands moved to her temples and began to massage the pulse points.

"I know, John. It was a mess…a debacle. I never should have gone. I mean, I knew the Vulcans may not be pleased with the paper I published years ago, but I certainly didn't think they would go through all that trouble to invite me only to attempt to embarrass me. It's illogical, as they like to say."

Templeton peered at her from his seat across the desk.

"Amanda, are you sure? I mean, that's not really a Vulcan thing to do. What was the tone of his voice? The inflection- anything? And, who gave them the 'intellectual supremacy' card in the universe? It's only a thesis, for gods-sake. Seriously, I just can't believe a Vulcan, of all species, would do such a thing."

Me either, Amanda thought. But clearly, it had happened. It was a good thing she wasn't a person who was easily discouraged, especially when she felt she was a hundred- percent correct in her assumptions. But now, there was another problem.

She had accepted the invitation to the conference with the hopes that at least a member of the Vulcan delegation would allow her to work with them for her research. That was certainly not an option now.

In fact, although she had received much acclaim for her first paper…the chief criticism of it that tented to haunt her was the fact that she had absolutely no direct sources of observation. Most of the information she had garnered was secondary- and there was good reason for that.

Vulcans were a notoriously closed society, and very private people. Although they were willing to trade information in the sciences and technology…a cultural exchange had yet to fully take place.

Sure, there were the basics- physiologies, early historical development and other such elementary things, but…as far as who they were as a people… not much.

Amanda exhaled again and sat back up in her chair, resigning herself to the inevitable. Though a direct-source would have meant the world…after the bungle at the conference, she'd simply have to settle for secondary sources. Disappointing, yes. Very.

John was still muttering under his breath as she looked at him again and leaned forward, folding her hands and placing them on his desk.

"Hey John, let's change the subject. What did you have in mind for the students' finals?"

They began to discuss the upcoming final exam week and Amanda focused on the current task at hand: her students.

But in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but wonder about the tall, dark Vulcan with the brooding eyes…and she wanted to know more- because passivity was certainly NOT a trait he possessed.

Different. Just like the Director of the Vulcan Embassy had been, even through her challenger had been, in the human vernacular, a complete asshole, a part of her was curious about him

Despite her now-subsiding anger and mortification, she wanted to talk to them both. But she'd blown that opportunity. And the goal was almost an impossibility.

II

Weeks later, Sarek found himself once again in a familiar setting.

The room was dark. The heavy curtains were pulled shut, letting only a glimmer of light through. Twelve men sat around the dark oval table. At the head sat Earth's president. Sarek knew humans tended to choose this type of seating arrangement. Strength in numbers, they called it. It had no effect on him.

. His request was still the same as it always had been, and would continue to be. He refused to back down from his position.

Ignoring the other members of United Earth's government, he turned his attention directly to its Head of State.

"Mr. President. The Vulcan High Council has instructed me to inform you that Earth's debt is now at sixty-percent of your gross output. At the current rate of consumption your borrowing you will exceed eighty-percent of your output within the next five years. Your government will become insolvent. To protect its own financial interests, the Vulcan state is prepared to withdraw its investments from Earth. We will not allow our economy to suffer. You will need to show some fiscal restraint immediately. You are jeopardizing your sovereignty by allowing this to continue."

After finishing his statement, Sarek waited as the representatives rose and moved to stand off in a corner of the room, leaving him alone at the table. He waited silently as they talked amongst themselves in hushed voices. Either they were being willfully obtuse, or they did not understand just how acute Vulcan hearing was.

Snatches of conversation filtered to his ears through the general murmurs in the corner. Words like "non-negotiable" and "bailout' and "bluffing" reached him, causing his own temper to begin to rise as he witnessed human arrogance on display.

Still, he maintained his temper as they moved to sit back down.

Finally,the president spoke.

"Thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for your information. But our financial system is well under control. Please tell your government that Earth's sovereignty and Earth's finances are its concern, and shall be dealt with by us. We do not need outside counsel."

With that, the entire table rose, and Sarek rose too with no more words exchanged. The entire party filed out of the room one by one. The only sound cutting through the tension and silence was that of footsteps padding on the thick, lush carpeting on the floor.

.

.

Back at the Vulcan embassy, Sarek's heavy footsteps reverberated off the stone walls as he swiftly walked down the expansive hall and into the lift. The doors parted on his floor and he moved quickly to the clear panels at the entrance to his office. They swooshed open at his approach. Not stopping, he stormed through the rows of desks and cubicles as he moved to the inner chamber. As he passed by the reception area he did not stop, nor turn or look, but simply commanded,

"Sakketh, retrieve Silek. Instruct him to meet me in my office immediately."

With that, the heavy wooden doors banged shut behind him, leaving the staff startled and somewhat shaken.

Sarek's mood had projected through the room, jarring all of them, whether he realized it or not.

Sakketh, not wanting to displease the ambassador, quickly moved to retrieve the embassy's director. But he did not have to. As soon as he towards the door it swooshed open, revealing the tall, lithe figure of Silek.

Sakketh quickly lowered his head as the older Vulcan looked at him.

"There is a disruption. What has occurred?"

"Osu, the ambassador has just returned from the meeting with Earth's representatives. He requests your presence in his office."

Silek began moving down the hall, Sakketh at his side.

"I see, and what of my brother?"

It was rare for the director to acknowledge the familial relation he shared with the ambassador, though it was known to the staff. Unlike the ambassador, however, Sakketh and others felt a sense of comfort from the younger brother that was seldom present in the elder.

"Osu, I am uninformed as to why he has requested your presence; however-" he hesitated a moment, causing Silek to pause and look at him.

"Speak your mind. It is unbecoming of a Vulcan to not be forthright."

It was stated plainly and without malice, and Sakketh relaxed and began walking the director down the hall.

"I believe, Osu, the day's negotiations did not go well. The ambassador is…displeased."

Stopping at the doors to the office Silek turned to face the assistant.

"I see," he stated simply, as he moved to open the doors and go inside.

"The information is appreciated, Sakketh. You may resume your duties."

Sakketh nodded and moved back to his desk as Silek opened the second set of doors to Sarek's office and disappeared inside.

As soon as he heard the click of the doors Silek issued the command.

"Computer, activate sound proofing."

The mechanical whir of the computer filled the room as the command was obeyed and once satisfied Silek turned his attention to the lone figure standing by the window, hands behind his back.

He could feel the energy roiling from Sarek and knew his brother was in a foul temper. Inwardly, he sighed, recognizing it for what it was- another day of failed talks with Earth's government.

He walked slowly through the room to the window. The curtains were open, letting the evenings fading sunlight stream in to the office casting a warm glow about the room. Such a contrast to the temperament of its current occupants, Silek mused.

Sarek did not move from the window at his approach, but began to speak.

"T'Pau is demanding an update on the negotiations."

He came to a stop to stand next to his brother by the window.

Sarek resumed his careful study of the streets below. Silek, too, turned his attention outward.

"I assume that negations are still stalled. What will you tell her?"

He watched as Sarek's eyes closed, then opened again.

"I will tell her that we are at an impasse. Earth is refusing to heed our counsel, and we may soon need to act to protect Vulcan's financial interests."

Silek felt his body tense at Sarek's words. They had worked with the humans for a hundred years. And Vulcan too had gone through such times…surely Sarek could not be serious…

Turning his attention to his brother's face, Silek realized just how serious he was.

Sarek finally turned from the window and moved to his desk. He keyed in a few commands the computer whirred to life.

"Computer, contact T'Pau. Shi'kahr, Vulcan."

Silek looked on as an empty blue-screen holo flickered on before them and turned black.

Several seconds passed before the image of T'Pau herself appeared before them.

The black-and-white-haired matriarch was in her study, standing behind a desk similar to the heavy stone one that currently sat in Sarek's office.

Both males lowered their heads in acknowledgment of her presence.

T'Pau's face remained stoic, but steely eyes pierced them both as she spoke.

"Sarek, tell me of the negotiations. They are proceeding favorably, I trust."

He stepped forward.

"T'Pau, I have met for the third time with Earth's ruling government. They believe us to be "bluffing". I was informed today that they do not want our involvement in their financial affairs. They are operating under the false assumption that their problems are their own, and therefore refuse to acknowledge the severity of the situation they have placed themselves in."

It was a moment before T'Pau spoke.

"Have you found a solution to this unfortunate situation?"

"I have. I propose that we begin withdrawal of Vulcan's financial resources immediately."

At that Silek focused his attention on the conversation and felt compelled to speak up.

"Ko-mekh, may I offer a suggestion?" He stepped forward as T'Pau's eyes turned to him.

He felt her on him as well, silently acknowledging the break in formality.

"Speak, sa-fu.," T'Pau waited.

"I suggest we amend our strategy. Yes, the humans are arrogant; however, lest we forget they are not unlike us at this stage in our social development. Our directness has not worked, and I suggest the humans may feel resentful for our intrusion into their governmental affairs."

"To take offense at the truth is illogical," Sarek replied.

"Yes, but Humans are not logical. They are, however, highly intelligent. I posit that they are not unaware of their situation, but do not like being told what to do. It is a trait that exists in most humanoids."

He looked directly at T'Pau as he waited. In turn, she looked to Sarek, and the two of them seemed to be in silent negotiation.

Finally, T'Pau spoke.

"Very well, how do you propose to resolve this, Silek?"

"I believe the humans are still very wary of us. We have only been in contact with them for 150 years, and still there is much we have not shared. Perhaps, if we can find a common ground, we may be able to come to a solution that benefits both Earth and Vulcan."

The brothers watched as T'Pau moved and sat down. She was silent a long moment in thought before she spoke again.

"We will exhaust all forms of diplomacy. You may go forth, Silek. But I must caution you. There is growing unrest within the council. I do not have to remind you of what is at stake. There are those of us who will see Earth fail in order to protect our world."

She turned her attention back to Sarek.

"You will continue direct negotiations with the government heads." And then she addressed them both.

"Dif-tor heh smusma, sa-fular t'nash-veh."

Both males bowed their heads in respect.

"Sochya eh dif, ko-mekh." The screen flickered off as the transmission was severed.

Sarek turned to look at Silek.

"I can sense that you have a thought, sa-kai."

"I do. Sarek, you are, I am sure, familiar with the anthropologist, Dr. Amanda Grayson."

As he transferred the idea to Sarek, inwardly he felt a twinge of delight at the expression slowly forming across his brother's face.

If he were human, he would have gloated. However, such actions were unbecoming of a Vulcan of his rank, class and position.

The humans had a saying: "walk softly and carry a big stick." Though that approach did not seem to work, there was another adage Silek had also heard: "If the stick is not effective, perhaps the carrot will be." It was time they tried the carrot.

III

Amanda sat at her desk in the atrium listening to the sound of three-hundred individual clicks and beeps of PADD's as her students sat finishing their final exams. In a few short hours, the semester would be over, and they would be off to their next professors. But before then, they would probably spread themselves across the galaxy. Some would be enjoying a summer break, while others would be off at various internships and externships. Others would remain here on campus, taking classes.

And as for her, well, she planned on using this time for herself. Her thesis called, and she had been neglecting it since the disastrous conference three months ago. It was time for her to get to work. And there were mounds of old books, and seemingly endless streams of electronic data to sift through. Perhaps even a trip to Memory Alpha was called for here. After all, the star base was the information collective of the Federation. Sure, she might have to make a few calls here and there for access, but such a trip could yield even more sources to support her hypothesis.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft "ding" echoing through the room. One by one the students began typing furiously, sending their test scores to Amanda's database. She rose from her perch and raised a hand up to get their attention before they all left the room.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for a wonderful semester. I won't hold you long, I simply wanted to say, good luck on your travels. And for someone you, I hope this won't be the last time we cross paths."

She smiled and the class clapped politely as the group rose and, chatting excitedly to one another began to file out.

A few came down to the state to greet her individually and she spared a few moments talking to them- some asked for her contact information, and others wanted to know if they could add her as a reference on their resumes.

"Send me the resume and I'll look them over and let you know," was her reply to those requests. After all, her name was the only thing she really had- and a lesson she'd learned long ago was that once your name was ruined, so were you.

Now, after the students had filed out, she shut down the classroom and began walking up the stairs towards her office. The lift would have been faster, but she preferred the old- fashioned way. Plus, stair-climbing counted towards her daily fitness regime.

She stopped at the doors leading to her floor and opened it up, stepping into the carpeted hallway. Walking carefully and balancing the PADD's in her hands, she fidgeted around in her pocket for her keys and had just arrived at her office door when it swooshed open and she was so startled that all the PADD's hit the floor just as a loud chorus of "Surprise!" hit her ears.

"What the -"

The words barely escaped her mouth when someone grabbed her arms and pulled her inside the room. As she got her bearings she looked around at the faces of her colleagues surrounding her, clapping.

"What is all this?" she asked aloud dazedly.

"It's for you Dr. Grayson," came a familiar, perky voice.

Amanda whirled around to find Drew standing in front of her, arms spread wide.

"What for?"

"I'll take that question, Drew," said Professor Templeton as he stepped forward from the back of the room. He strode forward taking her hand in his and clasping it gently but firmly.

Amanda looked up at him, the question in her eyes.

"Amanda, by unanimous vote, we are proud to announce that you have been selected as Berkeley's Professor of the Year. Congrats!"

She laughed aloud as someone activated a holo streamer program and various colors filled the room like a rainbow.

Drew came to stand next to Templeton.

"Drew, how long have you known about this?" she asked jovially, crossing her arms and looking at him with a fake-frown.

He laughed. "A while now. It was top-secret and we wanted to surprise you."

She laughed again and reached out to hug him.

'Well, consider me surprised. Thank you." Turning her attention to her colleagues, she yelled out across the room.

"And thank you! All of you too!"

Cheers and claps greeted her in return as someone shouted "Cake!" and popping corks echoed throughout the office. It was a perfect end-of-semester party.

Later on that afternoon Amanda found herself semi-alone in her office suite.

The last of the faculty group had left, and Drew had just finished cleaning up the foyer.

She was mulling over her PADD's and uploading the final semester grades into the master data base when he appeared at the entry way to her office.

"Hey Dr. Grayson?" She raised her head and looked at the door where he stood.

"Come on in, Drew."

He walked over to her and took a seat across from her at the desk.

She looked upon her assistant fondly. Though they were nearly the same age she thought of him almost as a family member. And with a start she realized…he was graduating this semester.

A pang shot through her at the thought.

She'd miss him.

"Dr. G, I just wanted to tell you, it's been an honor working with you this last year," he started, the sincerity of his words touching her.

"Oh Drew, you have been wonderful to me too," she replied with a smile.

He chuckled.

"Well, I have to admit, you are by far the coolest professor I know- plus, we've had some…interesting times lately."

She laughed aloud, noting the reference to their Vulcan visitors a few months ago.

"Don't I know it? So, what are your plans now?" she asked.

At that, his face turned serious again as she looked at him, eyes filled with curiosity.

Now Drew began to shift a bit in his seat and she wondered what she'd said that made him seem to go slightly on edge…

"Drew, are you okay?" she asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, Dr. G, it's just…well…um…I had something I wanted to ask you…"

She looked at him again curiosity getting the best of her. Warning bells began going off in the back of her head as he pressed on.

"Um, I've been thinking lately, and you know I'm graduating this semester. I've decided to enlist in Starfleet, and I'll be heading to San Francisco soon, but…"

He was rushing now and Amanda felt a sinking feeling in her chest as she realized what he was trying to ask her.

Oh no…oh no….

Drew took a breath and exhaled it and launched in.

"Dr, Grayson- Amanda, um, I was wondering if…if you'd like to go to dinner with me. Not as professor and student anymore, but- as a man asking a woman."

Shitdamnfuckhell. Amanda's inner voiced screamed and the room fell silent as she looked at him.

Drew Perrymore was an attractive young man. He was tall, brown hair and brown eyes that twinkled. How had she completely missed the fact that he liked her? He'd certainly hidden it well. And he was so sweet… she didn't want to hurt him, but…even though he was no longer her assistant it still felt…so…awkward…

She felt so guilty. As if she'd led him on though she didn't think so...she just…couldn't.

Resolutely, and with regret she opened her mouth to respond.

"Drew…"

From the crestfallen look on his face she knew he knew what her reply would be. It had taken her too long to respond, and Drew was not stupid. But disappointed? Very.

He interrupted her.

"It's okay Dr. G. I understand if you don't want to."

The bright smile she knew and loved returned to his face, although his eyes remained sad.

"I just, I've wanted to ask, and I knew I'd regret it if I didn't, so no hard feelings, at all."

He rose from his seat and Amanda rose too.

"Drew, I am so sorry, it's just, I haven't really thought about much of anything else except for work and—"

He stopped by the door and turned to her. Moving across the room he threw his arms around her and wrapped her in a bear hug.

The old Drew returned.

"Hey! Don't worry about it! I know you're a workaholic." He put her down. "But one day Dr. G, you're going to meet someone who'll be able to pull you away from your books. And, speaking for many human males here, I hope someone does it soon!"

He chuckled as he made his way out the door, and down the hallways.

Amanda stood at the entryway and leaned against the frame, chuckling softly to herself as Drew walked down the hall.

As he reached the end, he turned and waved and called to her.

"Good luck Dr. G!" the lift doors opened and he stepped in, disappearing from her sight.

"Good luck to you too Drew, she replied softly to herself as she turned and headed back into the office.

Something within her told her she probably wouldn't see Drew again. He was off to Starfleet, to a life in among the stars.

.

.

The sun had set and it was dark outside. Amanda was putting the last of her personal belongings into a box and preparing to take them down to her hover when the outer doors to her suite chimed, signaling she had a visitor.

Amanda's hand paused on the antique lamp she was currently wrapping. Placing it back down on the desk as she quickly accessed the comm. to pull up an image. A tall figure filled her screen and though she couldn't see his face clearly, she could identify the ears.

"Enter" she called out quickly as she stepped from behind her desk dusting her hands off on her skirt. She moved to outer vestibule as the doors swooshed open, letting her visitor inside.

"Can I help you?" she asked politely as he entered, and, now that he was in front of her she looked up into chocolaty brown eyes that were very familiar.

"Good evening Dr. Grayson," Silek said as he placed his hands behind his back and stared down at the professor. Her feet were bare, and she could see him looking at her toes, soft and pink with blue colors, and temporarily free of shoes.

"I apologize for calling on you at such a late hour; however, I have a proposition for you that may be of interest."

She looked up at him, noting the fact she really only came to his chest.

"I'm listening," she remarked in what she hoped was a calm voice.

Inside however, her heart was beating fast. She was sure he noticed, though gratefully, he did not mention it.

It had been months since she had seen him; in fact, the last time she had seen him was at the conference. What did he want?

"I understand the university is scheduled for a summer recess. If you are not teaching, I would like to invite you to be our scholar-in-residence at the embassy."

She could hardly believe it. Scholar-in-residence? A chance to work and observe the Vulcan people up close? Hell yes!

"I will have to check my schedule, Mr. Director. Would it be possible for me to respond to you after I have had some time to consider it?" she asked.

He tilted his head to the side, as if studying her.

"That is logical. The formal request has been submitted to you electronically. Take the time you need."

With that, he turned around and headed out of the office, leaving Amanda reeling in the middle of the room.

What the heck had just happened here? Trembling slightly with excitement, she turned to head back into her inner office.

Would she accept Silek's offer? Yes, yes, and a thousand times yes!

Once she was satisfied the doors were shut, she activated the soundproofing system.

She waited impatiently as the computer responded.

Now, satisfied her command had been obeyed, she dropped all pretense of propriety and let out a loud scream jumping up and down simultaneously until, finally exhausted she collapsed on the couch, expending the last of her excitable energy.

The day could not have ended better.

Author's Note: This chapter has been updated and properly beta'd. Thanks.