Author's Note: This story is finished, and the last five chapters will be loaded throughout the week. It's also National Novel Writing Month and I am working on an original story, so this will be my last fanfic for a while. Look for updates on this story- I will try for every day, but from now through Sunday, the chapters will be going up. PS- Chapter 19 was edited by me, all mistakes (and I am sure there are many) are mine.

Alekhine's Gun

Chapter 19

It had been a month since Sarek had declared his intentions (because, in all seriousness, he HAD told rather than asked her) and in that time he had set about working to, in his words, prove himself an ideal mate. That entailed a great deal of time spent in his company, and also, in his world.

Tonight, they were attending a function hosted by the Arcadian delegation. The building was only two blocks away from the site of the Vulcan embassy. And all of the 150 embassy buildings were located in San Francisco's historic Presidio. Each embassy was within blocks of all the others, making it much easier to navigate. The enclave was the true power seat of the federation, the inhabitants—the lawmakers.

Such events, Amanda had been told, were regularly scheduled and obligatory. It was considered rude not to attend unless there was a pressing reason why. But, she wasn't complaining. While Sarek had spoken of it like [as] nothing more than another meeting on his schedule, to Amanda, it was a perfect opportunity. After all, she was an anthropologist. That specialty did entail learning about and observing other cultures.

At the moment, she was far from the Presidio in her apartment on the other side of the city finishing the last-minute details of dressing as she waited on Sarek to arrive.

He had told her she would travel as a "guest of the Vulcan delegation" and, that Silek and T'Nerual would be attending along with them as part of the Vulcan delegation. She could hardly wait. It was exciting. As an academic, she had mingled with the intellectual elite, but as a scientist she watched the political process with the same kind of impartial observation – though, with admittedly far less knowledge – as a reporter would. Now, she would have an opportunity to look on, not as an outsider, but as someone closer to the situation. To borrow what she'd learned was a favorite word among Vulcans, it would be, "fascinating." Amanda tried and failed to raise her eyebrow in the mirror.

She had to laugh at the expression on her face.

Beep. Beep. Beep…

The door chimed. That was her cue. Taking one last look at her appearance, and running her hands down her side to remove any unseen wrinkles Amanda exited her bathroom, picked up her clutch and headed toward the door where she knew Sarek waited for her on the other side.

.

.

Silek had already dressed and stood leaning against the door of their private lavatory watching his wife. She was perched on the edge of a small, cushioned ku-san. Her arms were above her head as she worked her hair into one of the elaborate styles Vulcan women wore on formal occasions. He was positioned away from her view, allowing him a moment of personal admiration. The dress she has chosen was a simple, floor-length gown of Vulcan design. It had the high-neck and long-sleeves that was a staple of Vulcan fashion, but in a fabric that hugged her curves and shimmered with the lush green, deep blue and gold that were the colors of his house. It was a perfect complement to flawless skin, kissed by Alam'ak's rays.

After a time, she stood and, with swift hand movements, began to wind her hair atop her head in a series of twists and tucks. Finally, she was done. As she turned to the side, Silek's eyes skimmed along her profile and stopped, feeling his blood begin to tingle within. His hands trembled slightly as he stepped out of the shadows and into the lavatory. T'Nerual turned to face him at the sounds of his approach.

"Adun," she said softly as he wrapped his arms around her and inhaled the scent of her hair.

"I was wondering when you would make the discovery."

II

"Amanda." Sarek gave a slight nod of his head when she appeared and reached out his arm for her to take. Equally formal, Amanda responded in kind. "Sarek," she said with courtesy as she accepted his embrace. They made their way into the lift and down to the lobby, where they walked out into the crisp San Francisco air and into the sleek black hover craft that awaited them.

.

.

He and Amanda were in the backseat of the hovercraft. There was a partition that separated the driver from his passengers, and it afforded them privacy on the way. Sarek found, as they sat across from one another, that it was to his advantage to have her in his direct line of sight. She wore a thin, black satin dress that was floor length. It left her shoulders bare but wrapped snugly around her body, accentuating her curves in a manner that pleased him greatly. Her choice of attire was appropriate for the occasion.

"You're just sitting there looking at me. Is there something growing on my head?" her voice brought him out of his silent reverie, and he blinked in response.

"I presume that is a rhetorical question as it is most obvious that your hair does "grow out of] your head".

His joke was rewarded with a smile as Amanda slipped off her safety harness and slid over to his side of the car and next to him.

She reached for one of his hands and entwined their fingers together. Leaning over, she gave him a light kiss on the cheek before settling back into the harness next to his.

"Amanda, I must let you know that touching in private is acceptable and welcome, but cannot be done in public - it is…not proper."

She rested her head on his shoulder.

"I know that Sarek, but since no one can see us now, I just want to hold your hand for a while. Is that okay?"

He responded with a brush of his lips on her forehead, and they rode back to the embassy, to retrieve Silek, T'Nerual, and Sakketh, in companionable silence.

.

.

Sakketh was seated at his desk in his office, fully dressed and waiting when a memo flashed across the screen. He quickly scanned it, and, realizing the implications, rose quickly. He would inform the Ambassador.

Beep…beep…beep…

The chime sounded, signaling the arrival of the transport. He rose, signing out of the terminal and moved down the office to meet T'Nerual and Silek at the bottom of the stairs. Together the three of them moved to the waiting hover car. The doors opened, and one after the other, they stepped in to join the other two passengers. He could not speak now, in front of the females, but once inside the Arcadian embassy he would have an opportunity to brief his employers about this latest development in the currency transition. It was most pressing he spoke with them.

III

The Arcadian embassy sat on a cul-de-sac at the end of a long entry-way. The porch overlooked the bay and the old Coast Guard Fort that had been erected over 300 years prior. Through the darkened windows of the hovercraft they could see the other embassy lots each darkened saved for their destination, which glowed with the warm lights from within as they approached.

The hover car slid to a stop in the circular drive to release its occupants, and together, the five of them joined the other diplomats and politicians in walking up the stairs and into the embassy.

Arcadian's came from a water-planet, and they were much more comfortable in a location surrounded by water and the dampness that permeated from an ocean. Incidentally, their embassy had been constructed to channel the ocean breeze and allow the interior to stay at a temperature of around 60-degrees. It was chilly for both the humans and Vulcans in attendance.

Amanda felt the cool chill as soon as she stepped inside, and drew the thin black shawl she'd brought with her across her bare shoulders. Sarek noticed her shiver and leaned to ask if she was alright.

She gave a nod and they continued into the large hall, which had been cleared of the everyday furniture and transformed into a gathering place.

The ceilings were high, the walls done in an almost transparent material that looked, to Amanda, suspiciously like ice. The floors were done in a darker blue marble and the entire area glowed with a white light that bounced a soft spectrum of colors across the room. As they walked, Amanda couldn't help but admire the scenery.

Soon, the males were swept away and into conversations with the other dignitaries, leaving Amanda and T'Nerual on their own.

"Do not be concerned, these functions are simply more formal business meetings. We should make our way to the veranda. I am told there is a group of spouses who are congregating there." T'Nerual said to Amanda as they walked.

Noticing the look of disappointment on her face, T'Nerual added, "do not be disappointed. You should consider this your first lesson in diplomacy. Here, both parties play a role. While the ambassadorial teams work directly, our role is indirect, though no less important. And I am sure the Arcadian ambassador's wife will be all too eager to talk to you. After all, you are a human female in a Vulcan delegation. You may find you will get just as much from this evening as you originally expected."

With that, Amanda followed T'Nerual to the portico.

-xxx-

The females had departed to the portico and Sarek, Silek and Sakketh were presently making their rounds. But before they could get too far into their own obligations, Sakketh used the moment to speak up.

"Osu-au, there is a matter of great importance we must discuss."

Both Sarek and Silek stopped to look at him and he continued on. "Come this way, please. It is not for the other delegates to hear." Sakketh made a small motion with his hand and they followed him to a secluded corner of the room where it was much quieter and unoccupied.

"Approximately twenty minutes ago I received a message that Earth's government is preparing to withdraw from the currency plan. They are divided after this last election cycle, and there is a new faction that is advocating for an immediate cease and separation of all concurrent funds. It is a small but vocal group, but it has apparently received the backing of the opposition party. If Earth stops-"

Sarek raised his hand for silence, looking to Silek who was silent, deep in thought. "What do you say to this, sa-kai?"

Silek cast a look at Sarek, then Sakketh.

"We have done everything in our power to prevent this planet from collapsing under its financial burden. I believe it may be time to allow some market uncertainty so the humans will understand the true depth of their situation. We must also contact T'Pau immediately." He turned to speak directly at Sakketh.

"How much time do we have before Earth's government takes up this proposal?"

"A vote is expected before the end of the week in a closed session. But osu, if we move too soon they could accuse us of market manipulation, it would strain the ties between our two worlds."

Sarek, who had stood silent, watching Silek, suddenly realized what his brother was implying.

"However, if we move after the vote is taken, it would appear we were acting in response, rather than in provocation…"

Silek nodded.

"Indeed. We will need the High Council to stand ready. Sakketh-" Silek looked to the young assistant.

"-Tonight you will act as liaison to the Ambassador. Escort Ms. Grayson and Lady T'Nerual back to the embassy when this is over. Sarek and I must leave."

Without waiting for a reply, the brothers turned and began to make their way out of the embassy.

Sakketh breathed a deep sigh, and began to do as he was told. Speaking with each of the other federation ambassadors at length, while keeping a watchful eye on the portico where he knew T'Nerual and Amanda would be located.

IV

Both Sarek and Silek stood in Sarek's office, waiting on the communication console to connect to Vulcan. After a several intermittent chirps and tense silence, T'Pau's wizened face appeared before them.

"You are distressed." She spoke, casting glances at the two of them. Sarek stepped forward first, with a bow.

"T'Pau, we have received information that Earth's government is preparing a vote that will take them on a path of financial ruin. They have ignored the currency valuation treaty and are now attempting to separate their currency from that of the federation. It is foolish of them to believe this will be allowed to stand. Silek has proposed an option that I wish for you to consider…"

.

.

Later that night, Sakketh moved to find T'Nerual and Amanda. They were still on the portico, surrounded by the other attendees not involved in direct diplomacy.

The two females were naturally warm and highly intelligent. Sakketh had long learned they attracted and demanded attention no matter where they went, and people were always willing to listen to what they had to offer. He was especially pleased with Amanda, who was presently engaged in a back-and-forth conversation with the wife of their host. She was quite natural and Sakketh made sure to report on this particular observation when he arrived back at the embassy.

-xxx-

Amanda was disappointed that Sarek and Silek had left them at the embassy, but T'Nerual was undaunted.

"They are diplomats. Would you have them shirk their duty? Wars have been avoided through diplomacy and it is just as much an art form as it is a necessity. We will meet them at the embassy."

Amanda opened her mouth to speak then closed it again, noticing that T'Nerual's voice held a hint of emotion she'd never heard. They rode back to the embassy in silence, and upon arriving, she bade Amanda good night and went immediately to her quarters with Silek behind her.

She looked at Sarek with a question, but as he walked toward her, his arm outstretched as he silenced her question with a statement.

"Come, Amanda. It is late. You may rest here. Do not worry for T'Nerual. She is well."

With his words she felt slightly mollified. As they rounded the corner to the living suits, a yawn escaped and Amanda checked her watch. It was 0145 hours. No wonder she was so tired.

She put up no protest when Sarek activated the command to his suite and the doors swooshed open. She barely remembered taking off her shoes before she was in his bed, and fast asleep, the sound of Sarek's deep voice lulling her into dreams.

V

It had been over a week since she'd last seen Sarek though they talked briefly during the evenings. She could tell his attention was somewhere else, and knew whatever was distracting him was important. During their visit to the Arcadian embassy Amanda had heard snatches of conversation about the federation and a new currency conversion policy on Earth. She was only slightly familiar with the project she'd heard it mentioned in the news feeds.

Now, she thought it might be prudent to start paying attention. There had been a growing frequency of articles on the subject..While she and most other humans knew of Earth's spending deficit (one had to be under a rock to NOT know), she'd had no idea it was as bad as it appeared to be, and the more she read, the more she could see the reasoning behind Earth's conversion to the credit system. It made sense. The writing was on the wall. She wasn't an economist but she did do well in the classes. If the planet didn't make the change, it would crumble under the weight of its debts, and much of that debt was owed and financed by….her heart did a double-take as she came across an article describing a meeting between the planet' governing body and the debt holders. Vulcan.

Throughout the week, as she researched the issue Amanda began learning Sarek's job. She didn't mention it during their nightly conversations, but learning the issue had made her a more aware citizen than she'd ever been before.

Wars have been avoided through diplomacy, T'Nerual had told her and it was incredibly obvious that a currency war was brewing.

Now, late on a Friday night, Amanda was seated on her sofa, watching the evening news on vid-screen when images of a violent clash in Rimini focused her attention.

She saw riot police blocking several hundred protestors. The sound was low but the anger was evident as the anchor continued to speak. Amanda turned up the volume and sat up on the sofa.

"…Earth's government has apparently moved to halt the implementation of a currency transfer, citing concerns over sovereignty and planet-rights. The news has brought a tidal wave of violence in the European sector, where markets are down over a thousand points after just 30-minutes of trading…Delphi, Nikkei, Hang Sen, and Briton have all dropped as news of the vote has shaken investor confidence…"

Amanda clicked off the vid-comm and sat back.

Inwardly, she admired Sarek. And she also hoped that he could find a way to bring about a resolution to the turmoil.

.

.

Later in the day, Amanda and T'Nerual settled down for what had now become their monthly lunch meeting at the Bayview.

"So, I hear it's been busy at the embassy." Amanda said taking a bite of her salad.

"It has, though I defer to Sarek and Silek's expertise in that area. I prefer to work with my patients at University of San Francisco's Medical Center." Amanda's ears perked up. She'd almost forgotten T'Nerual was an accomplished physician. They rarely spoke of it and T'Nerual didn't exactly bring her work experience into the conversation.

"How is it going? You've been there now, how long…" Amanda mentally counted back the months;

Had it really been only six months ago since she'd first stepped foot into the embassy?

"It is going well. I am satisfied that I am able to assist my colleagues in learning some of the latest methods. I am presently training a group of neurosurgeons on a new way to re-attach nerve endings that were previously thought damaged beyond repair. So far, I have had five out of seven patients walking again after experiencing extended paralysis. The other two are making progress. As you know, out of all the injuries and trauma to sustain, and despite our medical advances, neurological injury and trauma remain the most difficult and elusive to treat. We still do not yet know how much is cognitive and how much is physical."

"But you are confident the other two will walk again?"

"Yes. All tests show the nerves are in the process of re-growing and attaching themselves. Both patients are already experiencing some sensation in their lower extremities, and there are involuntary movements. It is a positive sign that we will be successful."

Amanda smiled as T'Nerual chewed her salad slowly.

"That's wonderful news. I have to admit, I have been worried about you lately." The Vulcan woman looked up and tilted her head in question.

"Well, at the dinner last week, you seemed…tired," she finished lamely.

"Ah. Yes. It is to be expected during one's first trimester of gestation. I am finding myself more susceptible to…hormones." T'Nerual finished as she calmly went back to her salad, not noticing Amanda's wide eyes and open-mouthed shock. After speaking a red pepper, the Vulcan looked back up and into the human's shocked facial expression.

"You are surprised?"

"Surprised? Yes! Of course! Were you going to tell me?"

"You had not inquired."

"T'Nerual, that's wonderful news! I could just hug you!"

At the suggestion of touch, Amanda saw her friend's eyes close and her chest rise with exhalation.

"I mean, not literally, "she continued, "but really, congratulations."

"I appreciate your enthusiasm," T'Nerual responded. But if we are to address such personal matters, I must ask how your relationship with Sarek progressing?"

The question caught Amanda off guard as an image of Sarek in all his male glory flashed through her mind. She flushed. Seeing the color change on her friend's face, T'Nerual carefully speared a black olive from her plate and raised it to her lips, chewing slowly as she watched the human attempt to form an answer.

"I believe your elevated heart rate and flushed state have confirmed my answer. Shall we continue back to the embassy? I would like to have a brief sparring session if you are unopposed."

"Is that healthy in your state?"

"Physical exercise is an important aspect in fetal development," she replied as she beckoned for their tabs. They rose and walked the two blocks back to the embassy.