After his son and Nyota departed New Vulcan on their honeymoon, Sarek deciding to eat dinner at Kaleidoscope which featured intergalactic cuisine for most hominid species. While their repasts were quite good before, the food they catered for the reception was delicious. With the restaurant fully built, decorations from various Federation species decorated the walls. Tables in a kaleidoscope of colors like that of stained glass with various chairs of different designs dappled the room. The menu had changed a bit with color coding indicating what foods were acceptable for each species: red for human, green for Vulcan, blue for Andorian and brown for Tellarite. A little star in the middle of the dots indicated the origin of the dish. An Andorian waitress took his order for spinach soufflé made with tofu. While he ate the meal which had a unique flavor to it, an attractive young blond human female wearing multi-colored a chef's jumpsuit visited each table introducing herself with an accent Sarek couldn't place.

Finally, she approached him. "Good evening Ambassador Sarek, it's an honor to have you here. I'm Autumn Beaumont." She glanced down to the crumbs left on his plate. "Did the meal meet your standards?"

"Yes," he replied curtly.

"Oh well, maybe next time it'll exceed them."

"Actually, it did. Do the Moorehouses still run the restaurant?" Over the years, Sarek learned that while Vulcans kept matters such as that strictly private but humans expected more cordial conversation.

"Actually, they're my uncle and aunt. My uncle does some the cooking and my aunt handles the business matters. Now that I'm here I'll prepare most of the cuisine."

Her wrist comm link chimed. "The loganberry torte is nearly baked."

"Please excuse me Ambassador," she said.

For dinner, Sarek enjoyed a delicious loganberry torte.

Over the next several weeks, Sarek ate at Kaleidoscope after long days of restoration. Each day, the stunning flaxen haired young chef greeted him warmly and he dare think slightly flirtatiously but then again she did most of her regular patrons. Sarek knew he was just another patron and not to be flattered by her attentions, not that he ever let emotions surface. Upon his recommendation, the foreign embassy hired Kaleidoscope to cater to the various ambassadors who resided on New Vulcan since the newly constructed building didn't have a completed cafeteria. That evening before he could order, Autumn greeted him. "Thank you so much for your recommendation."

"There is no need for gratitude. You were the logical choice."

"Of course, logic" she replied as she rolled her eyes. "I have a question about Vulcan preferences that's not taught in nutrition classes." She sat down once Sarek gestured for her to do so and continued. "I know that Vulcans don't eat the flesh of animals but some of your vegetarian staples have a texture and taste of meat. That is by Terran standards. Is it truly the texture and taste of meat by Vulcan standards?"

"Actually, it is. Many of our staples are presented to outsiders as simply vegetarian dishes. Centuries ago they were created to have the feel and taste of meat to make the transition easier." Most Vulcans didn't like to admit that their forefathers didn't change overnight but had a slow and arduous process.

"There are several Terran vegetarian meat substitutes very similar to Vulcan ones that have been reformulated to meet Vulcan nutritional requirements as well. Would Vulcans be offended by such items?"

"No, you should add them to the menu with a green dot." Of all the Vulcans, she solicited his opinion which made him curious. "Since I'm not a culinary expert, why did you ask my opinion?"

"I have a logical reason." At her comment, Sarek raised an eyebrow. "Since you're the Ambassador to Earth among other things, you're used to human foibles and breaches of etiquette but have learned to look past them. That's why I asked you. You're least likely to be offense."

"Very logical indeed," he replied. "No offense is given where none is taken."

"I like that."

A scent of sweet and spicy emanated from the kitchen. "What's for dessert today?"

"Pumpkin pound cake," she replied. "Would you like some?"

"Yes," he replied.

"Mrs. Beaumont, official communication from Starfleet Head Quarters." Her wrist computer chimed.

"If you'll excuse me Ambassador," she said as she walked away.

He wondered why she didn't wear a wedding ring like most Terrans but that wasn't his business.

Every evening during dinner, Sarek enjoyed a delicious meal and deep down he enjoyed Autumn's bubbly warm personality as reflected in her bright smile. Of course, he never showed it since he controlled his emotions. Besides, it would be inappropriate to appreciate it since she was married and quite young. Two more weeks passed and she brought him a dessert he recognized from earth as oatmeal cookies but different with red fruit and darker dough. "This is on the house if you'll give me your opinion on it." When he studied them first, she laughed. "I used a secret recipe homemade butter molasses for the darker rich flavor and cranberries for tartness to contrast. Dissimilar flavors put together bring out the best in each other, well, in my opinion anyhow."

As Sarek bit into the cookie that was crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside, he savored the tart cranberries versus the warm spicy sweetness for a little longer than necessary before he swallowed. "Your assessment is correct." Sarek motioned for her to sit and chat.

"Have you ever been to the Klingon home world?"

"Yes, many years ago," he replied.

"Is it true that they eat live worms, all forms of meat and love extremely spicy food?"

"It is. Why do you ask?"

Autumn tapped her comm link to note their conversation. "I'm cooking for a competition and a Klingon is one of the judges for the first time this year so I wanted to make sure my research is correct."

"Anytime you have questions about alien cultures, I'll impart my knowledge."

"You're too kind. Actually, maybe you can verify a hypothesis."

"I'm intrigued," he replied.

"I think one can tell a lot about a planet and people by their cuisine. Earth has a huge variety of foods and flavors of dishes which replects a varied climate wide variety of cultures. Qo'noS' seasons vary harshly and they have a combative society so their menu is filled with meats from very tough animals and they love spicey food." She looked down demurely. "With Vulcan society, the strict adherence to peace and logic means vegetarianism and the need for nutritious but not flavorful food."

"Your conclusions are correct and gives interesting insights to various cultures. However, you do like to add herbs and spices to Vulcan cuisine. Why do you do that?"

"I like to stir things up. Besides, I think maybe Vulcans crave a little culinary adventure. I seem to be correct." She gestured to the plethora of Vulcans in the restaurant.

"A logical conclusion," he commented. "Perhaps the next time I visit a world we know nothing about, I will peruse some cookbooks to gain insights."

"Are you teasing me?"

Sarek raised his eyebrows. "Vulcans do not tease. I'm simply following a line of reasoning to its logical conclusion."

"You know you should write a novel about your experiences as an ambassador. I'm sure it would be a hit."

"Only Vulcans would appreciate the experiences of an elder." Sarek knew that from experience that Vulcans revered their elders better than anyone.

"Not just Vulcans, many Terrans appreciate the tales the elders tell but you don't have to worry. Besides, you're not that old." She smiled almost flirtatiously. "At least you don't look it."

Momentarily at a loss for words, Sarek suppressed the tingling of pride he felt from her flattery. "Vulcans live longer than humans and we go through extensive physical training."

"I can tell."

During the next few weeks, they would chat about different alien cultures including customs and cuisine. After a few weeks, Lelari the Andorian waitress brought Sarek a dish known as Dumpling Delight which he found quite delicious. "This is on the house Ambassador since you inspired it."

Sarek cocked his eyebrow. "Inspired it, how?"

"Only Autumn knows the answer to that."

Sarek glanced around trying to find her. "Where is Mrs. Beaumont so that I might inquire about it and thank her?"

"She's at the doctors."

Vulcan decorum prevented Sarek from inquiring further. However, Terran decorum dictated that he should inquire as to her health since she showed him such kindness so logic dictated that he pursue the matter. "Is she well?"

"Yes, it's a standard physical since the gravity is slightly higher than the Terran norm."

Amanda went through the same thing when she first moved to Vulcan. Various treatments for the muscles and bones combated the effects of higher gravity.

The next evening Sarek couldn't help but stare a moment when Mrs. Beaumont breezed through the restaurant. She wore a mini black cocktail dress. "Good evening Ambassador," she greeted. "Did you enjoy the Dumpling Delight?"

"Yes I did. How did I inspire it?" Sarek averted his eyes from the curvaceous figure before him.

"When you answered my questions about Terran meat substitutes, it allowed me to get some chicken and sausage substitutes. With those ingredients, I made chicken and dumplings. Since its vegetarian, I call it Dumpling Delight."

"How are you feeling?" When Sarek saw her confused look, he figured she didn't realize that he knew about her medical visit. "Is New Vulcan conducive to your health?"

"Mostly," she replied. "I'm allowed to continue with my Pilates but I'm to substitute my running with swimming for the sake of my joints . The heat doesn't bother me too bad since I'm from Georgia."

"Is that your accent?"

"Yes, you're looking at a genuine southern belle."

"Please define southern belle," he requested.

Blushing slightly, Autumn lowered her eyes. "A proper Southern belle should be welcoming to visitors, cultivate beauty and posses a flirtatious yet chaste demeanor."

Sarek contemplated those points in a methodical manner. "You are most definitely a southern belle."

"You are too kind." A group of young humans entered the café. "I'm off to party now." She observed Sarek's confusion. "I'm celebrating my birthday. I'm the oldest twenty-year-old around."

"I do not understand the logic of your statement." How can she be the oldest twenty- year-old? "If you are speaking about the age you appear to be, by human standards you look young."

"You know how to flatter but I suspect that's why you're an ambassador. The old comment was because of my life experiences. I married at eighteen and widowed a few months later." She became somber. "My husband was a botanist aboard the USS Hood."

"You have my condolences." That reply came automatically to him after being near humans so much. Without thinking, he grabbed his napkin and started to dab her eyes but then just handed it to her.

"Thank you." After she dabbed her eyes, she stared at him sympathetically. "You have my condolences as well. You miss your wife still. I can tell."

No one else realized the loneliness Sarek felt still. Most of his Vulcan friends assumed his human wife didn't mean as much to him as she did and he thought he concealed his emotions well . "How can you tell?"

A tiny smile crossed her face. "Even though you suppress emotions, you have sympathetic eyes. Sometimes there's sadness in them." The group of humans who had entered the restaurant expressed their impatience. "I have to go now. See you soon."

After another week, some traders brought various Vulcan artifacts that had been sold off-world years before. With Vulcan's destruction even the most insignificant object held great cultural value nowadays. As Sarek finished his meal, these human ruffians lingered at the café. With his sensitive hearing, he overheard several crude remarks about the blond chef. Meditating for a moments after he finished his meal helped him repress his disgust and anger at those comments.

Autumn brought him some water and ignored the cat-calls. "Don't worry. This sort of thing happens to me all the time, well among my own kind anyways."

"Explain," he said curtly.

"In my culture, I look like the mistress not the woman a man marries." She sat down and sipped her own water.

"That is not logical. One bonds or marries a suitable companion." Sarek knew what a mistress was by the Earth traditions but the concept remained alien to him since Vulcans mated for life. Besides, from his knowledge of Earth customs he didn't know of a certain looks wives had compared to mistresses. While mistresses would have been kept secret, he met the wives of his human acquaintances who all looked different. "Your husband considered you a logical choice."

"I guess that's one way of saying it." She glanced back to the obnoxious group. "I can't explain it logically. It just is." She grimaced. "You don't know how many men think I'm easy because of the way I look. Many people assume that I slept with my professors to get my chef and nutritionist degrees."

"That is still illogical since you have to take computerized testing to get any degree." Computerized testing was a minimum many other professions had other forms of testing as well. "Anyone who has tasted your cooking would know that you must have passed several tests."

"Oh Ambassador, you are too kind." She flashed the most radiant smile.

"I am not kind. I am logical."

"Of course," she remarked. "Either way, you deserve a blueberry rolly poly. I'll be back."

As she passed the ruffians, Sarek heard more mutterings. One smacked her bottom as she walked by carrying the dessert. Instantly, Sarek bolted over and nerve pinched him. The others jumped up. "You will leave and not come back. If you do, you'll suffer the consequences." They looked at him and stepped away. "First, you need to settle your bill." They paid with far more than enough credits.

Wide-eyed, Autumn looked at him, then to the hooligans on their way out and back to him. "That's impressive. Thank you. You've earned free dessert tomorrow also."

"That's not necessary."

"It's my pleasure."

Every evening, Sarek would enjoy culinary delights while he reviewed proposals on the further building of New Vulcan. For some reason, he felt the need to protect Autumn. Since the dinner crowd served more than the lunch and breakfast crowd combined and her talents exceeded her uncle's, she covered the dinner shift. Once she completed her shift, he escorted her to her home. After all, she was a guest of sorts and needed protecting. Besides, he found her "bubbly personality" as the human's put it pleasant. It was the logical thing to do.

With more and more Vulcans across the galaxy voyaging home, business boomed for Kaleidoscope so much so that Autumn hired another human chef named Toshi to help her. While Sarek found the Vietnamese man odder than most humans, his culinary skills complimented Autumn's. One evening, Autumn declined his offer to escort her home. "I won't be a bother to you anymore. Thor and Isis will protect me." Two rather large dogs with rather sharp teeth immediately flanked her.

"Is it wise to have Terran bred canines on a higher gravity planet with such a climate?"

"These German Shepherds are third generation bred for it. They mixed them with a little sehlat DNA. These guys will live to be fifty and love the warm weather." She hugged and petted each of them. "The breeders warned me to never be late with their food."

"That is wise advice. Sehlats get ….were known to become ill tempered when hungry." Unexpectedly, they stood on their hind legs and started licking Sarek's cheek.

"Thor, Isis get down. I'm so sorry." Autumn pulled out a wipe from her purse. "They just really like you." Without thinking, she started wiping his cheek.

Sarek clasped her hands enjoying their supple coolness mixed with a ginger kiwi scent. Telepathically, he sensed attraction, fondness and curiosity from her. Leaning down, he admired her alabaster skin and rosy lips before his lips were so close to his he could feel their coolness. A couple of his brethren ambled by staring at the spectacle. Abruptly, he let go of her hands and stepped back. Momentarily, his logic lapsed. A ninety-five year old Vulcan had no business kissing a twenty year old human female. Lately, he had spent an average of seven point eleven minutes preening before going to dinner, a most unproductive use of time. After all, the grey hair remained proclaiming his age. Humans revered youth. "Excuse me."

As she watched Sarek leave with long strides, Autumn grimaced at her stupidity and complete breach of etiquette. What would a handsome distinguished Vulcan Ambassador who had negotiated treaties across the galaxy with degrees in Astrophysics and many other fields want with a human chef?

For the next several evenings, Sarek missed her company because Autumn stayed in the kitchen avoiding her rounds. Until one evening he heard, male and female squeals in the kitchen. The kitchen doors flew open and Lelari glanced at Autumn's comm link. Then she joined in and the threesome hugged and hopped up and down spinning in a slow circle. Toshi punched a button on his comm link and one of the stained glass walls became a viewing screen. "Everyone Autumn has just won the intergalactic Wolfgang award for best overall chef."

The humans cheered boisterously; the Andorians clapped; the Tellarites patted their furry hands on the table; the Vulcans solemnly nodded. Autumn curtseyed. "Thank you everyone. I appreciate ya'll's support."

The next evening Sarek decided to confront Autumn regarding the incident. However, only Toshi worked the kitchen. "Autumn's come into her own now. She's on an intergalactic tour of sorts for a few months exchanging ideas with various restaurants. Its expected with the Wolfgang Award."

Both men glanced up to the sound of suitcase wheels rolling across the floor. "Toshi, would you mind dog sitting? I ….oh Ambassador. It's good to see you."

"And you as well," he replied.

"You know I'm not a dog person, especially when it comes to those big vicious ones." Toshi stated.

"I can care for your dogs since they like me. Besides, I'm curious to see the sehlat traits they display."

"Thank you. You're too kind. There's six months worth of dinners for them in the back freezer and plenty of bags of kibble for during the day. You can leave a bowl full for them. They regulate themselves very well." Autumn pressed her thumb to the freezer pad and entered a code. Sarek pressed his thumb to the pad so it would recognize him and grant him access as well. Then she pointed out the sealed containers of dog food. A small container had their bowls, blankets and chew toys.

"May I escort you to the transport center? There are some things we should discuss."

"Of course," she replied. Then she and Toshi kissed both of each other's cheeks as they hugged goodbye. "I'm going to miss you. Take care. OK."

"You too sweetie, Be careful of all those handsome restaurateurs trying to seduce you." Toshi winked at her so that Sarek couldn't see his subtle attempt to make an impassive Vulcan jealous.

As they walked to the central transport station, Thor and Isis ambled at their side with a suitcase rolling behind, plenty of curious stares from passing Vulcans and lustful glances from human males. "I'm so sorry about touching your face. I know it was wrong. Can you forgive me?"

"You acted impulsively. There is nothing to forgive. It was I who tried to kiss you. Someone your own age would better suit you."

Autumn glared at him. "Because I'm too impulsive and don't have degrees in science and such," she spat.

"No, because I'm far too old for you," he replied sternly. "Maybe in a few years," he reasoned.

"When I'm not so immature," she argued.

"So you have more time to experience life and not regret being bonded to one person," he stated.

"You are the most illogical Vulcan I've ever met." The second she said that, Sarek stopped and stared at her controlling his indignation. "If I was worried about being tied to one person, I wouldn't have already been married. As to age, you'll outlive me I'm sure." She awaited his reply. "Well Carpe Diem."

Realizing he'd been out logic'd by a human, he just stared at her. Both found each other's company amenible. They shared a fondness that could possibly be the basis on an agreeable bond. Both were wanted more than what they had. Because she was human courting her required a different ritual other than touching fingertips so he progressed their relationship to the next logical step. Then he grabbed her in a sensuous lingering kiss which made his heart race. For a moment, he suppressed his own arousal. Autumn stared at him dazedly with flushed cheeks. From her increased heart rate and body temperature, Sarek logically concluded that they had a suitable match. "You are to ignore any males who express an interest in you."

She nodded. "Uh-huh," she said as the transporter beamed her away.

Two months later, while in the process of restoration, a sharp pain shot through Sarek's side. When Sarek regained consciousness, he lay in a hospital bed. A Vulcan physician his own age attended him. "You have experienced a heart attack. You have a defective heart valve."

"What is the prognosis?"

"We can perform surgery to correct it," she replied.

"You have my permission."

"Is there anyone you want me to contact?"

"No," he replied.

A couple weeks later, Sarek recovered at home after a successful surgery. Other than the heart valve which had been replaced, the surgeon declared him to be in perfect health. Several transmissions awaited him but most notably, from his son the days after his heart attack. The encrypted priority message requested his presence at a peace negotiation aboard the Enterprise in a few weeks. Sarek's eyebrows shot up when he read that he would represent the entire Federation when he negotiated an armistice with Praetor Sen Hiro-Ang of the Romulan Star Empire. When he saw the Praetor's conditions for the negotiations, he concluded that he must be an eccentric and demanding individual.

Scanning through the oldest to most recent, he found a few of the usual transmissions from Autumn who worried about him and then a more recent one. Apparently, Toshi became suspicious when Sarek didn't show up to the café several nights in a row. Through the grapevine, he found out that Sarek had a heart attack and reported it to Autumn who now was on her way to Vulcan due to arrive that evening.

An hour before his meditation, Autumn buzzed his comm link so he greeted her at the door. From her squinting eyes and drawn lips, he sensed her anger. "Why didn't you tell me?" Thor and Isis bounded towards her so she kneeled down to pet them. "Next time, I'm taking you guys with me."

"The results of the operation would have been the same." Sarek gestured for her to come in and she followed.

Following the scent of some spices, Autumn went to his kitchen. She wondered if welcome kisses weren't part of the Vulcan customs. "Don't even try to logic your way out of this. You should have told me and you know it." In his kitchen, she started to unpack some food containers from her bag. "This is all recovery food but made to taste good."

"Thank you," he replied.

"How long until you're fully recovered?"

"A few weeks," he replied.

"What do you need me to do?"

"Nothing," he answered.

"Sarek, I'm not sure if we're dating or what Vulcan custom dictates but I do know that you should have kissed me by now."

Sarek leaned over and gently kissed her. Immediately, he felt both their hearts race. "I'm not supposed to have any strenuous activity or excitement."

"So my kisses excite you and you can't suppress that feeling," she said teasingly.

Sarek touched his forehead to hers. "Certain feelings are more difficult to suppress than others and in private they don't need to be suppressed. When I'm recovered, they won't be."

"Promise," she said softly.

Sarek extended two fingers to her. "I promise."

For a moment she hesitated but then followed the custom she observed before from other Vulcans. When she touched her two fingers to his a loving warmth engulfed her. "This is wonderful."

Then he led her through the house to the back. "I have a surprise for you." In the back courtyard, he an indoor pool installed with a retractable thin cover to prevent evaporation. While not typical and even superfluous for a Vulcan, swimming was medically necessary for a human. Logic dictated that he install a pool for her. Plus, when his daughter-in-law visited, she could use it as well.

When Autumn saw the pool, she knew Sarek would be a considerate caring lover. She threw her arms around him and kissed him fully on the lips. "Oh sorry, no excitement," she said.

"If you want to swim, I meditate in the afternoons."

"I'll be here then. In the meantime are hugs acceptable?"

Concessions are necessary in relationships. He hugged her tightly. Love, comfort, bliss: Sarek felt it within himself and radiating from her through their touch.

The next afternoon Autumn arrived for her afternoon swim with her dogs at her side. After she gave Sarek a quick kiss and touched her fingers to his, she disrobed to show a skimpy bikini. Sarek sat in his living room to meditate. Several minutes later when he didn't hear a splash, his investigated. Autumn rubbed lotion on every inch of her skin and hair. "This keeps Father Time away. I reckon it's better to start young. When you're better, I'll expect you to do this for me."

Sarek wondered if Autumn knew she played with fire. Humans didn't realize how strongly Vulcans felt emotions since they suppressed them so well. Once he fully recovered, she would soon find out.

Once he finished meditating, Autumn sauntered in with her robe open. The scent of mango lotion wafted in the air. Lucky for her, he maintained complete control. "Autumn, you must keep this secret." She nodded. "In a couple of weeks, I'm to negotiate a peace treaty. The location will be the Enterprise. It will probably take several weeks at the least."

"That's wonderful. I'll be catering for it. Look." She punched several buttons on her comm link to decrypt a private message.

FAO: Autumn Beaumont

The Enterprise on behalf of the Federation requests your services to cater a critical diplomatic function beginning on this star date which could take several weeks.

As the recipient of the Wolfgang Award, you will not only be our caterer but our honored guest. I will personally ensure that all your needs are taken care of.

Captain James T. Kirk

USS Enterprise

At first, Autumn thought the diplomatic mission might be with the Klingons since it was near their space. However, while Sarek read the message, she thought about why the Federation would request Sarek in particular since everyone let the Vulcans focus on rebuilding their society. "It's with the Romulans isn't it?"

Unfortunately, Vulcans while they could lie did it poorly so Sarek didn't bother. "Yes, it's with the Romulans but you must tell or even hint to anyone." When he held out his two fingers, she didn't acknowledge him. Maybe she felt fear since one of their race caused the death of her husband but he wouldn't force the matter. She would confide in him when she was ready. In the meantime, he would be there for her. "This will be most convenient. Since we will both depart Vulcan together."

"Actually, I'll be going to the Alpha Quadrant's Intergalactic Market and Farmers' Station so I can get everything I need. I like to pick out my ingredients myself. I'll be using a special shuttle that has plenty of room so I can keep it all in stasis. From there, I'll rendezvous with the Enterprise." She hugged him. "Unless you don't mind an extra couple days on a shuttle," she stated sweetly.

"If it's an intergalactic space station, I could lend my services as an ambassador who has dealt with various alien cultures."

She caressed his cheek. "That is so sweet…I mean logical."

"Yes, it is."

A/N – Well another new subplot. Do you like Autumn? Sarek is based on ST2009 where he's had a human wife and has admitted to feelings.

Thank you Rashida7777 - Yes, Sen is a hottie and that gave me some ideas.

If your curious to see what some of the characters look like, in photobucket, under Blond Goth Girl with the headings ST2009, I have non - Trek'ified pictures of the models I based the descriptions on. I'm trying to get a Trek'ified book cover to post to Ad Astra. I'll let you know if I get a volunteer to do that for me.

Anyhow, thanks to everyone who faves and reviews.