Lauren cursed under her breath for the fourth time. She had mispronounced the word on her data screen yet again and was not pleased with herself. Luckily, Sarek was well out of earshot, and therefore unable to reprimand her for the obscenities. She could only imagine what his appearance would be, that of a stone-faced Vulcan with the slightest frown touching his entire face. In fact, he would probably insist on knowing where she had heard such words, as the curses were in Vulcan. An amused smile tugged at her lips, then she settled back into her work.

A week had passed since the High Council's decision, and much of her time was devoted to beginning her studies, as well as preparation for her uncle's upcoming ambassadorial mission. Her first time on such an important trip! And a journey to yet another foreign planet. Wow…how many planets would she get to see throughout her life? Uncle Sarek was going to see that she was well-versed in the infinite possibilities of the universe. Excitement mixed with nervousness in her stomach whenever she thought about it.

Honestly, immersing herself in studies distracted her from the disappointing outcome of their meeting. The more she forced herself to focus on other matters, the better she was at shifting attention away from that event. It was a good reminder of how she dealt with social problems on Earth.

Out in the courtyard, Lauren had the chance to study in peace. The position of the late afternoon sun cast shadows across the area, making it feel cooler and more comfortable to work out here, despite the thin air. Only on occasion did she have to dab at her forehead. At Sarek's suggestion, her focus was on familiarizing herself with the culture of the Norai, the alien race they would be visiting. On her own, however, she attempted to teach herself their language. She felt it would be beneficial to communicate directly with these people, even if her vocabulary was greatly limited. Besides, she had taken a foreign language class on Earth and loved it. Something about speaking in other tongues just clicked with her. Now she only wished her tongue would cooperate with these words. The difficult part about the Norai language was the need to hold the upper lip very stiffly, which felt extremely awkward. Still, that was what it took for proper pronunciation. Knowing this, she held her lip firmly in place and tried again. The high chirp from the data screen told her that she finally had it correct. Rolling her neck, she moved onto the next word.

Dimly, she became aware of the faint chime at the front door, but paid no further heed to it. T'Nuur would see to whoever was calling on their home, and Lauren did not want to break her concentration. Putting the words together to form a greeting proved to be yet another challenge, and she wanted to get it right.

"Calla…ne…teg…tsak," she tried, but shook her head. "Calla ne tsak," faster this time, but a word was skipped. Time to try again. "Calla ne teg… tsak. Calla ne teg tsak." Okay, it was coming a little easier. "Calla ne—"

"Lauren."

Sarek's voice caused her to look up at him in the doorway. "Hmm?"

"Set your studies aside, my child. You have a visitor."

Her brows knit at the unexpected announcement. Who on Vulcan would be coming to see her? "Who?"

He did not need to say. As he stood aside, T'Pau appeared in the doorway.

Lauren's eyes widened and she stood. The sudden presence of the powerful Vulcan snapped her to full attention. She was here to see her?

T'Pau just stared silently, not threatening in her appearance, but intimidating nonetheless. Lauren felt a familiar knot tighten in her stomach.

"I will leave you to your privacy," said Sarek.

"Thank you, Sarek," T'Pau acknowledged.

He gave Lauren one last lingering look before departing, seeming to detect her underlying uncertainty. Despite the lack of expression, he mutely conveyed a sense of calm to her. The rapid beating of her heart did ease a bit with his gaze, and her eyes shined with gratitude. With a nod, he disappeared into the house.

And there they were. Lauren and T'Pau. Human and Vulcan standing across the courtyard from each other like two silent statues. Even though T'Pau was not nearly as tall as other Vulcans, there was the memorable sensation that she loomed over everything in her presence. It brought forth brief flashes of the High Council session, making Lauren feel like she was once again shrinking beneath her gaze. This intensified when T'Pau slowly scanned the girl from head to toe, no doubt noting her Earth clothes.

Still, Lauren kept her head held high. There were always going to be differences between them; that was a given. But if her attire was really going to affect her reputation, she did not care.

This is who I am, she thought, and felt herself relax even more with the thought. Even her grip on the data screen loosened.

The quiet between them lingered. Remembering her manners, Lauren slowly raised her hand in salute. "Dif-tor heh smusma."

T'Pau's face did not change, although she replied in kind. "We meet again, Lauren Grayson-Reed."

"Yes, ma'am." It just passed her lips without a second thought. Thankfully, the human form of address did not seem to offend.

T'Pau came forward to take the data screen that was still clutched in Lauren's hand. Lauren made no objection. "Instructing yourself on the language of the Norai," she observed. "Quite the endeavor for an individual to undertake, and no doubt in preparation for Ambassador Sarek's approaching mission."

She almost said "Yeah," but hesitated briefly, opting for something better. "Precisely."

She looked Lauren square in the eye. "Do you know the purpose of his assignment?"

"Negotiating peace talks between the planet's chiefs and an insurgent tribe in the southern hemisphere."

Eyebrows rose, but only slightly. Perhaps she had not expected Lauren to be aware of why they were visiting Norai. But Sarek had obviously seen the importance of communicating such information to her. "This is more than a mere recreational visit. Important political matters will be taking place and should be regarded as critical. You believe immersing yourself in Norai culture will assist Sarek on the matter?"

"Maybe not," she replied, "but I wanted to do it."

"Explain."

"I'm doing it for my own benefit. I figure a good way to show respect to others is by learning about who they are." She paused a moment. "At least, it makes sense to me."

Quiet surrounded them again. T'Pau continued to stare at her unflinchingly. "Is your rate of fluency at a satisfactory level?"

She shook her head. "Not really, but I'm only trying to cover some basics. I won't become an expert speaker in a couple weeks."

"Not a logical goal."

"No," she agreed, "not logical."

Silence. Then, "However, I doubt this will discourage you from putting forth your utmost efforts in developing your skills," she handed back the data screen.

Lauren accepted it with a nod. "I'll keep working hard."

The girl was maintaining eye contact the entire time, but not defiantly. "Be seated, child." Lauren obeyed and T'Pau sat directly across from her with impossibly straight posture. Such controlled movements masked what she might be thinking. She noted how intently the girl was watching her. "I make you apprehensive," she stated very matter-of-factly.

Lauren knew it was best to be straightforward. "A little. I'm curious about why you've come to see me."

"I assure you that idle conversation is not the reason for my visitation. I wished speak with you in a more intimate setting than that of the Vulcan Hall of Ministry."

The proclamation made her head tilt. "How come?"

"Remember not my closing statements at our last meeting?"

"Yes," Lauren chose her words carefully, "and it didn't seem like you had a very good impression of me."

She seemed to straighten more in her seat. "Be not so quick to judge, Lauren Grayson-Reed, for assumptions do not always reflect truth."

She thought about that, then slowly nodded, thinking about how Spock might reply. "Understood."

"You are a human suddenly living in what has become my world, and as such possess valuable information I am seeking. That information is in regards to this: you are not pleased with the High Council's decision to deny you request for citizenship." A statement, not a question. T'Pau was not ignorant.

Lauren chose to be succinct. "No."

"Does this upset you, child?"

She thought about that. Releasing a breath through her nostrils she said, "It did at first, yeah."

"Your answer suggests you no longer harbor such feelings."

"It's not a decision anyone would be happy about, but I'm not angry at any of you. I felt sad more than anything else."

"Explain," T'pau folded her hands in her lap.

Pursing her lips, she thought about the best way to respond. Then, "When the decision was made, it seemed like everything just stopped all around me. Like time had stopped in a bad way. I was worried that things were going to get more complicated for my family because of disagreements over me. I want to be with them, and I'm grateful to you for letting me stay with my uncle, so thank you for that."

T'Pau raised her chin slightly and Lauren went on. "But I want to be able to learn, too. I wasn't finished with school on Earth; I only got as far as ninth grade, and then my parents—" There was a brief hesitation, but she recovered. "I was a student on Earth, and that was my responsibility, my job, so to speak. Mom and Dad gave me more responsibilities when they had me help in their lab. I knew I was doing something really important, and I don't want that feeling to go away." She looked long and steady at T'Pau. "And I don't want the Council to take that away from me. I can't just be here and do nothing; I'd rather be useful."

T'Pau detected the quiet passion behind the girl's words, but remained steadfast in her demeanor. "You understand you will not be permitted to enroll in our academies."

There was a brief shimmer of disappointment. "Yes."

"There is one fact," came the commanding tone once again, "I have become quite familiar with during my years of involvement with other species, and that is the notion that every being has an agenda. In life, all come to realize their greatest desires and will endeavor to achieve them, one way or another. At times, this is at the cost of others' well-beings, a tragedy that oft occurs unnecessarily." She leaned forward a fraction. "And most oft, this is a trait of humans striving towards their goals. Despite your youth, I do not discount you from this fact, and I am curious as to what you hope to accomplish here." Her dark eyes narrowed. "I am aware of Sarek's intention to appeal the issue of your citizenship. Is it yours as well?"

The meaning behind the words sank in. "You think I'm going to harm your people in order to get what I want."

"I am instinctively protective of my own people. I deem their well-being more important than my own."

Slowly, she nodded. "Something we agree on." Not waiting for a reply, she announced, "To answer your question, I do plan on appealing."

The elder's spine straightened even more. "This appeal serves no purpose and will be denied again. You are aware of this. It was made clear to you that residing on Vulcan II would not be contested by our people. With this knowledge, why do you feel the need to pursue this senseless objective?"

She blinked. She knew T'Pau was not pleased with what she—as a human—had to say, but she would only be honest about what was in her heart. "It's not senseless to me; it's important."

She was unconvinced. "Explain."

This time, her eyes drifted as she let her thoughts emerge. "What my uncle did for me—coming to Earth and agreeing to take care of me—is huge; what he's trying to do for me on this planet is huge. I know. Even I'm as amazed as all of you are. He's putting himself on the line for my sake, and I can never repay him for that." She looked at the elder again, the conviction in her next words true. "I'm doing this because I don't want Sarek to go through it alone; he shouldn't go through it alone."

"A sense of duty to fight by your uncle's side," she offered.

She inhaled, exhaled. "Yes, ma'am. What I want to make clear is that I'm not trying to do anything harmful to your people by becoming a citizen. I wish you could understand that." There, she said what she wanted to say, and nothing more needed to be added.

She stared at her. "Submitting an appeal for citizenship would be waging a futile battle."

"Some battles are worth fighting." Where it came from, she could not say, but suddenly a rush of memories flooded her mind. One was the mild look of uncertainty on Spock's face when she demonstrated how she rode her two-wheeled bike, and how he was not sure if the big metal contraption was safe for her to navigate. Another was of Sarek pointing out stars to her from Earth, naming the far-off torches of space with absolute certainty. Mom demonstrating how to safely pour chemicals into graduated cylinders of various sizes, while Dad, who intently worked upon the ship engine he was modifying, reminded her to put on safety glasses. There was even Aunt Amanda hugging her close and brushing back stray wisps of hair from her niece's face. A good rush of more serene times. Family. These were the people who would forever dwell in her mind. Mom, Dad, Aunt Amanda. Gone, but never to leave her. It was comfort she could not aptly verbalize. Unknown to her, a small smile crept across her lips. No matter where she was in the universe, she would be strong with her family to guide her. For their memories, anything was worth fighting for.

"And while I'm here," cripes, she might be rambling, but she hardly cared at this point, "I want to prove that all humans aren't the same. I get the feeling some Vulcans think we are." She had not planned on bringing it up, but she had. Enough prejudice had been experienced regarding her Vulcan relatives. Prejudice from humans. It tainted humanity's reputation. Spock had confided in her the persecution directed at him in youth, simply because he was half-human. But there was an opposing side. There were aspects to her race that were more beautiful than what they perceived. Yes, a purpose she wanted to fulfill. It came out slowly when she said, "I'd like to change that."

An eyebrow rose for a brief second. An indication of surprise, maybe? "With what you have stated regarding perspectives of humans, it is clear to me that your goals reach beyond that of scholarly advancements. Be mindful, though: it is not your responsibility to alter the viewpoints of others."

"I know, but I should show them we're not all the same."

T'Pau studied her for a moment. "You are not disclosing certain details to me," she leaned forward slightly. "The tone in your voice suggests your displeasure with your own human race. Am I mistaken with this conclusion?"

It was going to come up eventually. Releasing a breath, Lauren said, "No, you're not mistaken."

"Have there been instances of difficulty between you and other humans?"

"I was bullied for having Vulcan relatives. There are a lot of humans who couldn't accept…those dynamics."

"And how well did you handle those instances on Earth?"

"Well enough," she nodded.

"Elaborate."

And so she did. For a time, she expounded on her former experiences and—just as she had when Spock requested it—gave a detailed account on what she faced.

When she had finished, T'Pau spoke. "Relocation does not necessarily mean an end to your conflicts. There are many worlds in which discrimination occurs; it is an unfortunate phenomenon not limited to Earth. In fact, you have already been exposed to it here."

Her chin dropped, but only a bit. "I know."

She appeared to ignore that. "If such events as what you experienced on Earth were to be repeated, what then would you do, child? Would you choose to take similar actions and leave Vulcan II in pursuit of a more desirable situation? One cannot simply substitute one planet for another and expect those difficulties to vanish."

It was a good point. Thinking a moment, she answered, "I wouldn't run away, no."

"Because you have no other family to turn to?"

"Because I want to be here with Sarek," she countered. "That's what it will always come down to. Even if I experience problems like I did on Earth, it doesn't change to fact that I want to be with my uncle. He's my life now, and I won't let bad experiences influence my decision to stay."

The ever-observant eyes continued to examine her. "You are a peculiar human child, Lauren Grayson-Reed."

She was taken aback by that, mostly in surprise. "How do you mean?"

"I have known adolescents of your race, but few with characteristics similar to yours. You appear to have a tremendous capacity for curiosity and have a deep sense of familial value. Along with these, you are unafraid to be truthful, even if it reflects upon you negatively."

Lauren was not going to ask if she had said anything that was considered negative. She was not stupid; any Vulcan would have taken issue with some of the things she revealed.

"Such qualities are rare for me to see in young humans. What is even rarer is that your mannerisms towards others are incredibly polite, even towards those who have not fully accepted you."

"I wouldn't think of treating anyone any other way."

"Indeed." There was a brief pause as she studied the girl across from her, and the way she was discreetly twisting her fingers together. "I sensed your unsettled demeanor as we have continued speaking." The girl gave a nod. "Nervousness. An emotion better left repressed, as it can reveal weaknesses in one's heart in the most crucial of times."

Harsh as that might be, she was not shocked by the statement. "Does that make me weak in your eyes?"

"Yes." Lauren had to give her credit. T'Pau was nothing if not honest. "Tell me: what is the root of your nervousness?"

Relaxing her fingers, her eyes never left T'Pau's as she replied, "I feel like my fate is in your hands."

The elder being's eyes narrowed slightly. "Explain."

"I know who you are in this world," she stated evenly. "I've known since I was little, and it wasn't just because Spock and Sarek and Aunt Amanda told me about you. My parents talked to me about you, too. From what they told me, I knew you were very important. Probably the most important person in your race."

"One is not more important than all."

"I know, but try to look at it from my point-of-view. You hold the ultimate decision in what happens to me, and your opinion matters as much as Sarek's."

Silence lingered, but neither of them moved to break it. Their eyes remained locked in a mute competition of wills. "I have heard Sarek voice your intentions to the Council. While I respect the ambassador's opinion, I desired to hear the proclamation from your perspective."

She swallowed so loud, T'Pau must have noticed. "If we do pursue this, are you going to order me to leave this planet?"

The chin rose again, but not in superiority. "Exile is reserved for those who have committed unspeakable acts against Vulcans and the planet itself. In this situation, child, it is hardly the necessary option. You fight side-by-side with a Vulcan on this matter." The dark eyes became hooded, but in a focused manner, not intimidation. "No matter your species, any one of my race would consider this noble, as you are preserving the sanctity of the bonds of family. There is none who would fault you for your choice."

It was a rare moment in the discussion when Lauren felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

"Most importantly, you fight alongside one who has gained much deference in our society. One who I have had the privilege of working alongside for many years. As much as I disagree with his stance, I do and always shall hold him in the highest regard. He has earned this in my mind."

This was a relief, which she exhaled silently. "Thank you. I don't want his status to change because of me."

"The only one in control of how he is viewed would be Sarek himself. You are responsible only for the actions you take, child. Make sure they are always the wisest of actions."

"Yes, ma'am."

Then T'Pau suddenly glanced somewhere behind Lauren. "The plant over there," she gestured to one of the shaded corners of the courtyard, "it is unfamiliar in appearance."

"Oh," Lauren retrieved the small clay vase, setting it on the table. "I found it out in the woods with Spock while he was here. It may not look like much, but I liked it, so I decided to keep it and study it for myself." T'Pau was holding the vase in her hands, turning it to inspect the tall green stem. "Sarek was saying it might be a new species of plant life."

"His observations are astute," she confirmed. "Perhaps our botanists can give it an appropriate moniker."

She smiled sheepishly. "I took care of that already: I want to call it a Grayson Reed." With a shake of her head, she laughed at her own pun. "I know it's silly, but it's what first came to mind."

But T'Pau was looking at her seriously. "It is a name honoring your fallen parents, child. Such an honor is hardly trivial in nature."

She blinked. She had not even considered that, but appreciated having it brought to her attention. "It does, doesn't it?" Her small smile reappeared as more images of her family came to mind.

"Come," the elder said, returning the plant to the table, "Tell me about the various properties this particular specimen possesses…"

For a while, they discussed what had been learned about Lauren's natural treasure.

Nearly an hour later, T'Pau took her leave. Sarek reappeared in the doorway to find his niece leaning against the ledge enclosing the courtyard, fingers idly playing with the leaves of her plant, the softest of smiles touching her lips in deep thought.

"Lauren?"

She looked at him, finally noticing his presence. The smile never faded. "It's okay, Uncle Sarek. It was a good talk."

"I am pleased to hear it," he said, coming into the courtyard. "T'Pau is not one to disguise her words when it comes to arguing her stance."

She let out a giggle. "So I've noticed. I know she's set in her opinions, but at least she knows my thoughts, too." Then she paused, that sense of curiosity he was so used to seeing rippling behind her eyes. "Tell me something."

"You need only ask," he came to stand next to her.

"Is there anything else I can do to help you when we go to Norai?"

His eyebrows rose. "Has this anything to do with the conversation that took place?"

She half-shrugged. "Thinking a lot about what she was getting at, yes. In all seriousness, is there something I could do to be more useful?"

His eyes were gentle for a Vulcan. "You are already undertaking tasks I have given you, and expounding beyond my suggestions of your own accord. I could not ask for anything further, Lauren. During our visitation, I only ask that you be yourself among the Norai. Nothing more, nothing less."

She was gazing at him with such respect and thankfulness, and was not sure her heart could feel any happier than it did now. She leaned her shoulder against his arm. "Love you, Uncle Sarek," she whispered.

Cupping her cheek in his hand, he touched his forehead to hers, reminding her of the role of importance she held in their family. To emphasize this fact, he did not let go for several minutes.