AN: Okay, this is nowhere near the length that I had intended for this chapter, but I did want to get something posted, dag nabit. Later on, I may go back and combine this chapter with the next one that I post. Happy reading, and MANY thanks to those of you still reading my story. :)

OOOOOOOOOO

"Lauren and I talked at length earlier today, but did you consider your mission to Norai successful, Father?"

"Indeed," Sarek answered the image of his son on the transmission screen. "A peace treaty was drafted and adopted by the insurgent Dunu tribe, though we soon discovered why there was such conflict to begin with. The Dunu chief is suffering from the intermediate stages of Canoude syndrome."

Ah. That made sense. Canoude syndrome was the Norai equivalent to Alzheimer's disease in humans, or Bendii syndrome in Vulcans. "This no doubt led to some erratic behaviors on his part."

"And choices," he affirmed. "His followers were understandably perplexed by his refusal to participate in negotiations with other leaders, as they wanted to work towards amiable solutions."

"Were they aware of his ailment?"

"They were."

"Under such circumstances, could they not have elected a new official in his stead?"

Sarek gave a brief shake of the head. "Not unlike Vulcans, the Norai culture is deeply steeped in tradition. As such, their ancient laws dictate that once an official is elected, that individual serves for the remainder of his or her life. The people respect this law, and will defend the statuses and reputations of their representatives, despite the debilitating nature of a disease. The chief had been a strong and effective leader before the noticeable onset of symptoms, therefore it comes as no surprise that his people would wish to protect him. This was a destined fate beyond his control."

A thought occurred to Spock. "If negotiations could only have occurred with the elected Dunu chief, then he must have experienced temporary clarity to allow for the proceedings to take place." His eyes narrowed a touch. "What method did you initiate in order to interrupt his madness?"

He was impressed with his son's perception but masked his acute pride. "The only method I deemed possible to attempt: I performed a mind-meld on the afflicted chief and managed to temporarily draw his madness into my psyche."

"Father," his voice had taken on a stern tone, almost reversing their roles during this conversation, "serious consequences have occurred as a result of Vulcans attempting similar feats in the past."

"A fact not unknown to me," he countered. "I assure you, Spock, that it was not a rashly made decision. I gave it careful consideration over the course of two days, conversing with the accompanying ambassadors, as well as contacting the High Council with my intentions. Since his case was still at an intermediate stage, the risk of adverse side effects was deemed relatively low, and so T'Pau gave consent to follow through with the procedure. As you know, she has had experience in performing comparable tasks when it was deemed necessary."

"Was there any mention of adverse long-term effects?"

"None she could confirm, though we did not rule out the possibility of neurological complications."

"Which could arise after a protracted period of time," Spock emphasized.

"All depends upon the severity of the case," he asserted patiently, "and the uniqueness of each circumstance creates unpredictability in their eventual outcomes. Every option was explored and every precaution considered before undertaking this particular task."

Spock quietly released a slow breath. "I can appreciate the precautions you wisely heeded, and express gratitude towards those who gave assistance in preparing you for the procedure." The thought of losing another parent—even in the sense of their sanity—was too difficult to process, causing an inkling of protection to flutter beneath his heart. "Forgive my concern, but I do not wish to see your mind potentially damaged as an outcome of absorbing one's cognitive impairment."

"There is nothing to forgive, Spock, and I thank you for your concern." He paused only briefly. "Know you that I also sought the council of your cousin in this matter."

He tilted his head at that. "She made no mention of the occurrence during our conversation."

"We both agreed it would be best if I were the one to convey the events to you."

"What insight did Lauren have for you?"

Sarek almost smiled. Spock showed more interest in what his young cousin had to say over those who had had years of experience in ambassadorial duties and neurological manipulations. "Would you care for a direct quote?"

"Yes."

"Her exact words to me were, 'You'll be helping out a lot of people if you do this. It'd be important to try.'"

He blinked once, then sat back slightly in awe. Once again, the simplicity of her statement could not disguise the wisdom behind it, as unaware of it as she might have been at the time. He respected the message it conveyed: that the needs of many would and should outweigh the needs of the few. Exceptional child, he thought. Those were words worth remembering.

"I warned her," Sarek went on, "of the possibility of my displaying temporary insanity once I drew the chief's thoughts into me. However, there was absolutely no hesitation nor question in her eyes. She believed what I had to do was for the betterment of all the peoples of Norai, and encouraged me to go forward with my efforts. I, of course, asked her to assist me as I dealt with the aftermath of the mind-meld, to which she obligingly accepted.

"Once it had been completed, negotiations began to take place while Lauren and I dealt with the Canoude effects in private." His eyelids lowered as the memories resurfaced.

"Tell me," Spock encouraged.

Unabashedly, he did. "She cradled my head in her lap; such a simple gesture, yes, but one that spoke volumes to me. This I remember. Through the dark storm invading and stretching my mind to impossible lengths, I remember seeing her. Staring down at me with such calm in her eyes, despite the uncertainty lying beneath them, her hands holding the sides of my face, not letting go even as I thrashed about and carried on incoherently." His words became soft as he continued to recall events for Spock, memories of the discomfort he had felt when the wild thoughts collided in his mind. Not only had he feel them in his head, but also spreading through his chest with a paralyzing might. The rising emotions were not completely foreign to him, but the magnitude of their strengths had been nearly overwhelming at times. For all his years practicing careful self-control, he could feel himself struggling to maintain it.

But Lauren had remained at his side. The steadfast nature of his niece helped him focus, making her a guiding light through the suffocating darkness. "She simply stayed with me until I was able to overcome the madness. When the symptoms began to subside and my mind cleared, she gazed down at me, and I saw her eyes looking deeply and quietly into mine."

He could imagine the comfort that must have washed over his father in that moment. For a while, both Vulcans remained silent, not at all bothered by the momentary lack of words. Then, "It sounds as though the decision to have her accompany you turned out to be beneficial for all involved."

"Yes," he affirmed.

"How are you faring now, Father?"

He could still hear the concern lacing the younger being's voice. "I am well; this I swear to you." Sarek regarded Spock. How far they had come since he was a young boy, the dynamics of their relationship shifting dramatically as Spock matured. There had been so much strain between them during his adolescence, due to the conflicted nature within his child, fearing rejection from his father if he did not adhere to the Vulcan way. Anymore, this was not so. It was tragic that it had taken Amanda's death to bring them closer, but at least it was a positive outcome of her passing. They were not ones to say "I love you," but it was otherwise verified by action rather than words. Spock's concern over his father's well-being further demonstrated their ever-growing bond.

And Lauren? Having her with them breathed a new kind of life into their hearts, one neither had expected to undertake, but welcomed without hesitation. By now, neither could imagine not having her as an ever-present part of their lives.

"I am pleased that she was with you during this mission."

"As was I," Sarek said, briefly recalling the firm objections from the High Council members. "There was much she learned in our days on the planet, and I was pleased to give her such exposure."

"Where is Lauren now, Father?"

"Following your conversation, she departed for the residence of Elder Prime. Being that it is the first of October in her world, it is their designated time of visitation."

This was pleasing to hear, as he knew Lauren was happy to spend time with Spock, no matter which version. "Was he requiring a consultation with her as well?"

Sarek paused, but then realized his son was attempting humor. He gave a raise of his eyebrows in acknowledgement. "He who is truly wise seeks the council of youth," he philosophized. "In truth, I know not the particulars of their visit, but I trust she is in good company."

Thankfully, Sarek did not seem to notice the slight twitch at the corner of Spock's mouth. He redirected the conversation. "With the exception of the mind-meld, Lauren went into great detail regarding her experiences in a new world. What did you witness as she interacted with the peoples of Norai?"

The change in subject appeared to be welcome, as demonstrated by the quiet light that appeared in his eyes. "Her immediate attention was on the children of the chieftains, who took a particular interest in the first human child to ever visit their world. They were just as curious about the pale visitor as she was about them; she, of course, took interest in their physical appearances as well. Perhaps what fascinated her most was the fact that their skin was—how had she phrased it…?"

"'As purple as amethysts,'" Spock supplied, the softest of smiles crossing his lips. "She had expounded on her fascination with the physical characteristics of the Norai race. She equated the shaking their hands to touching living gemstones."

Sarek's smile mirrored his son's. "She and the children spent a great deal of time interacting. There was much appreciation from the chiefs for her involvement with their young, especially since she was not obligated to entertain them. She did so of her own volition and taught them recreational games she knew from Earth. I believe she referred to one of them as 'tag.'

"In turn, the Norai children exhibited an enjoyment rarely seen by their parents. For them, it was a refreshing change of pace..." Reminiscing served to emphasize exactly what Sarek felt his niece was capable of all along: an undeniable ability to open the hearts of others.

For a while longer, they discussed details pertaining to Lauren, as well as Norai's political system, and where further negotiations would likely go from here. All the while, Spock watched his father carefully. For the time being, he would push his worries aside, but knew they would be forever present in his mind. His human side would not have it any other way.

Deep down, he had a feeling that Mother would approve.