Sarek and Dansk
Chapter Three
The group was discussing Dansk suggestion conveyed by Sarek who now said,
"I think the idea is worthy of our joint governing bodies' consideration at home, on New Vulcan. I will be returning in two Terran days and we will consider this suggestion and any others that might be brought 'to the table'."
He nodded as did the entire group of males as they disbanded. Sarek immediately searched the room and once his eyes were successful in their task, he made his way to Dansk.
Touching her shoulder he said,
"If it is agreeable to you I will escort you to your place of residence."
She nodded and he guided her to the coat check location and assisted her with her wrap. They walked into the cool air and he guided her to his vehicle's location and then assisted her to enter. Once inside he inquired,
"May I please have you key in your address."
She complied.
He then turned on the initiation engine and the flitter rose, initiated its flight plan and then turned and proceeded to the designated location. They arrived without incident and the flitter settled into the residence's parking lot. He walked with her to her door and she said,
"Would you like to come in for coffee or tea?"
At that point in time he remembered the lyrics to an old comedic Terran song his Amanda liked…'coffee or tea or me.'
In Sarek's logical mind there was a warning posted but in this instance, his mouth apparently did not consult any source of logic for he said,
"That would be acceptable."
They entered and she said,
"For a female who is never home and never entertains, the size of my residence is perfect."
The kitchen was open to the 'living' area. Two doors were to the left and Sarek correctly assumed that behind them were the sanitary facility and a bedroom. He nodded at her description of her living space. He could empathize because of his experiences with temporary room assignments while tending to his ambassadorial duties. On the other hand, his ancestral home has been described as palatial, so spacious that illogically, there were rooms that were very rarely used.
She hung her wrap on the hall tree and went into the kitchen and plugged in the tea kettle.
"I have several tea blends, do you have a preference""
"If you have thoris-masu I would first be surprised, and then secondly be very pleased."
The Terran expression is, 'You are in luck.
Laughing she suggested,
"So now your Vulcan façade must register surprise."
She brewed the tea in a teapot and sat it along with the mugs on a tray. Before she could lift the tray Sarek was behind her and gestured for her to be seated and he lifted the tray. His next act was highly symbolic, he served her after the inquiry,
"Sugar and cream?"
"Half a teaspoon and one half ounce…"
He complied and handed her what he had prepared for her. Holding his own beverage, he then sat in the chair facing the couch, stretched out his long legs, exposing his black Vulcan trousers and crossed them at the ankles and observed her.
Dansk sat gracefully as she sipped her tea under his penetrating observation, then he spoke,
"If you have no plans for tomorrow evening I would very much appreciate you joining me for Last Meal. I have been invited to the home of my son and his family. I may bring a guest. Do you accept my invitation?"
Without lifting her eyes her simple answer was,
"Yes."
Depositing their mugs on the tray he returned to the kitchen and deposited them on the counter and then said,
"Thank you Dansk of Terra. Tonight I will not overstay my welcome. So, until tomorrow, eighteen hundred hours. Peace and long life."
As it walked towards the door she rose also and accompanied him to the door.
"Arrive safely to your designation Sarek of Vulcan."
He nodded and reluctantly left her presence.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Dansk's palm remained on the door for quite a few seconds after Sarek's departure. She did not know what to think. What came to her mind was the conversation she had had with Bettie Flippin when she had joined other females at a special meeting at the Vulcan Embassy. All the females present had been summoned because of their accepted reply in reference to the Vulcan Survivors. She had opened up her heart to this intuitive woman. She recalled her words to that galaxy renowned holo-vid host,
"I have never known love on any level. I was raised in a loveless void and then single-mindedly pursued my education and as they say, 'climbed the ladder to success.
"One of my fears is that I will die without ever knowing love, experiencing everything that is part and parcel of that emotion. I am familiar with what is involved with experiencing honor, respect, appreciation, even envy and jealousy. My life has been so single focused I have never even had what we would call, a real friend; workmates, Yes; Travel companions, Yes; Business partners, Yes. But never a person who embodied the reality, 'I can tell you anything, trust you with even my life, and even be willing to give up all for you', this has not been one of my life's experiences. I am not even sure how I would respond to such, but am more than willing to try.
Actually, what the survivors have lost, I have never had. Certainly there is one that could teach me for I would be an apt student. As I understand it, with a Vulcan it would be a lasting one, an entire lifetime. So, there would be no chance for a broken heart because of a failed romance. That is my fervent desire."
Dansk is not the only one deep in thought.
Sarek arrives at the embassy, settles the flitter into the storage area and heads toward his private entrance. His thoughts are of his most satisfying years of life…
'…Amanda, the time since you left me I have lived with our memories, which were so rich, fulfilling and so necessary for my continued survival. I ache for your touch, your smile, your laughter and the comfort of your body.
Beloved your instructions were…'Grieve, but not for long. Find someone who can do for you what I no longer am capable of doing.'
Your Sarek thinks that now he has found such a one and although you gave me permission those many years ago I must say these words even though I know you can no longer hear or answer.
When you came to me, we learned from each other. I am willing now to be taught again. This one, has your gift of laughter and room illuminating smile. She will never take your place, but will fill a space and ache that has been left by your absence, and I will cherish her for that is what you wanted for me.
Thank you, Beloved for granting me this freedom. Your Sarek will proceed with life with someone else at his side to fill the emptiness left by you. This one would have met your approval…'
Sarek lit the asenol, knelt, closed his eyes and viewed his Amanda as she had done so often on her departure…blowing him a kiss and waving good-by.