A/N: Please be advised that whenever I visualize Sarek it is Mark Leonard (Sarek from TOS) that my mind's eye sees-thus the description of my Sarek is, he is oh so handsome!
Sarek and Dansk
Chapter Four
His work did not suffer from his distraction but it appeared that time just crawled along. As a Vulcan, he could not say he was anxious, but there was no doubt that his thoughts were very much occupied with the activities that would take place at the end of his work day.
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Lacking the discipline of her Vulcan...her mind kept asking questions-'What could she call him…date, suitor, pursuer…partial entries on her PAAD had to be erased several times during the day as her mind wandered. She mentally reviewed her previous day…not all of it, mind you. Her mind kept drawing up the visual image of Sarek. He was indeed handsome, his whole presence exuded powerful, he must be brilliant to hold such a post, but his hands were gentle on her back as he guided her—what a contradiction-power and gentleness. These two words were usually not found in the same sentence about an individual. Dansk was not sure if these thoughts or even emotions were what should be experienced by an individual attracted to another, but she knew that from the very start there had been a connection of some sort. Tonight would certainly be one of discovery for her and she hoped also for Sarek.
The end of the work day could not come soon enough for either of the aforementioned individuals. In her apartment Dansk stood before her open closet and debated as to what she should wear. What she did not know was that Sarek was also experiencing a similar dilemma.
If he was just taking Dansk to dinner one of his less formal robes would have sufficed. Casual dress was a different matter entirely. After not quite a few selections he chose a pair of dark Vulcan trousers and a tunic top. The clothing he chose was still Vulcan although not what was his personal preference. His confidence was always buoyed by placing Vulcan robes on his body. He felt that these articles of clothing identified him but certainly his appearance at his son's home with his guest of choice, was not a Vulcan diplomatic mission by any stretch of the imagination, or was it?
There is no second guessing in Vulcan culture. It is not part of The Vulcan Way. Once a problem has been identified, and all the logical resolutions have been searched and studied, the solution would then be implemented with all the details involved with its resolution and thus the problem met with the expected success-ninety-nine point nine percent of the time. That fact was based on the statistical evidence which revealed there had been no recent incidents of failure, Vulcan honesty made it necessary to allow for continuous reviews as to the accuracy of each review of any event.
It was not necessary for him to view himself in the reflecting glass that hung on his wall. He had seen his reflection when the garments were purchased, he had taken care in placing the articles of clothing on his body, these images were stored in his infallible memory and so he exited the door and made his way to his means of transportation.
Of course, a Vulcan does not feel anxious, nervous, tense or edgy because all actions are carefully planned but, Sarek's mind envisioned his last view of Dansk and he took a deep breath and thought of exactly what he would say to his son in private after Last Meal. He was certain that his daughter would welcome his guest and perhaps spend time with her after the children were introduced. Sarek appreciated one of the decisions that had been made in reference to his grandchildren—they were not excluded from the dining area nor were they isolated from guests. Of course, there might be exceptions but this allowance was the general rule.
It was not exactly pride that coursed through his system, but appreciation for his son's sons who were geniuses, beautiful and thanks to T'Paal, thoroughly schooled in The Vulcan Way. Such facts should be looked upon as a credit to one's family and clan.
He settled the flitter down in front of Dansk's residence, exited and walked to her door. Before he could knock the door opened and she stood before him looking even smaller than the night before. Looking up at him she said,
"Sarek, you are indeed punctual."
"It is The Vulcan Way," was his response.
Escorting her to the passenger side he assisted her into the vehicle, entered himself and programmed the navigational system and the flitter rose and started on their brief journey.
"I trust your day and rest was productive."
"Yes, Sarek, my workday was indeed productive although at times I was distracted by thoughts of this evening's activity. However my rest was not so affected because I slept like the proverbial baby."
"I am pleased to hear that."
He would have been unable to answer the same query in the same positive light for his rest had indeed been fitful and he had spent five hours in meditation. What had happened to him after his encounter with Dansk, was that his body's long hibernation sprang to life along with longings that had died with His Amanda. These came to life with a fury so intense, that they surprised him. His body's response was like that of a Vulcan male coming into puberty and he was aware that his long period of abstinence could account for the powerful responses that his body experienced. His meditation had corralled the unpredictability of his responses so he was now totally in control.
The vehicle settled in front of his son's residence and with his shields set at their maximum level he placed her arm in the crook of his, as he escorted Dansk to the door. His daughter opened the door and ushered them into the vestibule. Dansk observed the sign above the entry door,
'Welcome to the home of S'chn T'gai Spock and Nyota'
Beneath the beautiful calligraphy was written in Standard, also the home of Xon, Kov and Kares (an imaginary 'gold star' to those who can unravel the mystery behind the third son's name) and K'war'ma'khon T'Paal (close as family but not blood related). Extending her hand the lady of the house introduced herself,
"In case you have forgotten, I am Nyota, Sarek son's bondmate, welcome to our home."
The two who were capable of smiles did so and grasped each other's hands. Sarek remembered from his life with Amanda how easily Terran females could display warmth and affection towards one another. It appeared that if recommended by the presence of a known person, this was almost an immediate response. In such a case the, at one time unknown person, was immediately removed from the designation of being a 'stranger.
Taking Dansk's arm Nyota said,
"Let me introduce you to everyone."
Spock was seen approaching his aduna and he nodded to the guest and with the ta'al displayed he addressed his father
"Sa'mdkh, Dif-to hen smusma (Father, Live long and prosper). Sarek responded, T'nash-veh Sa-fu sochya eh-dif (My son, Peace and long life).
Entering the family room Nyota heped her guest negotiate the room,Nyota remembered Dansk name from the entries reviewed at the embassy,
"Everyone, please meet Dansk."
She then proceeded with the introductions,
Lo'vaak, Christine and and Rachel and her mother, Elizabeth, Rachel's mother's friend, and _ . Our Children Bettie and Drevi and our families' 'mother', T'Paal."
There was scattered comments,
"Welcome...So Glad You Could Join Us."
Nyota continued, come and meets the children. Thus we have each child raise their right hand in the ta'al and identify themselves and who there parents were with the typical Vulcan lineal names...an example being Spock and Nyota's youngest son,
"I am Keras, son of Spock, son of Sarek, and so on. Years ago Nyota had noticed these lineal identification to be similar to the recitations of the grot, each tribe's historian.
Nyota continued,
"This was called a 'pot luck' dinner. All the females had contributed toward the dinner. Because of the large number of adults present this evening the children had their own table set up in the dinning room."
The bonded males all performed 'The Rite of Service' toward their bondmates and children and then all were intent on exactly what Sarek would do…the question was answered when Sarek helped Dansk's plate. Of course, again she had no idea of the significance but any question that was on the mind of the others seated at the table was answered by this simple action.
Of course, the meal was eaten in silence.