Sarel and Dansk
Chapter Twenty-six
Laura, Ellie and Dansk enjoyed tea, cakes and conversation. Eventually Nyota, Rachel and Christine joined the group. Of the three women there, Rachel had been bonded the longest period of time. Her oldest son, Jason, had been examined by T'Pau and it had been determined that he is extremely gifted in all areas of The Vulcan Way, including touch telepathy. He was presently visiting the wood carver who was training him in the special Vulcan wood carving called, e'tum kraisek (beautiful cage). Presently, all the other children were together under the watchful eye of T'Paal who had recruited her son to 'assist' her. She told him that it was practical training for when he would be a father.
So'rin had requested his mother's presence at the koon-ut (place of bonding which now because of the herbal remedy lessened the negativity of Pon Farr so it did not have to coincide with the initiating of the marriage bond. The female he would be bonded to came to New Vulcan aboard a merchant ship that responded to the news of the Va Pak. He was very satisfied with T'Pau's choice for him.
The conversation, between the women included their experiences as Vulcan male's bondmates, and was sprinkled with laughter and head nods due to the fact they shared similar experiences.
Dansk then said,
"Sarek has told me that he would follow my lead during our joining. Have any of you received a similar assurances from your husbands…I mean bondmates?
The females all nodded. It was Rachel who answered first,
"That is usually what is stated by the males because they are of superior strength and must pace themselves so as not to overwhelm us…or injure us. When they join with us it is like they seat themselves at a banquet table straining under the weight of our emotions. They are starved for this and what happens is a slowed down, logical 'feeding frenzy'. When we laugh it is the ultimate experience for them, since Vulcans never laugh and rarely even are able to 'smile'. Their reaction to our laughter is intense, especially so if this happens during our periods of intimacy. We, rejoice in being able to allow them to explore something they have never experienced, full blown emotions, that will not in any way impede their continued logic driven existence.
Nyota said, with her full-blown smile,
"I have been even blessed with the equivalent of a 'Vulcan smile', it would be undetected by others, but once you know your adun, you as his mate will recognize it."
Dansk seemed content with the first-hand experiences of the ones who upon her bonding to Sarek would become her relatives…or as close to family one could become in Vulcan society.
Nyota suggested that they give Dansk a tour of the settlement. Nyota went and secured transportation for their use and all piled in. They first went to The Welcome Center where Dansk signed the Visitor's Book. They then visited the several workshops and met the various artisans that were either working or teaching. When S'nass was not present at his workshop, Laura sent him a message and was then she and her group was invited to visit the work site where he had gone to assist after the trip to San Francisco.
Dansk observed the ceremony that accompanied their greeting one another, the touching of foreheads and the ef'ru'estra (hand embrace). S'nass then greeting the group with the ta'al. Laura had learned much since her recent bonding to S'nass. She presently served as the on-site reporter for the San Francisco Herald.* She reported weekly on events that took place at the settlement.
They did not stay long at the site and then they proceeded to the field, where another green house, of S'nass' design, was under construction.
Dansk turned to Nyota and said,
"I do not know how long my tenure will be as 'the ambassador's wife', but I do know eventually I will relinquish it to you, to ease you into your new station I will keep a diary which I will pass on to you that will allow you to be familiar with your new 'station'.
Not sure how Dansk should be addressed at this interim, Nyota simply said,
"Thank you."
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
On the other side of the settlement Sarek and T'Pau had meditated for several hours and when she surfaced she quietly made her way out to the garden area. That is where Sarek found her when he had completed his ritual.
She had made herself a cup of tea and was seated on one of the stone benches that doted the area of the garden. As he approached she gestured so that he would seat himself next to her.
"Thee and the others involved have done well. This place is a model of Vulcan efficiency and initiative. In some areas it surpasses New Vulcan. It is a place of peace, with no evidence of friction and appears to be free of discord. New Vulcan is in the midst of many changes. There are still vigorous discussions entered into by The Council and Committee that remain unresolved. A good example is the issue of where the children of the settlement, and others, like them on Terran will be educated. As mentioned, I have solved this issue and it shall be implemented immediately. I wish to monitor the efficiency of this institution so my visits to Terra will greatly increase.
"Sarek responded,
"Since that is the case, besides your apartment at the embassy this residence is also yours. It is far away from the industry of the settlement to allow for the silence necessary for constructive thought."
"My son, may I make this suggestion, since this area is isolated may I suggest that you make use of one of these houses as your place of seclusion after your joining. In view of your present state of anxiety, you would not have a long trip to take and you could bring your aduna to New Vulcan when you are able to travel."
Sarek could see the wisdom of his mother's suggestion and said,
"Your logic is sound. At some point during our extended stay here I will introduce Dansk to the unique properties of a Vulcan residence and then allow her to familiarize herself with Vulcan housing, thus when we visit New Vulcan, she will already have been a resident in a Vulcan structure."
Although there was a possibility that all the houses mirrored one another, T'Pau suggested that they view them all with the purpose of Sarek picking the one that would service him in the best way.
T'Pau then said,
"Tomorrow, my son at last light you will again become a bonded Vulcan male. You will again have to balance your duties as ambassador, with your responsibility as a adun. You have experienced this dual existence before with Your Amanda so do not forget the lessons your then bondmate taught you and apply them to this new relationship.
Live Long and Prosper Sarek."
With that T'Pau stood and said,
"My son, attend."
With that he walked toward the door, following her lead.
*See my story 'The Desert Saga Continues' to read about S'nass and Laura.