A/N: Greetings all! This chapter, Chapter 24 of "Rising Son" and Chapter 57 of "Forging Her Own Path" all take place on/around the same day; for that reason I'd highly recommend reading them all at the same time. Enjoy!

T'Alora's Bonding

Transport Station, New Shi'Khar, New Vulcan 2288.295, 1438 hours. Well this is just awful. He sat slumped on the ground of the sidewalk with a frown on his face and his dusty, beat up bag at his feet. For once in his life Se'tak was on time and right where he was supposed to be but no one else was there. He'd already been at the station for over an hour and between the wait, the higher humidity, and the outright stares from other Vulcans he was getting royally ticked off. It'd taken him 13 days to get here for T's wedding—didn't anybody appreciate that?!

Se'tak pulled his comm out again and stared at it angrily; there were no missed messages. He'd already tried calling his parents, his siblings and his sa-mekh-al but the lines were either busy or they didn't pick up. Frustrated and tired he parked himself on the curb and deliberated over what to do, going back and forth about hailing a hovercab. What if he got a ride and then halfway to sa-mekh-al's house someone finally came to pick him up?

Just then a pair of large feet came into his field of vision and he looked up…and up and up to find Veren standing over him. "Se'tak?"

He quickly scrambled to his feet. "The one and only," he said with a grin. Patting his duffel he added, "This is everything. Ready to go?"

"No."

Se'tak's face fell. "Why not?"

Veren canted his head to the side, looking at him as if he were an interesting engineering puzzle. "I was sent to collect your sa-mekh-al and ko-mekh-il; their transport from Terra will be docking in 5.63 minutes." He took another long look at him then continued, "It is most fortuitous that you are here; as I am unfamiliar with our Elders you may assist me in locating them."

Se'tak took a half step back and held up his hand. "Wait a minute! Are you trying to tell me that you didn't know I was here and you only came to pick-up Babu and Bibi? What the Hell?!"

"I do not under—…"

"They forgot about me!" Now he was really garnering a lot of negative attention but he was past caring. He was pissed and with good reason too.

"Indeed, I believe there has been some minor oversight with regards to…"

"Minor?! I just spent 2 weeks on a dingy little freighter trying to get here for your wedding and you call forgetting about me a 'minor oversight'?!"

Veren's eyebrow rose up steeply. "I believe your anger is justifiable, however, it is rather wrong of you to direct it at me, an innocent third party. I was wholly unwitting of your travel arrangements. Perhaps you could wait and take up your grievances with your parents or T'Alora once we have returned to the compound."

Well damn. That just threw a wet blanket over everything. Veren was right of course. With a nod Se'tak hefted his bag back up on his shoulder and followed him back into the terminal to collect his grandparents without another word said on the subject.

1520 hours. Mama was just as surprised as Babu and Bibi were to see him and she greeted him with a great big bear hug that he only half-heartedly returned. He kept his tongue while everybody got caught up and when Mama took his grandparents to their room down the hall he went to the kitchen for a cold glass of juice.

"I'm so glad you're here," Mama declared as she re-entered the kitchen. She gave him a quick kiss then went straight back to kneading the dough in the bowl on the counter. "So how's every—…"

"You forgot about me." Se'tak's tone was cold and hard as ice.

"What?" She stared at him in shock. "I didn't forget about you."

"Mama, Veren didn't even know he was coming to pick me up! I was waiting at the station for over an hour; I couldn't get a hold of anybody and if he hadn't come to get Babu and Bibi…"

"Se'tak Mugisa now you wait right there!" she cried back, shaking a floury finger at him. "I did not forget about you! You were the one who showed up a whole day early…"

"That's not true!" he shouted back. "I sent you a letter 2.5 weeks ago with my plans! I told you I was getting in today at 1:30 and you said you'd said someone to pick me up no problem!"

"Ugh!" Mama threw up her hands and gnashed her teeth, marching straight over to the sink. As she washed off the dough she said, "Just wait, just you wait." Reaching for her PADD she called up her in-box and her calendar. "See? Right here you wrote…" but her voice trailed off as she stared in growing horror at the lines of script. Se'tak folded his arms across his chest and smiled smugly; he was completely vindicated.

"Oh my G-d." She put a hand to her mouth and sank into the stool at the breakfast bar. "You're right. You told me you were coming today but I put the wrong date in my calendar. I have you coming in tomorrow, not today." Mama looked up at him and Se'tak saw her eyes were watery. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry."

The wind was knocked right out of his sails and he felt his cheeks grow flush. He hadn't meant to upset her, he just wanted to prove he was right. "It's ok."

"No it's not. I don't know how I could've done this…"

"It was an honest mistake."

"…I know I've got a lot on my plate right now with the wedding but..."

He stepped over and gave her a hug. "Really, Mama, it's not that bad. I'm fine, honest…and now that I'm here I can help you out with stuff."

She looked up at him and returned the embrace. "I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too."

S'chn T'gai Clan House, New Shi'Khar, New Vulcan 2288.296, 1019 hours. "Is this really necessary?" Selas asked as he followed him out into the backyard.

Once they were clear of the steps Se'tak pressed the lirpa into his sa-kai's hand. "Yes." Selas immediately frowned and he hurried to reassure him. "I mean, I don't think Veren is actually going to—you know—during the service or anything—" just saying the words aloud made him shudder. They both knew their function as T's honor guard was ceremonial only; however, there was precedent for it in Vulcan culture or else the role wouldn't still exist. "But I think it's a good idea to practice. And why not? It's not like we have anything better to do right now and I haven't touched a lirpa since college. Who knows, you might actually beat me once or twice seeing as how I'm a little rusty."

Selas held the weapon in both hands, testing it's weight and finding his balance. The blade was already capped off and blunted making it perfect for practicing. "If I recall correctly you did not present much challenge when we last sparred 2.18 years ago either," he said smugly.

Se'tak knew he was ribbing him but he couldn't resist rising to the bait. "Why you little…" He charged but Selas stood his ground and easily deflected him away. His sa-kai smirked. "Is that the best you can do?"

They went at it for another half hour, lunging, jumping and parrying. Se'tak thought he did a pretty good job keeping out of Selas' way but it was clear his sa-kai was the better sportsman as he kept him on the defensive pretty much the entire time. They were both beginning to wind down when Selas suddenly whirled on him. He had meant to strike Se'tak on the arm but at the last minute he moved and ended up getting struck upside the head.

The blow sent him staggering backward until he lost his footing and fell hard on his behind. He kept trying to get up but his vision was fuzzy with stars and he couldn't shake the dizziness.

"Se'tak? Are you alright?"

"Imakay." Selas' head bobbed and swirled before him.

"Your speech is slurred. You are not well." Selas' voice dropped off and Se'tak was happy to sit and wait. His sa-kai's voice made his head hurt more. Maybe if he went to sleep everything would…

"Se'tak, kumi'an!*"

Am I in trouble? Sa-mekh's stern words roused him and he was soon tugged up to his feet by a firm grip on his belt. "What? Idinit do anyting."

"You are not in the wrong, sa-fu; you are concussed, therefore it is inadvisable of you to sleep." As Sa-mekh spoke he led him toward the back doorway where Sa-mekh-al, Babu, Bibi, Veren, Selas and Becca all crowded around. "We are taking you to the Healer's."

Huh. That all sounded rather logical. "Ok."

1404 hours. He woke up slowly in his bed at the family compound. A dark heavy screen was pulled down over the window blocking out all the light. As he propped himself up on his elbows Se'tak became aware of another presence in the room.

"You have been planetside for 23.16 hours and have already managed to get into trouble."

"Yeah," he said with a chuckle. "Must be a new record for me."

One eyebrow went up. "Indeed," T'Alora wryly replied. "Do you recall the series of events that occurred prior to your injury?"

Se'tak shook his head and let loose a groan as he brought his hand up to his throbbing temple. "The last thing I remember is everyone sitting around the table at breakfast."

His ko-kai quickly brought him up to speed while providing him with a glass of water and a cool cloth for his head. "The Healer that examined you assisted you into a light healing trance; she believes you will be well in time to participate in this Saturday's ceremony."

"Good…wouldn't want to mess up the wedding or anything."

"No," T'Alora evenly replied, "You would not." Though her voice was steady Se'tak could tell she was genuinely concerned about him and not the ceremony. "I am glad you are not more seriously injured. You should rest now to further ensure your continued recovery."

"Ok." She took the water glass from him as he settled himself back into the sheets. Standing to leave T'Alora hesitated beside his bed then brushed the hair out of his eyes and kissed his forehead. Se'tak realized through the light contact that he'd given her—and the rest of the family—quite a scare. Resolving not to make matters worse and continue to worry them he closed his eyes and snuggled in against the pillow for a good healing rest.

S'chn T'gai Clan House, New Shi'Khar, New Vulcan, 2288.297, 1530 hours. Mama and T had brought home their suits yesterday from the tailor but in all the commotion of his concussion they'd been forgotten about until today. Now they were waiting with Bibi in the bedroom while he and Selas went to try on their matching outfits to see how they fit. Se'tak hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his pants and tugged hard to try to get them to stretch but the elastic was new and only so forgiving. The hem was a bit short too—not noticeably so but as someone who liked his clothes a little on the long and baggy side he was suddenly showing a lot more ankle than he usually would.

Had he gotten the measurements wrong? He'd had Micah double check them at the time but they were out in the field and besides, neither of them were tailors so what did they know about inseams and such? Maybe they'd messed up.

Letting loose the waistband with a snap Se'tak sighed and reached for the matching taupe jacket. He wouldn't breathe a word of this to Mama or T'Alora; he didn't want to stress them out. Slipping his right arm in the sleeve it felt a bit restrictive around the bicep. Maybe he'd grown more than he thought over the last few months but there was nothing for it now. There was no way they'd be able to re-make his entire outfit with the ceremony only 3 days away. No, he'd just suck it up, grin, and bear it for the evening and that'd be that.

The left arm was tight too and as he buttoned up the jacket he felt the fabric stretch taut at the broadest part of his shoulders. Maybe if he didn't move too much no one would notice. He'd just be very careful how he held the lirpa…and walked…and sat…and talked…and breathed…

Stepping out into the bedroom where Mama, Bibi and T'Alora were waiting for him Se'tak tried valiantly not to let his discomfort show.

"Oh Se'tak, what a nice color on you," Bibi exclaimed delightedly as she took him in.

Mama nodded her head but had a much more critical eye. "You're right, Mama, but something's not right about the fit." She rose from the edge of the bed and walked around him with her chin in her hand. "Is it too tight?" she asked, running her hands along the taut fabric between his shoulder blades. "Because it looks too tight."

"It's fine." He could live with it so long as he didn't make any sudden movements.

Just then Selas walked in for his examination. "Mama, I do not believe that the fit of this garment is correct." Se'tak glanced his sa-kai's way and saw that Selas' jacket and trousers were both loose and that the sleeves of his jacket reached toward his fingertips.

"Looks like you got your suits switched boys," Bibi declared.

"Indeed," T'Alora remarked.

"Well that explains it. Se'tak, let's get this jacket off you before it…"

RIP!

He stood frozen, horrified, feeling the cool air rush in through the giant slit in the back of his jacket. Everyone stared at him completely aghast save for Selas.

"Please tell me that what I believe just happened did not actually occur."

"It did," T'Alora informed their sa-kai. She held out her arm so that he could see for himself the gaping, ragged edged hole in the back of what was supposed to be his suit jacket.

Bibi brought her hands down from her face still staring at him with wide eyes. "Oh dear."

An emergency trip to the tailor's swiftly followed with the elderly outfitter peering over the ruined garment as Mama explained what happened. It was decided that the only 'aesthetically pleasing' solution—given the time frame—was to add more of the same embroidery from the collar and cuffs to the center of the back, thus hiding the rip. They'd have to re-do Se'tak's original jacket too to make them identical and it was a tense 36 hours until they had the finished garments once again in their hands. This time, when Se'tak suited up, his outfit fit perfectly.

Yarsei Function Center, New Shi'Khar, New Vulcan, 2288.300,1756 hours. "Good luck!" Becca called out as she re-entered the hall. As soon as she was out of sight Se'tak resumed his nervous pacing. "Ok, so we go in, stop, cross blades, walk down the aisle, stop at the altar, cross blades again, then you go left and I go right. When it's all over we let everyone else go first and bring up the rear of the group."

Selas stood still before the double doors like the proverbial rock in a storm. "I am well aware of what our movements should be for the service and do not need any reminder."

Se'tak stopped short. "I know. This is for me."

"Oh. You were muttering to yourself?"

"Yeah."

Selas nodded and tapped the end of the lirpa against the floor. "Understood. Carry on."

He shook his head and rolled his eyes then resumed pacing. He did NOT want to screw this up—not for T'Alora and Veren, not for Mama and Sa-mekh, and certainly not for himself. Taking another peek into the room Se'tak saw all the guests and swallowed hard. Knowing that there were over 300 people coming and seeing them all assembled were two different things. He hoped he didn't fall flat on his face in the middle of the aisle and embarrass himself in front of everyone—or worse.

His stage fright rising steadily he did not immediately notice the officiant, Lady T'Eiria, emerging from her private meditation to join them by the door. Her sudden imperious appearance was jarring on his nerves. She greeted him with a nod but otherwise said nothing. Se'tak wondered if that was normal or if that was just her; either way he wasn't about to break her concentration right before things got underway. Before he could ponder over proper Vulcan etiquette some more the jingling bells from down the hall announced the arrival of the girls and he took up position beside Selas.

Effervescent as always Casey declared, "Looking good, Tic Tac, Selas."

He blushed hard. "Thanks."

Lady T'Eiria turned her gaze on them. Looking down her beak-like nose the whole party fell silent as she ordered them to get into formation. Se'tak held out his elbow for Selas; they'd agreed that once they were through the entryway they'd walk down on their own. "Ready?"

"Ready."

The doors swung open and he saw everyone up on their feet.

Don't trip, don't trip, don't trip, don't trip…

1957 hours. The whole table—hell, the whole room—was positively giddy, himself included. The service had gone off without a hitch, the family was happy, and he hadn't embarrassed himself; and to top it all off the cousins were gathered around swapping stories and catching up like they hadn't all been able to in years.

"So Dad, he's…he's standing there…" Kyson was laughing so hard he was struggling for breath. "He's standing there and he's yelling at me and Dim and he has NO idea that it's being broadcast over the entire ship! And we're killing ourselves trying not to laugh but seeing us hold it in only makes him madder…"

"So what happened?" Sam cried out from the edge of his seat. "What'd he do?"

"Well at first we were only grounded for 2 weeks but then he went on-duty and found out the whole of Discovery knew so we got a solid month! Totally worth it though!"

Becca threw her head back and roared. "Let me guess—lesson learned, don't prank dad?" Poor Lily shook next to her as she tried to stop laughing and catch her breath.

Kyson banged his hand down on the table and chuckled. "No way! Prank dad just," his eyes darted furtively around the room as he dropped his voice to a whisper, "don't get caught!"

Poor Max's cheeks were red from laughing at their past exploits. He was too young to have ever been with them on the Enterprise but he was one of them all the same. As they struggled to reign themselves back in Se'tak noticed a girl his age walk by. She wore a short, one-shouldered, black dress which went nicely with her light purple skin; she also had a short shock of jet black hair spiked out in all directions that intrigued him. His eyes followed her to the bar.

"Uh oh," Lily stated ominously. "Looks like he's got one on the hook."

Sam's head shot up. "Huh? Who?" He and Kyson whipped their heads around before spotting him staring at the girl.

"Oh yeah, totally 'Tak's type," Kyson agreed.

"I do not have a type," Se'tak imperiously declared as he stood up. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Becca leaning over and filling Selas in on the girl. "I am a lover of all women." He raised his empty glass to triumphant hoots and hollers from Kyson and Sam while Becca and Lily rolled their eyes. Selas kept his expression neutral though he detected a hint of distaste across the familial bond. Meanwhile poor Max looked quite comical in his innocent state of confusion as the exchange went right over his 10 year old head.

The bar was empty yet he strode over and stood right next to the girl, plunking his empty glass down with a thud while they waited for the bartender to return from the back room. "Hi."

"Hi."

"I'm Se'tak," he said as he held out his hand, "Brother of the bride."

Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of purple as she batted her eyelashes. "Derrida," she replied, demurely slipping her hand in his, "Daughter of Ambassador Argott."

Se'tak reached over and plucked two orange wedges from a container, offering one to Derrida. "So, Derrida, how do you know the happy couple?" He took a small bite and the juice dribbled down his chin.

"I don't."

"Oh?"

"Your father and my father are old friends. My grandfather was an ambassador before my father and our parents met traveling with their parents on the diplomatic circuit."

He grabbed a cocktail napkin and wiped the sticky sweet remnants of his snack off his hands. "I had no idea."

"Neither did I until we received the invitation. There's my father now, talking business with Sarek no doubt." Se'tak looked over to where Derrida was pointing and saw the two men deep in conversation on the opposite side of the dance floor. He could see the family resemblance, although Argott was portly and his hair was growing white at the temples and in patches on his beard.

"And I bet you just couldn't pass up the chance to see a Vulcan wedding firsthand, huh?"

Derrida winked and he felt his heart flutter. "Something like that…"

The bartender emerged from the back and hurried over to them. "What can I get you folks?"

"I'll have a Chladymian Fire Tea," Derrida ordered.

"And I'll have a…" Se'tak took a quick glance at the bottles lined along the back wall, "A chocolate and orange martini, thanks." The bartender then verified they were of legal age and began mixing their drinks.

"Interesting choice," she remarked, edging closer to him. "I thought Vulcans abstained from chocolate."

"Some do," Se'tak conceded. He turned his back on the bar and looked out over the crowded dance floor; he didn't want to seem too interested. "But I like to live a little dangerously from time-to-time."

"So I see."

2116 hours. From his seat at the table Spock watched his sa-fu take another turn about the dance floor with Argott's ko-fu, both of them all smiles and laughter. A gentle umph and a thud and he looked over to see Jim now occupying the formerly empty seat on his left. With a beer in his hand his eyes also roamed the floor tracking Se'tak's progress.

"Well will you look at that—seems Tak's quite the little charmer these days."

"Indeed," Spock grimly replied. "His behavior is eerily reminiscent of your youth. It is most…disconcerting."

"Hey now, I wasn't all that bad…and besides look how well I turned out!" Jim cried out with a chuckle. Spock made no reply. "What?"

"I imagine it must be difficult living with a faulty memory such as yours."

"Ugh." He took a quick sip of his beer but Jim's attention was soon captured by Leonard McCoy's appearance at the edge of the room. "Uh, be right back…gotta go run some interference."

Spock watched in confusion as he swiftly departed until Nyota tapped him on the shoulder and invited him to dance.

2350 hours. They shared a few dances and a heavy make-out session in the cloak room before exchanging their respective numbers and parting company. Se'tak didn't expect anything to come of it but he and Derrida had had fun all the same. Somehow the evening flew by because in the blink of an eye the reception was over and the newlyweds were off on their honeymoon. The day that they'd all been looking forward to for so long was over and soon he'd back traveling among the stars.

* "Se'tak, kumi'an!" = Vulkhansu, "Se'tak, awaken!"