Sarek waited patiently by the communicator in his office, Amanda had taken Angela to bed after Spock's arrival and surreptitiously planted a medical scanner on her mattress. The results from Angela's preliminary scans at Starfleet and her continuing scans here were not portraying the life he intended for the emotional creature. "I don't care what your stuffed up colleagues say," Amanda announced, sitting next to him on the couch, "Angela is not going back to Starfleet."
"I agree," Sarek nodded. "I am waiting for Starfleet's findings before I make any decisions."
"I want Saunders buried in an ant hill so I can pour honey on his head."
"I am not sure that I can find logical argument against the idea," Sarek replied. "Though it would not be horrific enough in my opinion. There is never an excuse for harming a child. If the High Council does not agree with my assessment then I will appeal T'Pau directly to adopt Angela into our clan."
"Has there been any news about my academic career?" Spock asked. "The embassy informed me of Commander Saunders accusations that I illegally kidnapped Angela and went AWOL while enrolled."
"No," Amanda said, running her hand over Spock's shoulder. "Pike placed you on academic leave before you took Angela, they can't touch you."
"I hypothesize that their goal will continue despite any evidence we present," Spock replied. "Saunders had emotional reason to behave as he did for a time, but why throw Angela into the pool? I think there may be more behind the treatment of Angela than a disrupted marriage."
"We must contain our argument to what we can prove," Sarek interjected. "Our goal is to keep Angela safe, everything else at this time is secondary to securing her future." Spock nodded and the rest of the wait was spent in silence.
"Ambassador," his aid said over his link, "Admiral Archer is calling for you." Sarek nodded and the call was connected.
"Ambassador," the older looking man greeted, "I wish it were under better circumstances."
"What have you found?" Amanda asked.
"It took several days, but we discovered a connection between Saunders and Terra Prime," Archer explained, bringing up several supporting documents. "It is a small organization that believes Terrans should expand their reign over the galaxy with no regard for native peoples. Saunders is facing a court marshal and will be dishonorably discharged from Starfleet after his prison sentence. Fines and post-containment probation has not been agreed upon by either side yet."
"He is pleading guilty?" Spock asked.
"Yes," Archer said, "And you young man, have escaped any disciplinary action as it is exceedingly clear you were acting in the child's best interest. I believe it is safe to assume you will be petitioning for the girl's guardianship."
"You're damn straight," Amanda burst out, "And I want a full evaluation of any psychologist that ever saw her and let her out of their office."
"A fair request," Archer replied. "I will have Amanda's things sent to you as quickly as possible. One of the investigators found a stuffed saber tooth tiger…?"
"Thank you," Sarek replied. "My forwarding information will be at the embassy. Do you have any further information for us?"
"Not at this time, all of the details will be in the files I am sending to your office. Is the girl all right?"
"She is safe now and she is aware of that," Sarek said cryptically, "Good evening." Sarek disconnected the call. "Spock, check on Angela's mental state, ensure she is having no trouble sleeping." Spock nodded and left to look in on his sibling. Amanda tucked herself under Sarek's arm and he allowed his chin to rest against her hair. "Wife, I fear is this not the last time we will need to defend her."