Chapter Four
The Desert Saga
Sus'na
The Ka'athyra Maker
Spock greeted Sus'na with the usual greeting and added Amsetri tre "
(your presence honors us).
For centuries the craftsmen who constructed this
instrument were honored, Their contribution to the Vulcan world was immeasurable.
From start to finish each instrument took well over a year to construct. It took
dedication and skill to complete each one of these treasures.
As was the case with most of these males, he was muscular. Sus'na stood before Spock with his hands behind his back. Spock found this position so unnatural for a Vulcan, who lived among Vulcans. His own similar stance had only been adopted when he was in the company of non-Vulcans to prevent the transference of thoughts or images. On Vulcan, no one ever touched another adult, child or another species without express permission, for it was a criminal act classified as 'mind rape' to force or obtain thoughts without expressed consent.
Spock was curious about the logic that dictated his posture. When ask if he wanted to sit, he stated he preferred to
stand.
When Spock asked him to sign for his credits Spock saw the reason for the positioning of his hands, they were stained a dark brown, that contrasted sharply with his pale color. His hands were the color of a k'athyra. Apparently he had neglected to wear protective gloves during his work and the varnishes and stains had created this contrast.
As Sus'na assumed his former posture Spock addressed him,
"It is difficult to be different. This has been my experience my entire life."
With those words, Sus'na face softened briefly and he said,
"I have been unable to return my hands to their true pigmentation."
"Perhaps one of the healers might be able to assist you. Do you know where they are.?
"Yes Osu."
Spock corrected him,
"We are all puk'ai'la (allies) here. Is there a specific way we could assist you?"
"I wish to continue making ka'athyra but the sha-for, sher skan and li'pon tree have ceased to exist. Would I be able to inspect various species that are known in this world to see if any have properties that would make them acceptable in my trade?"
"I will have wood samples brought to the site. In addition, each planet of the Federation has a seed depository storage facility that contains seeds from every cataloged tree, plant and vegetation of each member planet. Terran's facility is located at this planet's Artic circle. We should find seeds from Vulcan in that storage facility. I will make inquiry."
In reflection, Sus'na said,
"My aduna was also a musician. She had taught our three children to play varied instruments. My oldest, my son played the ka'athyra, my middle, a daughter played the flute and my youngest, also male was learning to play the fereikek (Vulcan keyboard synthesizer). When it became clear to her they would not survive they each sent Dif-tor heh smusma (Live long and prosper).
"My beloved then slowly withdrew them all from my consciousness, sparing me the anguish of their suffering and the torment of their sudden severing of our bond."
He had turned his face from Spock and there was a sharp release of a breath.
Spock waited until he sensed he had settled himself and then informed Sa'nas,
"I would be pleased to hear you play. I have been a student since age three. At our next meeting I shall bring my instrument. It survived because it was here on Terra at the time of our Loss. It is a family treasure.
"You honor me with this opportunity and I will guard your instrument with my life."
"Another thing Brother, there is a Terran female who has written a letter who plays a
Terran harp. We have communicated and spoke about music and she has
transmitted music played by her own hand. I would have reciprocated but I knew of no
ka'athyra here.
Spock thinks and finally said,
"You may use it to send a musical message to your Terran counterpart. Does that meet your approval?"
Sus'na nodded.
Spock then verbalized his reflection,
"All of our losses are immeasurable, but we are now a new people, with even more
ahead of us than there is behind."
Sus'na continued,
"If I do bond with my Terran friend, will you act as my ne ki' ne (a trusted friend).
Spock looked questioning and said,
"You have no one else who is a closer brother?"
Sa'nas said,
"Closer maybe yes, but not a savior or one who has honored me as you have."
Spock is speechless as Sa'nas left his presence.