The Desert Saga
Chapter Six
As promised, a small group of survivors would visit the site in Nevada to prepare for the entire group's removal from the Embassy to their new home. Included in this initial exploratory group would be the builder and his crew, stone mason, stone carver, heavy equipment operator/repairman, herbalist, and the Saviors.
There was no way that a human could accomplish what several strong, determined, needing-less-sleep, Vulcan males could accomplish in just a short time. The dormitories were cleaned, cots sanitized and fitted with bed linen, each Maat (clan) was assigned a different area, food supplies were checked and inventoried, and finally, the crowning achievement the preparation of housing for 'The Saviors'.
In actuality, the special housing for those designated as their 'Saviors', were buildings that they had discovered already built that stood close to one another. These were transformed into private housing to accommodate Sarek, Spock, Sirin, Lo'vaak, their families, and Drevi and Bettie. Each would have their own private lodging. What eventually consolidated these buildings was a covered walkway, plus a fence surrounding the housing in order to contain the children and finally a lovely piazza with an outdoor fireplace and benches. This would be 'The Survivors' gift to those that had brought them to this place of hope.
Finally the day was upon them…
The Embassy main hallway, leading out to the garden and rear parking lot was filled with The Survivors. They was an orderly line-up on the right side of the passage. They had received their vessel and seat assignment and were dressed in the same kind of clothing the initial explorers had worn days previously. As the ones they had designated, their "Saviors" came toward them they all took an at ease military stance and said, "Ne'shau au ish-korsau (Greet these that saved) followed by Ha (Yes).
Sarek gestured to the group that such plaudits .were unnecessary and then his group moved to the area by the exit door. At the doorway he turned to face 'The Survivors,' all was quiet.
"Brothers, today you will move your bodies, equipment, and hopes to a different place. Before you is hard work, dedication and assured success. I have no doubt about how great you all will become. At this new place continue in the ways of Surak but also honor the planet that now serves as your host. As you look through the packages given to you, review the information with an open mind. They is no pressure on you to make a decision., but for some Pon Farr will make the decision for them. We will visit the settlement regularly and receive reports from Su'auk weekly. Are there any questions?
Silence.
Spock stepped to the front and added,
"From this day forward it will be a time for discovery. You will need to adjust to the change in weather and readjust to the rigors of hard physical labor. These will lessen as the grounds are made self-sufficient through irrigation and automation.
"Dif-to heh smusma," (Live long and prosper) were Spock's parting words.
Sirin approached the front,
"I and Lo'vaak will serve as the settlement's healers. If we are unable to come to you, we will send transports to bring you to us. You will not be deserted by us. We thank you for the breath of fresh air and the broadened ir-zehls (horizons) you have brought to us.
Immediately following Sirin, Lo'vaak spoke,
"We have entrusted to you as a group, the continuance of the 'Vulcan Way' on another planet. Of course, there have been settlements on other planets before, but at that time our mother planet was still home. Now, these new lands will have to take on that meaning for you. These lands will be your home, there you will bond, raise your sons and daughters and eventual die. But importantly, by legal means, you will be on Vulcan soil. Help one another to reach the highest expression of our traditions and teach these to your bondmates and your children.
Drevi came forward,
"There is very little else I can say except within a few months a few Betazoid females might visit the settlement. For them it will be an exploratory visit. I will accompany them. Until that time "Benii Coos, Valanti" (Betazoid: Peace, Life, Happiness -my creation)
Su'auk then took charge,
"Brothers, we all shall leave this building better for our coming here and best for our stay here."
Vulcans do not applaud good deeds, but their association with humans had cause a blurring of lines and so they did express their appreciation in that human way. Almost with military precision they turn and followed Su'auks lead out of the doors. The Embassy staff was waiting in the back lot. Three had been assigned to hold the signs designating the vessel's number. Before the group entered they all raised their hands in the Ta'al and said, "Sochya eh dif: (Peace and Long Life).
Not only had the Federation supplied the air vessels, they had provided pilots. Spock and Nyota would pilot the same craft they had flown when they made the first exploration trip to Nevada. The other wives were also on board along with Drevi and Bettie, who was already itching for a follow-up story on The Survivors. This trip would allow her to 'spy out the land' so to speak in order to get a feel for that story.
Ellie and Su'auk were seated in the left front two seats. She was looking a bit apprehensive. He said,
"Ellie, don't forget we still have our apartment. On occasion we can return to it to shop, visit places that we have enjoyed. The place we go is not a prison, it is a place of challenge and change."
She responded, "Husband, that is not what I now am experiencing trepidations. I am afraid of flying."
"I did not know this Ellie, you did not appear to have this fear when we left USA."
"At that time I had a much greater fear."
Her husband nodded,
"Indeed."