Chapter Thirteen
The Desert Saga
Second meal was about to be served. Sarek had determined that the production
crew and the 'visitors' would sit separate from the Survivors. Of course,
it was a given, that the females would cause undue stress on the males—
thus the imposed separation was indeed wise
It was announced before the buffet style lunch would be served that the meal would
be taken in silence. Sarek was certain that presented a degree of difficulty for the
Terran crew and the visiting females, but in essence if any of that group would join
them, undoubtedly it would become a way of life for them. This occasion would be a
window of opportunity to observe the Vulcan mind set—focus, dedication, and economy of
time, motion words, thoughts, decision making, resources, and strength. Meal time was just that, a
time for replenishing strength through the taking in of nourishment. Focus on one
thing of importance at a time led to efficiency of motion, and speed in accomplishing
a task. Thus, communication could wait until the purpose of the time for
supplementing one's energy supply was completed. Such a simple concept, such an
avenue for perceiving the logic of the Vulcan mind.
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Skoon had kept a watchful eye on Michele. He had determined that after the meal he
would ask her if she would like a private tour of the settlement. He felt a measure of
satisfaction when she enthusiastically nodded yes to his inquiry.
While walking Skoon started the conversation,
"My statement before second meal identified me. As I had said, my name is Skoon,
I am twenty-nine Terran years old and have as a trade, wood carving. On Vulcan I
was one of a few artisans assigned the task of preserving the form of carving called in
Vulcan, "Beautiful Cage".
Michele bowed her head and smiled as her memory stirred.
"I recall when we broadcast from the Embassy. You held a baby raddle that you
had made, It was truly remarkably beautiful and you said it had been made for your
son…
Michele swallowed hard and said,
"I grieve with thee."
Skoon acknowledged with a nod.
Explaining the group's present situation he simply said,
"All of us who reside here are desirous to make this our home. It will be part of
Vulcan here on Terra. We have much work ahead of us, some of it hard, other
efforts pleasurable. Part of the survival of our group will include our being able to
secure wives from Terra. Here, our lives will be different than on Vulcan Prime where
our parents selected our bond mates, what you would call a wife. This was done
when we were seven Terran years. That was the traditional arrangement and
in that world it worked for centuries. Here, things are different, we are attempting to
secure Terran wives to help populate this vast settlement. We are being assisted by
some Terran women who are married to non-Terram males.
Skoon looked down, hesitated and asked,
"Do you have someone in your life that takes care of you, provides for you, and
would be willing to protect you with their life?"
"No…no I do not Skoon."
"In that case I do present myself to you as a candidate for your approval as your
bondmate."
Shyly he looked downward and traced a pattern in the sand with the tip of his boot,
then continued,
"Of course, according to our instructions, first we must get to know one another.
Would you consent to exchanging words and thoughts through electronic
correspondence?"
Nodding, his companion said,
"I would like that very much."
Michele thought of her first meeting with a Vulcan, Spock to be exact. He was in the
'Green Room' at the broadcast station and she had come to apply makeup—which
his wife prevented her from applying.* She was able to observe them as one of
the most beautiful couples she had ever viewed. His attention and care for his wife
and later on, his sons was heartwarming. Yes, she could see herself in love with a
Vulcan, namely Skoon.
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Sus'na had taken Hilda to his workshop and explained in detail the laborious task
of creating a Ka'athyra. He had laid out samples of wood which had been introduced
to various elements to determine each wood's elasticity, resonant quality, longevity,
reception to stains and other matters needed in order to discover which
woods could be used in the construction of the Vulcan harp. Hilda pulled out her
holo-vid and showed him her instrument, earth's concert harp. Sus'na was
amazed at its size. Hilda then introduced an audio attachment and demonstrated
how it could be comfortably placed in the ear. Her companion complied and
then closed his eyes and breathed deeply at the sound of the music produced by this
strange new instrument. As the music finished he said,
"You will instruct me in the harp and I will instruct you in the Ka'athyra, and then we
will instruct our children."
Hilda blushed and a small smile tugged at her lips. Deception and subtlety was not
a part of a Vulcan's mind set.
As both couples continued their tour, both males felt a deep feeling of satisfaction as
they continued as successful providers of knowledge of The Settlement and
of The Vulcan Way.
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Ka'nu, the Herbalist had continued his search from the very first day he had set
foot on this new home. Every day he set out in a different direction, fortunately as a
Vulcan, there was never any trouble of him retracing his steps.
He wore sun shields for his eyes and he noticed in the distance what appeared to be
two people seated in the dust. He set out in that direction and came across a male,
seated on a rectangular piece of fabric, dressed strangely and with his hair in long
braids. In the Vulcan world this would be quite unusual, for braided hair was an
object of beautification for Vulcan females. Seated on the fabric by his side was a
young male, perhaps ten Terran years of age.
The Herbalist approached and lifted his hand in the Vulcan salute. The male, who
appeared to be an older Terran, with weathered brown skin raised his hand
also, but with his fingers aligned. Silently the seated male gestured for his visitor to
be seated. After several moments, the silence was broken by the words,
"By your clothing I am able to determine that you are associated with the people who
now dwell behind the fence."
Ka'nu nodded and said,
"Your words are truthful."
The newly met male's brown face remained as stoic as his Vulcan visitor. He
continued, "I am Winnenap, shaman of the Shoshones of Snake River."
"Shaman?"
"Yes, a man of medicine. I assist my people to good health by the use of products of
the earth."
Of course that description peaked our Vulcan's interest. Ka'nu paused for a second
and then said,
"My name is Ka'nu, 'shaman' for my people, who became homeless with the
destruction of our home planet, Vulcan. May I inquire, what is the purpose of this fire
burning before you, for the air temperature is quite adequate?"
"Fire is used by my people for many things. On occasion I personally use it as an
aid to focus. I introduce certain products of the earth to the fire to enhance the
smoke's color, smell and heat."
Our herbalist nodded in understanding and stated,
"My people are also so inclined in their use of fire."
The Shoshone tilted his head toward the youth by his side,
"This is my grandson, he is being trained in the ways of my office."
Ka'nu raised his hand in the Vulcan salute and said, "Live long and prosper."
Winnenap reach to his side and brought forward a weathered sack and unrolled it to
display its' contents. He pointed to what appeared to be a succulent type of plant
and said, in Standard this is called aloe vera, an aid to cure skin irritation and
problems with digestion of food…he then described each item he had collected. His
final description was,
"This is what we use to control the birth of children. It regulates hormones. In times
past our people had to schedule births at a time when there was the greatest chance
for survival. Anciently the Cyrene's of northern Africa had a monopoly on this
product, called silphium from the plant family called rue. The sale of this herb
contributed heavily to their wealth. The same plant could be used to cure sore
throats, treat coughs, snake bites, warts epilepsy, but its greatest use was in the
control of hormones in the area of birth control."
If he had been human, he probably would have jumped for joy, whopped in victory,
or shouted in surprise, instead his words were,
"Where can this plant be found?"
Rising gracefully the Shaman gestured for his grandson to fold up the blanket and
gestured for Ka'nu to follow him.
"I will show you, but you must understand it must be picked and its leaves drank as a
tea within twenty-four hours. If it is reduced to a powder the shelf life is still very
short. Its most effective form is as a tea. But due to the plant's natural cycles, for
continued use a powder can be produced. I will instruct you."
Ka'nu nodded,
"Would you be willing to visit me on the other side of the fence?"
His companion nodded in the affirmative. Ka'nu then paced himself to follow, not
lead his guide for his stride would have carried him to the forefront.
The field ahead of them went on endlessly and was ablaze with yellow blossoms.
The shaman cradled the blossoms and said,
"Perfume can be extracted from these flowers."
Ka'nu inquired,
"Have these plants ever been cultivated?"
"No, as you can see they reseed themselves."
"When do they drop seed?"
"Like most, in the third season, The Fall."
It appeared that their tribe started their yearly monthly count from the season of
rebirth, Spring.
"Winnwnap, would your people be willing to share these fields with us?"
"Mother Earth shares with all," was the Shaman's reply. How could we go beyond
Her dictates?"
Ka'nu nodded and questioned,
"When will you be returning to your search?"
"The next full moon I will venture here again."
"I will harvest some of these gifts this day and will see you next full moon."
Winnwnap nodded and then said,
"It appears we are brothers from different worlds. There is a ceremony that is
performed by my people that cement friendship and make them close as brothers.
Would you object to such a connection?"
"Please explain how this is accomplished."
"We will mix our blood."
For a moment Ka'nu was reminded of the Vulcan Blood Oath, the most powerful
oath within their society. So binding was it, that to break it would require death to the
guilty party—death by his own hand.
"I am in agreement for such a joining. My only reservation is that my fingers and
palms should not be pieced, but the side of my hands are perfectly suitable for such
a ceremony."
Each male produced an object for piecing the skin, drew blood and placed their
palms side by side.
The Shoshone said,
"We are now brothers of different wombs."
Ka'nu added,
"And different worlds."