Chapter Fifteen
The Desert Saga
Other Survivors were interviewed and finally at the end of the program Bettie
interviewed Sarek, who was now dressed in his formal robes, and was asked,
"What do you want the general public to take away from this broadcast?"
Sarek raised his eyebrow and said simply,
"To view us as neighbors who hopefully will better this part of Terra. We will
never interfere in the politics, customs, or any activity Terrans' hold dear. We will
carry on lives of peace, productivity and discovery to benefit all."
Bettie then stated,
"We are aware that all these Survivors, yourself included, have lost wives and
or offspring, we would love to return later to see how the matter of these males
securing bondmates is met successfully."
Sarek, now revealing his familiarity with the host of the show said,
"Bettie, you and your husband, who is my old friend, Drevi, are welcome here at any
time. If that were not the case, the workers would not have already built you a house
on these grounds.
Bettie laughed and said,
"Yes indeed, a five thousand square feet welcome mat is certain to make an
impact."
Sarek's eyebrow was raised as he responded with,
"Indeed."
Bettie continued,
"Osu Sarek, I have only attended one bonding ceremony in my life. It in fact was
quite short, extremely intense, and unforgettable. Drevi and I are looking forward to
many of them being performed right here at the settlement."
Sarek nodded and then continued,
"Since Vulcan bondings are singular and a deeply significant ancient ceremony that is conducted for a
couple by a Vulcan healer there will be no mass bondings, each one will performed for
one male and female. There will be no, assembly line production. Bettie, you will already be aware of the progress
since you are working with Terran women who are married to Vulcans to secure suitable bondmates for
these Survivors.
The theme music for the show was heard and the camera panned in to see Bettie's
smiling face, with her hand cupped to her ear,
"Do I hear wedding or should I say bonding bells? Keep watching for answers."
Just before fade out, Drevi appeared by her side and planted a kiss on the top of her
head.
"Let me identify this male who appears to be quite forward, my permanent
roommate, my husband Drevi."
He bent down, and for the sake of the camera whispered into her ear. This was
completely unnecessary because they were bonded, joined. She smiled and said,
"I stand corrected, My husband reminded me, that I was present at my own marriage
ceremony, so I have witnessed two bondings. My husband's people call their bondings, joinings,
so I have witnessed two such ceremonies."
Drevi's hand grasped her shoulder tightly as Bettie waved and gave her sign-off
phrase,
"Good day Chickadees, I leave you with many questions. Be assured during future
broadcast we hope they all will be answered.
"We hope by this broadcast the truthfulness of the Vulcan statement, Ah'rak kya,
which when translated means, "Vulcan Lives," has become a proven statement."
The final camera shot showed Bettie waving and Drevi smiling as he looked at her
and sent,
'Is your further presence required or would you like to christen our new home?"
"I think a short nap would be good.'
Her husband sent,
"A nap? I think not. I visualize a far more relaxing activity…"
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The other couples had gathered at Sarek's house to review the high points of the
broadcast. Lo'vaak had been deeply impressed with two of Bettie's interviews-
Tur'nik, The Weaver and Ke'el, The Stone Mason and he inquired specifically about
these two. He asked whether these two had received any correspondence from Terran females
whose talents might be complimentary to their gifts.
Nyota excitably stated in those two Survivors' packets was information about two
females that had impressed her as possible candidates for bondmates for them.
The match for the weaver was a textile designer. The stone mason's match was a
sculptor. The thought about those two females as possibilities for bondmates was
almost storybook in its prospective.
After second meal the crew started to pack up. Some of the Survivors made
themselves available to assist. Nyota laughed to herself, it appeared that these
males had discovered the value of observing the ring finger of the right hand of the
females who they chose to assist.
The Betazoid females had observed the settlement's hard work and difficulties and
determined that despite the attractiveness of these males, perhaps at a later time,
when more had been accomplished the offer might prove to be more tempting.
Based on that information, it appeared that the Terran female population would be
the ones that would provide bondmates for The Survivors.
Considering the history of female Terrans which included a time when as pioneers
they assisted their husbands with building homes and raising children in a possibly
inhospitable environment, it was possible that such a challenge might be viewed as having
romantic ideals that could be appealing to the more adventuresome of the Terran females.
For females who were more artistically inclined, they might relate to the fact that the
great artist, Georgia O'Keefe found inspiration for some of her works in a desert setting.
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Lo'vaak and Sirin wanted a final conference with Ka'nu, The Herbalist. They found
him in his lab, with a large collection of herbs being cleanesed. The only welcome
necessary were nods.
But he verbalized,
"Brothers."
Pointing to the harvest before him he stated,
"Before you might be the most important medical discovery in Vulcan history."
He then advised the two healers of the conversation he had with the Shoshone
shaman. Once this was completed, Sirin said,
"You will keep us informed of your progress?"
"Yes, and I will provide samples."
"That is acceptable," was The Healers' reply.
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So with that conversation, the last group of visitors to The Settlement prepared for
departure. The production crew had departed, carrying the female visitors with them.
The Survivors who had made contact and started conversations with these visitors
had been greatly rewarded. The Terran females' response to conversation and
assistance from strong, handsome, gracious, shy and uncertain, Vulcan males
were greatly impressed. So much so that giddy feelings and fluttery stomachs were created
in those leaving and feelings of hopefulness in those who remained. The reports the visiting
females would give would be, without a doubt, favorable.
Sarek stood before their transport and raised his hands almost like he was bestowing a blessing
like a benevolent father,
"Brothers, Ah'rak kya (Vulcan Lives) because of our combined efforts. We all will
continue on course. Farewell until we return."
The group filed into the vehicle and settled themselves for their return to San
Francisco. Drevi and Bettie's transport took the lead as they lifted off the landing
pads. The women illogically pressed their faces to the gas shielded windows, smiled
and waved in farewell as their Vulcan husbands communicated amusement at their
Terran mates illogical actions.
But their primary shared thought was ones of extremely deep satisfaction.