Chapter Twenty-One
The Desert Saga
The broadcast had been one of the most watched in Federation history. The Federation Department of Justice had stepped
in to state it was doing a thorough investigation of the incident to determine the criminal charges that could be brought
against those executives. The Red Cross, The Lawyers Without Boarders, The Federation's Bureau for the Protection of
Indigenous Life, The Library of The United States Congress all were chumping at the bit to right even imaginary wrongs.
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The network, ever vigil to secure more viewers was able to convince Ambassador Sarek that a statement by him wouldweigh heavily against the perpetrators of the criminal acts against The Settlement. So a rare video event, an interview with him was scheduled to air that evening. Bettie was tapped as the interviewer. When the cameras started to roll, it focused on a black mourner's band on Bettie's arm. It then drew back to show Bettie's face, there was a pause and she said,
"There will be no cherry good evening greeting to start this broadcast, for I am mourning the death of civil rights for all citizens, visitors, immigrants, and temporary residence here on Terra.
I am at the Vulcan Embassy,in Ambassador Sarek's office."
Then the camera caught the only two people who would be seen and heard during this special report. Of cause there was not a cherry greeting from the Vulcan either. Bettie continued, "Earlier today I broadcast a serious breach of faith on the part of some Terran hooligans. We later found out they were influenced by 'big business' executives to attack theVulcan settlement in Nevada. Hospitality, whose root definition is 'kindness to strangers' and common courtesy were not even thought of."
Ambassador Sarek was seated behind his massive desk and as Bettie turned toward him she issued the acceptable Vulcan greeting,
"Dof-to heh smusma, Osu Sarek". (Live long and prosper, Sir Sarek).
Sarek issued the acceptable response,
"Bettie, Soshya eh dif" (peace and long life).
"Ambassador, earlier today unacceptable conduct on the part of some Terran citizens was perpetrated against the newly established Vulcan settlement in Nevada. Would you like tocomment?" With that question the camera moved from wide angle to a close shot of Sarek, who started,
"Almost three centuries ago at First Contact we were welcomed by the citizens of Terra who were still in the throes of global war. The Vulcan visitors went into negotiation with the various factions with the goal of bringing peace. Before other needs of your planet could be met, this ending of blood shed was primary. So, with the application of one of Vulcans' primary edicts, 'The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few', or even the one, these Vulcan explorers assisted Terra to rebuild and become great. Finally, Terra was asked to join the alignment that was being formed-The United Fderation of Planets. As our forefathers found more planets that had mastered warp drive these too received the same invitation. So The Federation of planets grew. In every case needs of others were addressed and were met with success. Some were life and death struggles,others 'needs' were much less threatening. Our history with The Federation has always been one where the needs of others always superseded those of our own because in actuality, Vulcan people always met their needs without outsiders'help.
"After Va Pak (The immeasurable loss) things have changed. For the first time in our history we found ourselves unable to provide for our needs. Our wealth which had been mostly held off-planet could not immediately care for our very real needs.
Our needs were indeed real and urgent; for one, the need for a new home planet. Then, because of certain laws passed by our new council, a place to house Vulcans who could not presently be integrated into New Vulcan's society.
Since the vast majority of Vulcans lost were older Vulcans, pre-adult youths, what you would call teen agers, pregnant females and females with younger children, this loss required a search for Terran females who, like several others, my daughter-in-law included, would be willing to bond, or marry and have offspring with these males.
Our inventions, construction modifications, art and agricultural advancements are being workedon, not for our exclusive use, but to share as an expression of gratitude for Terra's accepting our presence, here on your home world.
The Federation provided the opportunity for us to purchase a large abandoned military outpost. It was located in a desert area which would makes it hospitable to us, whose original home was also desert. The land our Survivors live on is an extension of the Vulcan Embassy, I even have an office there, which in actuality makes the settlement Vulcan soil. Our work there involves working in harmony with the environment, learning about the land's ability to furnish food for our group, to see how many of the indigenous plants could be introduced into our diet and test herbs that could be used to cure diseases.
"In San Francisco at the Embassy classes are already in session to educate females who have manifested a willingness to marry our Survivors. The purpose of these classes is to allow the females to make a logical decision as to their future.
"As you might remember, my wife, Amanda Grayson, a Terran, perished with Vulcan. My son, by association must have seen the wisdom of my choice and he too married a Terran. His first cousin did so also. So Vulcan/Terran marriages are a successful pairing. While there might be slight differences in the family arrangement as practiced by a Vulcan beassured a Vulcan male's greatest treasure is his aduna or wife. He is willing to die in her defense." The Vulcan mindset is such that he strongly believes the purpose of bonding is the production of children to create a family which is connected by a familial bond where their minds are linked and they can communicate non-verbally. It was as if Sarek's mention ofAmanda has shaken him, and he states,
"As a survivor myself I must admit that I too must eventually remarry but I am having difficulty letting go of the memories of my aduna, my bondmate, Amanda."
Uncharacteristically there was a brief silence as if Sarek had to mentally process the audible words he just voiced. There was just a second of time that lapsed and then the Vulcan again gained control. Bettie almost reached out to comfort Sarek but she instead said what was acceptable to a Vulcan, Tushah nash-veh kodu" (I grieve with thee).
Sarek nodded.
The camera again focused on Bettie as she said,
"The Vulcan mindset embodied in 'The Needs Edict' is what so identifies Vulcans. The ideas expressed in that phrase, influences every decision these noble people make. Perhaps it should influence us in some way
"Well Chicadees, I wish you what the Vulcan farewell states, 'Peace and Long Life'.
Bettie's image fades.
Immediately, the production crew started to dismantle the equipment for a rapid departure. Bettie had withdrawn to give her crew some last minutes instructions. Drevi stood by Sarek and with his usual, no sugar coating verbalization. his almost abrasive way of speech which is the norm for a Betazoid, colored his statement,
"I saw your visage almost change, your voice almost crack. Old friend you have to let go of the past and embrace the future. While you are accepting that inevitability, embrace a new warm female body. Seek not a replacement but a cure for your still oozing wounds, bond, have children, for time, nature and patience are the only true healers. Believe me myfriend, Amanda would have wished it."
Sarek thought of what seemed like forever ago when she had laid in his arms and told him, "One day I will have to leave you. Process your grief as quickly as possible and find another wife, another aduna. I cannot bear the thought of you continuing through your life alone. Let your new wife heal you for me."
Sarek knew his friend's words were truthful. He would honor Amanda wishes, her spirit, their wonderous time together by choosing another to walk besides him. Not to replace His Amanda, but to make fresh memories and possibly a new family.
Drevi had left his side and had gone and stood quietly behind his wife as she finished giving her crew direction.
Sarek approached and said,
"Thank you Drevi now both of you can honor me by joining me for last meal."
After the meal, general conversation and his guests' departure, Sarek made his way to the family's rooms. He had not slept in their shared bedroom since he had returned to Terra after that fateful day. He entered and stood by Amanda's side oftheir bed and said aloud,
"My Beloved, K''diwa, I will let go as you had instructed me many time measures ago. I will at last process my grief and release my memories of you to the cosmos, where the billions of Vulcan's thoughts were spread out with the destruction of our home. I will honor you with my future life, I will follow your instructions and I will work hard to grieve no more.
For a brief second he envisioned his Amanda, looking over her shoulder, blowing a kiss, smiling as she exited a door.