Vulcans Breathing Freedom

Chapter Forty-one

The Desert Saga

The 'Vucans Breathing Freedom' were apt students. It appeared that they were like individuals starved for information, training, guidance, and kinship. These were supplied by 'The Saviors' in abundance. As the culmination of their instruction was before them, they were anticipating a trip to The Settlement. All the DNA had been processed and an introduction to blood kin was necessary. After this introduction a formal bonding would be initiated. When this group returned to San Francisco their would be a bond established and being strengthened by the distance.

A 'graduation meal' was being planned and each individual would be encouraged to display their work, not for the sake of praise, but as an indication of their completion of their training in an acceptable trade. It was interesting to note that the relationships that had been discovered meshed with the training they had received. Was it possible that such gifts lay in the domain of their DNA? That was an interesting subject that could be explored by someone who could be able to determined this was a distinct advantage.

In the meantime, Sarek had attempted to bring about a resolution in S'Na's troubled mind. He was amazed when he reached into it. It was like an attack upon his calm. He reassured S'Na that only with diligent effort the emotions that were part of the Vulcan's makeup could be mastered. He was amazed at what ease his student was able to cultivate the gift of meditation. Within a few sessions he had reached tal't'li (first meditation) Sarek acting as his pihlora (guide /counselor in meditation) was witness to determine the degree of calm S'Na's deepening mastery of meditation brought to him. He radiated his deepening calm and if Sarek had been human he would have felt a father-like pride in his student's advancement.

That afternoon Sarek knelt in his place of meditation and breathed deeply as he surfaced from the confines of deep contemplation. He gracefully arose and straightened his robes and went to his office. In view of S'Na's advancement, he wanted to talk to his son and went to his sleeping quarters, dressed in his riding suit and went to the garage mounted his bike, no pomp and circumstance, just the freedom that a ride on his bike to his son's home would offer him. Even if neither his son or daughter were at home, T'Paal would allow him entry. As he reached his destination he walked his bike to the yard in the rear of the house.

He looked around and went to the fountain and looked at how the roses bush christened 'Amanda''** had flourished. He wondered if his son's friend Sulu contributed toward the continued beauty that surrounded him. He would be sure to ask Spock to supply him with a rooted cutting of that bush to plant in The Embassy garden. In the quiet solitude of this place he sat and looked at the remembrance of his beloved, firmly rooted in the soil of his son's home where her grandchildren could admired its beauty and hear about his beloved's life…

He then thought of the Betazoid practice of a couple never being separated even by death. When one is dying, the other joins consciousness with that one and their heart beats stop together. One is never left to grieve and miss deeply their bondmate. It is a highly sympathetic solution to an ongoing problem. So on their planet is it so that there are no widows or widowers. He wondered if that ritual is practiced by even young couples with children. That did not seem logical, responsible or reasonable. It would especially be likely for older couples, not those who might have children. He would be sure to make an inquiry of Drevi when next they met. He and Bettie had been off planet for over a month. She had broadcast from several Federation planet locations and drawn attention to the unique talents of each planets's citizens. He understood they would return to Terra next week. He would be sure to contact the Betazoid Embassy and make inquiries.*

He heard a sound to his rear and saw T'Paal, with her head bowed.

"T'Paal, Dif-tor heh smusma."

Her response, also i;;;n Vulcan was "Schya eh dif,

She then continued, in Standard,

"Osu Sarek, your presence honors this house. Spock and Nyota will be arriving shortly, why not come in and be refreshed with their water."

Sarek nodded, and rose and followed her into the house. In fact, this was not the first time he had visited his son's home, but it was the first time he had visited when there were not other visitors. He had been present the first time when his grandsons were presented, then again at Christine and Lo'vaak's joining. He continued to be impressed at how his son and daughter had coupled Vulcan and Terran style in the furnishings and decoration. His mind drifted…Amanda would so much have enjoyed herself helping to decorate this home. She would have adored her daughter-in-law, with the new life growing inside her and the twins. He had to put a stop to those thoughts for they just intensified his longing.

Sarek reviewed 'The Needs Edict' and his responsibility, as a descendant of Surak. to uphold it to the extreme measure. There would be no way to revisit the past by bonding with a Terran female. How empty a relationship with one of his own species would be. No mental challenges, no passion, just duty. If it were not for the fact his position was one of inheritance, he would even contemplate resigning his post as Ambassador and Council Member. It then dawned on him that a replacement for him was in the wings—his son. Whether he would be able to set his son into the position and proceed with his life before his next Pon Farr would require extensive exploration. Of course, he had doubts as to whether his son would wish to leave his post at Star Fleet Academy. But, perhaps his training could start right here on Terra. This remained to be seen. Certainly, a discussion would be necessary.

He then thought of the basis for this point of view. His attempt to escape an inevitable bonding, these thoughts certainly did not reflect his knowledge of and life long adherence to 'The Needs' edict", With an uncharacteristic sigh he realized that these thoughts must be released to the wind—as just like that entity-wass unable to be possessed.

*See 'The SFS Continues, Lights, Action, Camera,' Chapter Seventeen for reference to that Betazoid custom.

**See 'Spock and the Rose Garden' Chapter Four