The gayeties of the evening were extravagant and thrilling. There was a performance from a group of Orions. They displayed a beautiful dance that dazzled everyone in the room. Amanda had heard about Orions, but she had only heard about the trafficking of them in brothels and red light districts through out the Terran Empire. She was actually impressed by the artistry and finesse they displayed in their dance.

"Amanda?"

Amanda looked back at her father who was standing next to her, "Yes?"

"What did you think about the dance?"

"I actually enjoyed it. I went in with really low expectations."

"Doesn't everyone have low expectations of other species? Somehow the Orions excel in their craft and export."

An Imperial Starfleet officer who Amanda had never met went up to her father and whispered in his ear. He nodded as the woman spoke to him. Admiral Grayson looked at his daughter for a moment and then the woman walked away.

"Amanda, if you will excuse me? I have urgent business to take care of. I'll be back in time for the banquet."

Admiral Grayson rushed off into the crowd and Amanda was standing by herself. A waiter came by and offered her a cocktail and she gladly took one and found a chair to sit on and observe the room again.

There was a small live orchestra that was playing beautiful music and couples were paired off and dancing. Their gowns twirled in unison and grace. A smile appeared on her face while she watched them for a moment. She laughed as she saw an older homely man who had already drunken too much. He was passed out on an adjacent chair from across the room and he had many glasses around him.

This event felt more like a party than a delegation. There was no discussions or meetings. It was a party for the rich and privileged of the Terran Empire. Amanda felt slightly out her element. She had been to lavish parties but the extent of this one was beyond anything she could have imagined. Her father tended to protect her from these parties, he said they were fake and would stab her in the back if they ever had the chance.

She sighed and looked at the roulette table from across the room. She pushed the glass to her lips and finished her drink and set it down on a table near her. She walked to the table to see others handing their credits to the dealer. The dealer looked at her.

"Hey! Do you want to play?"

Amanda thought for a moment and felt spontaneous. She had to wait for her father and didn't know anyone else.

"Sure. I'll put 100 credits on red."

She handed the man the credits and he placed it on the red section. The man let the wheel spin and she watched as the ball landed on 10 black. An Andorian across the table let out a celebratory yell and he smiled to show all his razor sharp teeth.

She spoke under her breath, "Well, there goes 100 credits."

She was never any good at gambling. She sighed, the dealer looked at her and spoke, "Cheer up. There is always another round. Want to put another 100 down?"

Amanda waved her hands in the air, "No, I won't. I'll sit back and watch for a moment."

"Ok, darling, if that's what you want."

The dealer focused on others at the table and spun the wheel again. The older man next to her walked away with a sigh of frustration. He had put down 1000 and had lost it all. Amanda continued to watch for a couple of rounds until she heard someone speak to her.

"I do not understand the purpose of this activity." It was a monotone voice and Amanda had to look at who was speaking to her.

It was the same man from earlier that night. Amanda immediately felt some anger bubble up inside of her. He still seemed cocky as ever. Everyone understood the concept of gambling no matter what corner of the Empire they were from.

Amanda tried to bite back the anger in her voice, "You have never heard of gambling?"

"I have, but it is not an activity many do on Vulcan. What is its purpose?"

Amanda sighed. She really did not want to be talking to this guy, "I don't even know who you are. I'm sure the dealer can explain it to you."

"I am Sarek. What is your name?"

"I'm Amanda Grayson."

"You are not explaining this activity."

"I told you to talk to the dealer."

"Everyone at the table is engaged. You are an observer and are unengaged."

Amanda sighed and faced to look at him this time. He was at least a foot taller than her. His eyes were blue and his hair was dark and his bangs were cut into a perfectly straight line. His facial hair was not a full beard but a goatee with a mustache. Amanda thought he could not have been more than a few years older than her. He wore strange long robes with the Terran Empire symbol and another symbol she was not familiar with. Maybe if he was human she would consider him attractive but only maybe. She still felt annoyed by his presence but decided to explain it in hopes of him leaving her soon.

"You make a bet by giving the dealer your credits. You pick a specific number, a color, or an even or odd number. If your choice is picked you win more credits in return."

"I understand the game but I do not understand why you would engage in it?"

She rolled her eyes, "It is so you can win credits."

Sarek's eyebrow raised up slightly, "After observing 2 rounds, I've calculated the chances of winning is 2.63%. It is highly illogical to waste credits on unfavorable odds."

She didn't understand why this Vulcan was still talking about this with her. "Yes, the odds are not great, but it's about the thrill of when you win. Everyone knows that they will lose multiple times but when they win they could be making more than their loses. It is a type of stress relief and a form entertainment."

"How is the loss of one's assets considered entertainment or stress relief? Is that not counter intuitive?"

Amanda paused for a moment. He was right. "I actually agree but Terrans and other species use gambling in that way."

Sarek looked at Amanda, "I see. It is more about leisure than the actual increase of assets."

Amanda replied, "Yup."

It was silent and she wished the man standing next to her would walk away but he continued to observe the different rounds and watch the reaction of those around him.

Amanda was taken out of her reserve by a hand on her shoulder.

Admiral Grayson spoke, "Amanda, it is time to go to the banquet."

Amanda felt relief to leave the roulette table. She could feel the Vulcan's eyes on her and she ignored it, "Ok, Father."

As they walked further away Admiral Grayson spoke, " I don't think I've ever seen a Vulcan at a roulette table."

"He came up to me and started to ask questions about why anyone would gamble. I agreed with his point but he needed everything to be spelled out for him. "

Admiral Grayson had a small smile, "Vulcans are thorough in their questioning."

"Yes! Much more than I thought. I never knew anyone could speak with such a monotone voice and pretty much no emotion."

They walked to the banquet hall which had a long table with name cards in front of every seat. They were able to find their seats and sat down. Everyone filled their seats and soon everyone was chatting and laughing until they heard a gong sound go off. Silence filled the room immediately.

An Imperial Starfleet officer stood to speak, "Please welcome, The Mother of the Fatherland, The Overlord of Vulcan, Dominus of Qo'nos. Regina Andor, Imperial Majesty, Empress Hoshi Sato the 3rd."

The Empress walked in with regal armor made of gold. It had an intricate design on the metal and the collar was tall. She had a sword at her side and she wore a wicked smile that gave Amanda chills. Her eyes were filled with ruthlessness. Everyone stood up and offered the Terran Salute. Empress Sato III offered the salute in return. You could see she took pleasure from the complete power she had over this crowd.

"Your Empress now speaks. Welcome to the Terran Empire Delegation. As my governors and important leaders of the Empire, your service honors me. Tonight, we give a special honor to Captain T'Latya of the ISS Forge for obliterating the disgusting Klingon insurgents."

Amanda looked over at the Vulcan woman who had almost a smug look on her face, and people applauded her contributions to the Empire. Amanda looked at the various people's faces; she could see some people who were jealous with of her special treatment and some who were apathetic about it.

Empress Sato III spoke again, "Silence. Now we will feast on the best the Terran Empire can provide."

Empress Sato sat at her lounge area and Kelpian slaves fanned her as she drank her alcohol. The room filled with chatter again and dinner was full of so many courses that Amanda wondered how anyone could eat so much. She looked over at her father over the course of he meal. He was conversing with those on the other side of him.

Amanda looked to the left of her and another woman made eye contact with her for a moment.

"Hello, I'm First Officer Phillipa Georgiou."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Amanda Grayson. You are the first officer on the ISS Forge I assume?"

"Yes." A wicked smile appeared on her face that creeped Amanda out.

"Your service to the Terran Empire is very admiral."

Georgiou nodded, "Thank you."

Amanda felt that the conversation ended quickly and she turned back to her dessert. All the dishes were taken away and the Empress stood to speak again, "I hope you enjoyed your meal. Only the best Kelpian was served tonight. There are a few others I would like to honor tonight for their great loyalty and service to me."

From nowhere a body fell onto the table directly in front of Admiral Grayson and Amanda. She could feel her body tense up immediately. As Amanda's eyes examined the body she recognized it as the Imperial Starfleet officer her father had been talking to earlier this evening. Blood was oozing from the body and with it a strong iron smell accompanied it. Something was not right and as Amanda started to look over towards her father. She saw the fear in his eyes. He mouthed, "I'm sorry."

Amanda shook her head in disbelief. The Admiral started to make a strange sound and his pupils were constricted. His jaw slacked and he salivated uncontrollably. He started to convulse until he was on the ground and struggling to breath. Panic filled her and she looked at everyone around her. No one was moving or trying to help. Her eyes looked at the Emperor who was laughing,"Do not touch him if you wish the same fate. I used a nerve agent on him. Admiral Thomas Grayson is an enemy and traitor to the Empire. He conspired with the Klingon insurgents by providing them with weapons. Let his death be a reminder of the consequences traitors face."

Amanda looked at her hands and they were shaking with anger and fear. Her heartbeat accelerated and she found that she was taking short breaths. She remained silent as she stared at the lifeless look on her father's face. He couldn't have been a traitor? She was raised with strict loyalty to the Terran Empire. None of it made sense and Amanda felt that her world was crashing down on her. She was in serious shock and she felt a silent tear run down her cheek. It was starting to make sense, her father being uncharacteristically nervous and mentioning he was going to go away for a long time. He was planning on escaping from Earth after this. Amanda could not believe it. Yet the proof was there. Her father laid dead on the ground and she was probably next. The adrenaline that filled her system made her breaths even shorter. She looked at the options she had. There was no more silverware for her to defender herself. All eyes were on her and she could feel their snide looks and mocking faces. The world around her started to feel dizzy but she fought to stay grounded.

The sound of the Empress took her out of her emotional turmoil, "Take his daughter away for questioning."

Amanda looked up and felt panic as two Imperial Starfleet officers started to surround her and drag her away. She felt their rough hands on her arms as they forcefully took her from her seat.

She did not believe it; she was going to get thrown in a prison. She had heard the stories of what waited for her. There were only agonizers and surgical experiments that led to a slow and painful death. Her survival instincts started to kick in. "I am not a traitor! I am not a traitor!"

The tears were running down her face and she looked at everyone in the room they did not care and the Emperor laughed at her pleas. She saw the Vulcan man she talked to earlier and his face looked almost aghast. She tried to struggle against the officers and got loose from one of them but it was no use. She was punched in the face and black dots filled her vision as the world faded into nothingness.

Sarek watched as they dragged the unconscious form of Amanda Grayson. Her face had deep red blood running from it that matched her dress. It was unnerving.

Empress Hoshi Sato III spoke again, "Now that we have given honor to one, we must now give it to another."

"Admiral Grayson had a co-conspirator and they are sitting here in this room. Anyone want to take a guess and kill him right now?"

Everyone in the room looked around at each other nervously. Sarek was still shocked by what had just happened with Amanda Grayson. She would probably live a miserable life in a prison then a correctional camp all because of her own father's actions. Sarek made a controlled breath as he looked around the room waiting to see if someone would take action. T'Latya looked at his direction from across the table and for a moment he felt an illogical wave of fear. He looked at her and noticed that her gaze was directed at his father.

Sarek looked at his father and in that moment he saw a dagger go into his skull and then another appeared. He followed the trajectory of where the daggers came. The first was from the Emperor and the second T'Latya. Sarek felt the spray of warm green blood on his face. His eyebrows raised up and he couldn't hide the emotion of shock that was on his face as he watched his father slump in his chair and onto the ground. Some gasps came from around the room and Sarek looked at T'Latya whose face wore an uncharacteristic smile.

Sarek raised his hand to his face and touched the warm liquid. He examined his hand and saw the green blood on his finger tips run down his skin until it reached his wrist. He questioned if he would soon be taken by Starfleet officers but they did not come.

He looked at the Emperor whose gleeful smile frighted him, "Now that the wolves in sheep's clothing have been eradicated, we can enjoy the festivities of the night. This is a monumental moment for the Empire. I now decree that Vulcan will not have another Governor elected. It will be ruled by me for an unseen amount of time."

More gasps and whispers filled the room; every planet had a governor. It was unprecedented what Empress Sato just announced. She continued as her face turned harsh, "Silence! I will not have my subjects speak over me. Planets that cannot governor themselves will be governed by me. The bodies of Admiral Grayson and Governor Skon will be displayed publicly in front of my palace as a sign of triumph."

Kelpian slaves took the bodies of the traitors and dragged them out of the room. The trail of red and green blood was not cleaned up. Sarek could smell both the copper and iron based bloods fill the silent room. Sarek knew his father was not a traitor. He was strictly loyal to his people and the Terran Empire. Sarek wondered why he did not get taken away for questioning. In that moment, he realized that he was vital to Project Satev-tukh. His usefulness had not expired yet.

Everyone in the room started talking and laughing again as if no one was killed. He sat in his chair in silence until another Starfleet Officer came up to him, "The Emperor commands you stay for the rest of tonight's events."

Sarek spoke with control, "I wish to serve the Emperor."

"She is glad to hear of your exact obedience."

Sarek stood up and walked out of the large room that was nearly empty. He had to present his research on Project Satve-tukh when he returned to Vulcan. It was the only way for him to prove his allegiance to the Terran Empire, as well as, preserve his own life. A feeling of deep resentment started to fill him as he thought on the events that just occurred. He tried to force the feeling from him but it did not go away. His eyes scanned his robes and they were covered in his father's blood. He could start to feel the blood drying on his face and clumping in his hair. It was punishment for him to remain at this event in this state. He would have to meditate over this the next couple days.

T'Latya approached him and Sarek felt anger welling up inside of him as she approached him with an almost arrogant look. She did the Terran Salute and he returned it, "I grieve with thee. It is a great lose to your clan. When Vulcan is allowed a governorship again, it will be me who is chosen. Emperor Sato discussed this with me."

Sarek clenched his fist but his facial expressions were controlled and stoic, "My father's death was to be expected because of his position. Yet, there was insufficient evidence for his treason at the banquet. There is more information to be discovered concerning this."

T'Latya's eyebrow raised and acted innocent, "I have the data file on his crimes against the Empire. I will send it to your PADD to review."

T'Latya walked away without saying another word. The anger that was rising in his chest was unbearable. He was ready to kill her but he fought to gain control.

He found a spot in the room where he blended into the background and observed the crowds. The more he looked around the more he knew that he was surrounded by the greediest and most merciless people in the universe. He told himself it wasn't logical to think this way. As the evening progressed, he could only think of how much he wanted to leave this ruthless planet and figure out who falsely branded his father as a traitor.

Author's Notes:

I just keep finding time to write this story. I'm obviously procrastinating important things! Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Hopefully, the violence wasn't too much for people who are sensitive to those things.

Sorry about any errors I missed while editing!

Leave a review and let me know what you think!