Sarek's eyes were closed but he envision a tumultuous ocean with crashing waves. It was similar to the ocean he saw when he was on Earth. Almost identical. The water crashed into the coast's jagged rocks and the winds swept across on the water. The riptide looked deadly and the blue water was a swirl of anger and agitation. He knew he was looking at his own emotions which had been turbulent and unrelenting for days now. Sarek inhaled a breath of air through his nostrils and exhaled through his mouth. He was in control of his own emotions and he knew that he was in control of this storm and ocean. He envisioned himself calming the waters. The waters slowly started to still until the water did not move at all. It looked like a vast mirror that reached past the horizon. The reflection had so much clarity the blue sky was reflected into it. He inhaled slowly and deliberately through his nose as oxygen expanded his lungs and started to put some tension on his diaphragm. He started to exhale through his mouth.

With the oxygen leaving his lungs he felt his muscles in his shoulders and neck relax slightly. There had been a tension in his muscles that he ignored over the last 15 days. Sarek had found his own equilibrium amongst his own emotions. He hoped the storm would not come back anytime soon. With his next intake of breath he could smell the lingering scent of incense carried on the air. His eyes flickered open. His vision focused and he scanned the room. The incense he lit before his meditation was only ashes now and he could no longer hear the sound of the wind howling against the fortress' outer walls. Light was barley starting to show through his window. It was the early hours of the morning but soon the sun would completely make its journey over the horizon and mark a new day on Vulcan.

He had worked late into the night looking over the files and preparing them. He kept in contact with everyone who was involved and the files were ready to be sent. Sarek busied himself with getting ready for the day. He was to meet with T'Pau soon.

Sarek grabbed his Terran Empire pin, the feel of it on his fingers was cool. He secured it on his robes. Sarek found that their was no hesitancy at placing the symbol on his chest this day. His meditation had been successful.

Sarek grabbed his PADDs and opened the door to exit his chambers. A hit of adrenaline went through his veins when he was greeted by an alarming sight. His heartbeat hammered at his side but then he regained control. Selek was standing at his door with two armed men. Sarek remained still as he processed his surroundings. No one was in the hallway and he could not hear any other stirrings in the adjacent rooms.

Selek took a step forward and Sarek felt a sense of gratitude that his father insisted on his learning Suus Mahna. Sarek knew that he would either leave this hallway with his life or meet his end. He could potentially use persuasion through conversation to help him escape or dissuade Selek's actions. Sarek did not know what to anticipate but Selek seemed to speak. It sounded more like a controlled hiss that escaped his mouth rather than his usual steady baritone voice.

"You have accused my bondmate of fabricating Skon's treason with falsified evidence. You have named me as an accomplice in these accusations."

Sarek's eyebrows rose. The files had not been sent to the Emperor yet and any files either him or his clan members had had been encrypted.

"Where are these accusations you speak of?"

Selek's eyes were filled with a dangerous gleam, "Do not display a facade of innocence."

Sarek wanted to assault Selek with that remark. The irony in his statement spoke volumes of his corrupt nature. The question of how Selek managed to find out this information rang loudly in Sarek's mind. Where was the data breach?

Sarek remained a stony wall devoid of emotion, "Where is the information?"

Selek anger showed clearly on his face and Sarek knew that he had broke his control. Sarek knew he was treading into a perilously life threatening situation if he did not choose his words carefully.

"8.24 billion Vulcans have it located on their personal PADDs and communication devices. The Ak'spar just released all this false information in their latest broadcast. You do not mean to tell me that you have yet to watch the broadcast?"

Sarek controlled the urge to raise his brow in surprise. "My only interest is in watching the Official Imperial Holonews. I am not involved with the Ak'spar."

Selek stepped even closer and Sarek felt uncomfortable as Selek and the two other Vulcans started to intrude on his personal space. Selek lunged for him but he anticipated his movements and evaded him. The problem was that he was out numbered and his success rate was not as high as he would have liked. The male on his right pulled out a dagger and tried to stab him in the abdomen. Sarek was able to block the hand before it made contact with him but it left a gash in his robe. In his peripherals he could see Selek and the other male closing in on him. Sarek was able to dodge and counter and nerve pinch one of the guards. They slumped to the ground with their dagger still in their hand.

This seemed to anger Selek more as he used Suus Manha to try and bring Sarek down. It was difficult fend off two large adult males. The altercation could only have been a few minutes at this point but the other guard left Sarek's line of sight and he knew that his back was not guarded. With Sarek's right hand he block another one of Selek's attacks. Sarek was barley able to get the dagger that was coming at him from behind. He was able to successfully make the man drop the dagger but he could not stop what happened next.

Sarek found himself unable to use his arms as the guard behind him immobilized him. Sarek's next instinct was to guard his mind. His face remained stoic but he knew something unpleasant was about to occur. Sarek tried to free himself but his position was disadvantageous and he would not be able to escape without injury. He was slammed against the wall and he heard some ringing in his ears and could feel a warm trickle of green blood run down his temple as he looked at the snarl that was on Selek's face.

He looked feral and not like his composed facade. Selek spoke, "If you will not answer my questions truthfully I will have to find them."

Selek approached Sarek with his hand raised and his finger positioned to mind meld with him. Sarek took a sharp inhale of breath and tried to move. He felt some anxiety, he had to use all his mental fortitude to block Selek's intrusion into his mind.

Selek fingers were close to the correct points on his face and he could practically feel the warmth radiating off his fingertips. He tried to remain calm.

"My mind to your mind. My thoughts to your thoughts"

It felt as though someone had used a blunt object to hit him in the head. His head was reeling with pain as he fought to gain control of his thoughts. Sarek started to struggle physically but there was nothing he could do to release himself. He could feel Selek maneuver his way through the intricate memories and thoughts in his mind. Selek moved passed his childhood and youth and went straight for the incident when his father was murdered right beside him. Sarek needed to hide his feelings and information about Project Satev-tukh. Selek could feel the mental block and tried to break down the barriers Sarek created in his mind. Each time Selek tried to break the gates it took a toll on Sarek's mental fortitude. He would not let Selek see into his most private ruminations.

In his mind he was physically fighting Selek. It was as if it were a continuation of the physical altercation that had happened moments ago.

They were on the Vuldli Gorge in the vast relentless Vulcan Forge. There were cliffs all around them as they stood on a plateau high above the ground. Selek lunged for Sarek and he countered with his own attack that made Selek stumble backwards.

"Sarek, I know you are hiding important information!"

"Leave my mind."

"I will take the information."

"This is the greatest invasion of privacy and it will be met with punishment."

"That is if you are still alive after this."

The fight continued as each of them struggled for control and the upper hand. Everything stilled as Sarek was on the edge of a cliff and below was a dark abyss. Selek snarled and lunged forward and grabbed Sarek and they both fell into the void as they struggled against one another. It felt like they were falling eternally until Sarek could see the ground below him. Sarek knew his mental fortifications were weakening and he could not fight for much longer. His back hit the ground and he was full of disbelief when he heard his back snap in half, leaving him in immense pain. He saw Selek stand over him showcasing a wicked smile. He walked past Sarek towards a door, and Sarek felt panic.

Within seconds Selek was able to see a glimpse at Sarek's distain the day he was looking over the balcony after work. It was fuzzy and out of focus because Sarek was still trying to protect his mind. Selek was able to pick out the one thought that kept chanting through Sarek's mind, his illogical hate and general distain for the Terran Empire.

An idea occurred to Sarek as Selek gloated in his triumph in finding one of Sarek's dark secrets. Sarek let out a unique low whistle and Selek paused for a moment and wondered what Sarek was about.

Within the next few seconds Selek could hear the sound of claws brushing against the stone floor. He let go of Sarek's face when he saw a sehlat lung towards him and pin him to the ground. The sehlat let out a dangerous growl and Sarek was able to maneuver his way out of the guard's hold and nerve pinch him. Now all three of them were on the ground. Selek was struggling against the sehlat trying to avoid its dangerously sharp canine teeth. Selek was unsuccessful as the sehlat bite into his shoulder and Selek let our an exasperated grunt.

Moments later T'Pau was in Sarek's line of sight nearly running down the hall towards him. There were guards who were armed and Sarek knew that Selek would meet his demise here.

Selek spoke, "I know of the treasonous conundrum you face in the depths of your mind."

Sarek felt anger rise in him. "I would remain silent. The pid'kom approaches."

"That is agreeable. I will make a detailed account to our matriarch."

"Need I remind you of your explicit crimes? Clan law states that it is illegal to force a mind meld on another clan member. That right is reserved for the clan matriarch only," Sarek looked at the sehlat, "I'Chaya continue to detain Selek."

The sehlat was obedient to Sarek's command and even growled at Selek as it barred its teeth again. T'Pau eyes scanned the scene in front of her. There were two unconscious men on the ground and Sarek was standing next to I'Chaya. Sarek seemed mostly uninjured but had a trickle of green blood on his temple and a spot under his right cheek was starting to swell. Pinned to the ground was Selek who was bleeding from his shoulder. T'Pau estimated that Selek had tried to attack Sarek for the accusations that have been made against him.

When T'Pau spoke it was with a louder decibel than Sarek had heard, "Selek I will not tolerate thy actions. Thou hast insulted Sarek and I with thy attempted assault."

Selek retorted, "T'Pau you are a pid'kom who rules with justice and reason. I have information to divulge regarding Sarek's state of mind."

T'Pau raised her brow, "Be still! I will not listen to the words of a deceiver. Thy actions against Skon need to be met with justice. Dispose of him!"

Selek's emotionless mask was gone and pure rage was plastered on his face. He struggled against I'Chaya and was able to grab something with his hand. It was a small agonizer. He used it on I'Chaya and the animal winced in pain. The guards readied their phasers and were going to shoot Selek. Selek fumbled through his robe until he pulled out a small device. He pushed the button that was on top of it and a his body started to dematerialize. Selek looked straight at Sarek and the amount of vengeance visible there even made Sarek feel a small sense of fear. The phasers fired at the empty space that Selek had only been in moments ago.

Sarek spoke, "Selek has fled via a transportation device. I do not know if we will be able to trace the signal fast enough to intercept him on his way to his next destination. He could be planet side but I hypothesis that he is not."

T'Pau remained phlegmatic, "Selek's escape only fortifies the claims that have been pressed on him. Tell me in detail at what occurred here."

"Selek approached me and attempted to use intimidation. He insisted that I published the evidence against him and T'Latya. I, however, did not. I do not know where the data breech came from."

"If it is not thee there are only three other Vulcans that could be the source of the breech. I have already gathered them. Follow me, Sarek."

Sarek turned on his heel when I'Chaya made a small whimper and Sarek briefly rested his hand on the creature's head for less than a second.

They walked through the fortress and Sarek ignored the inquiring stares as a few other clan members offered the Terran salute as they passed by. The trickling of blood that Sarek felt on the side of his face reminded him of his minor injury. He used his hand to wipe the blood away.

Sarek walked into the ancient battle room and saw Torin, Lhai, and his mother sitting rigidly at their chairs. Their heads turned to look at them when they entered and they gave the salute.

T'Pau closed the door behind her and Sarek went and sat down at the nearest available chair. His mother scanned him with her eyes and felt a wave of question and concern hit him. His eyes flickered over to his mother for a brief moment then he focused on T'Pau.

"Who has sent the files to the Ak'spar?"

The room remained silent as tension filled the air.

T'Pau looked at Torin. The middle aged man's face seemed minutely nervous. Sarek did not know if it was because he was the one who breeched the data or if he was afraid of T'Pau. He decided the latter was true.

"Torin, hast thou released the information to the Ak'spar?"

"I have not."

"I see. Lhai?"

Lhai seemed cool and composed, "I did not breech any files. I worked through the storm to fact check them. I only sent my checked files 4.6 hours ago to T'Rama who was tasked with creating a master file."

Sarek looked to his mother to see if she would deflect the comment. To his own surprise she did not. The room was silent for an intense moment as T'Pau and T'Rama stared at each for a long time and reached an impasse.

After a moment T'Rama conceded, "I sent the files to the Ak'spar."

"Thou hast regrettably linked our clan with the Ak'spar. If the Terran Empire links thy name with the defectors our information will be of no value."

"I sent the files through an encrypted third party source. The likelihood of tracing the breech to me is 91.4 million to 1. I have taken all precautionary measures to ensure my own safely as well as the reputation of the clan. "

"Why did thou do it?"

"T'Pau you can deduce that our evidence may not have any weight unless it draws the Emperor's attention. There was no guarantee the Emperor would have received our information and fulfilled justice. I only delivered the message through a different avenue."

"Thou hast created even more unnecessary havoc on Vulcan. The S'chn T'gai are examples to all of Vulcan. The violence on Vulcan has doubled and this rapid escalation is because of thy own motives."

"I only communicated with the Emperor in a way that she understands. The only language she speaks is through violence and bloodshed. Persuasion and facts will not bring her to see our point of view; not after she ruthlessly assassinated Skon."

T'Pau remained silent at that statement. There was an inexplicable truth about the words that T'Rama uttered. A chime on T'Pau's communicator when off. T'Pau almost ignored the sound but it was only of the utmost importance if someone was trying to contact her. She picked up the communicator and listened to the words. Sarek saw her micro-expressions and her eyebrows rose high. T'Pau closed the communicator and spoke almost gravely.

"There has been an assassination attempt on Emperor Hoshi Sato III."

T'Pau looked back at T'Rama as if there was a silent battle of wills between the two of them. Sarek knew his mother was right but the ramifications of her actions were alarming.

Planet: Terra

Location: The Emperor's Palace

The Emperor laid on the ground for a brief moment as the ringing cleared from her ears. Rage. It was the first emotion she could feel deep within her chest. How dare they! She would make Vulcan pay for their crimes against her! She recalled the events that had just occurred leading up to the explosion.

"Empress we have received a new holo recording of the Ak'spar. You need to watch it as soon as possible."

"I will watch it now, Lieutenant."

The transmission ended and Emperor Sato pressed a button on the side of her throne to start the holo video that was sent to her.

The face of Vorsil appeared on the screen and he raised his hand in the ta'al. "Greetings Vulcan. The Ak'spar received information in regard to late Governor Skon. His murder was done so with the betrayal of two of his own clan members. We have dispersed the data files to every household on Vulcan. I encourage you to review the evidence and allow you to draw your own logical conclusions. Captain T'Latya of the ISS Forge has been plotting to exterminate Skon so she could become Governor of Vulcan for over 3.4 years. Her accomplice in all this is her bondmate, Selek. The Emperor has allowed this to happen and was deeply involved in this plot."

"We must first seek to destroy the source of this treachery. We need to destroy the Emperor. Then we can purge ourselves of the traitorous T'Latya and Selek. We will become the Confederacy of Surak once again. The Terrans took that away from us when Zefram Cochrane murdered the members of our surveying ship. They also stole our technology and used it for their evil ways. The Terrans would not be so powerful if they did not steal our technology. We are more advanced them but they have purposefully halted our progress as a species. We will have democracy and the Vulcan people will have a voice. Join our ranks and we will find peace soon. Vulcan will be independent again and have logic be its driving force. Live long and prosper."

The transmission cut out and the Empress turned off the holo recording of the Ak'spar and felt this uncontrollable rage at Captain T'Latya. She had been losing control of Vulcan for over 2 weeks now and the amount of brutality she used against them was not working. Now that T'Latya's crimes have been associated with her, her control over the Vulcans could completely dissolve. She was taken out of her angered rumination as an Imperial officer entered her throne room.

"Emperor Sato III, Admiral Abarca has informed me that a member of the Ak'spar has invaded the palace and made it through a majority of our defenses." The Imperial Starfleet officer spoke with urgency.

The Emperor's eyes darken, "How has this happened?"

The Imperial Starfleet officer tried to remain calm but their was an unmistakable shakiness in their voice, "They were able to override the controls through an inside source."

Emperor Sato made a grimace at the mention of that. The anger boiling under her skin caused her to throw a dagger at the Starfleet officer. The body collapsed to the ground and red blood started to pool there. It did not get rid of her rage but it gave her a sense of satisfaction and pleasure to see the color. It made her feel powerful and gave her a sense of control.

She looked over at the Kelpian slave who stood in the shadows. "Slave, remove this body from the ground and clean the blood when you return. Depending on your performance, you may or may not be on my dinner plate tonight."

The slave hurried along. A set of Special Ops officers made there way to the throne room. They kneeled and offered the Terran salute, "We are here to provide extra protection to you great Emperor."

The other officer spoke, "We have maximum security in all locations on-site. We will blast any of those pointy-earred bastards when we see them. They don't deserve our mercy."

The Emperor narrowed her eyes, "Good. One of you will get the governship to Stameris. But only one."

The men looked at each other a spark of tension was now present between them. Emperor Sato felt pleasure at creating the discord between the two officers. It would make for good entertainment.

Phasers could be heard in the distance. Empress Sato spoke in a demanding way, "Get rid of those lowly pest. Now!"

The two guards were men who could only be in their early 30s. They wore head gear and black armor that bore the Terran Empire symbol. The Empress examined them with a more scrutinizing eye. The eyebrows of both of them were swept upward and Emperor Sato knew they were Vulcans. They had acted so well, and even she believe they were Terran for a moment. Their ears must have been hidden under their head gear.

With the distraction of the phaser power increasing, Empress Sato's attention was momentarily directed towards the entryway of her throne room. Before she could eliminate the two false Special Ops agents, the Vulcan on the right injected a hypo into their arm and charged at her. In moments an explosion occurred and the Empress was on the ground and the wind was knocked out of her lungs.

She finally stood up as she felt her rage seething inside of her. She was not injured thanks to the protective force field that was around her throne. It didn't completely block the blast but the throne room was in disarray and the two Vulcan's were now blown to ashes. Empress Sato III only had a small gash on her forearm from a side table that was now nonexistent. The firing in the hallway had silenced and Emperor Sato grabbed the sword at her side. She would not be losing her throne today.

The sound of Imperial Starfleet officers were heading her way. A group of officers entered the throne room. The shock on their faces was present.

One of the young officers spoke under their breath, "Well, this is a shit show."

The Empress saw that not all in the small group were Terran. In fact, there was one Vulcan woman among them.

The Empress looked at the woman and knew it to be T'Latya. Anger bubbled in her at the very sight of her. It was because T'Latya was not careful enough in her scheming that she had brought her into this situation.

T'Latya walked quickly to the Emperor to assess her injuries. "Empress Sato, I will acquire a physician at once."

T'Latya turned on her heels, but the Empress stop her, "Captain T'Latya. Do not leave. My injuries are minimal and I don't need a doctor to assess them. You and I have many things to discuss!"

T'Latya stood up straighter and her face remained free of any visible emotion. "Yes Empress. I only wish to serve the Terran Empire."

The Empress narrowed her eyes. She was trying to see if the words really had the weight that T'Latya implied. "Really?" The Empress paused and looked to the other officers who were standing quietly, "Leave us. I have important business to discuss with the captain. I will call for slaves to clean up this mess."

The officers looked frightened and quickly left the partially destroyed throne room.

T'Latya put her arms behind her back as if she was bracing herself for the onslaught of the present conversation. She knew what it was going to entail.

The corner of Emperor Sato's lips turned upward until she was making a smile that looked more like a snarl. The rage that was visible on the Emperor's face had T'Latya question if she would make it out of the room alive.

"Captain T'Latya. Do you know how many days it has been since the Ak'spar have intercepted the Official Imperial Holonews on Vulcan?"

T'Latya replied instantly, "3.4 days."

"Did you watch this morning's latest Ak'spar propaganda?"

"I have not had sufficient time to do so."

"Are you sure? You and I were the main headline! That abominable propaganda is inherently linked to this assassination attempt on my life!"

The Empress shifted and pulled out her sword and continued, "You don't deserve to even stand in my presence. Kneel. Now!"

T'Latya obediently obliged. She was on the ground on her knees as the Emperor brought the sword up to her neck.

"The Vulcan people despise you. Only hours ago the Ak'spar released another broadcast. They somehow got hold of all those messages and recordings of you framing Skon as a traitor. They have everything. Many will be trying to end your life soon. But the thing that infuriates me the most is the fact that because of your crimes, they say I was the one who planned this elaborate game of yours. Can you imagine the rage I must be feeling at this moment? You have disregarded your honor. You have lied to me! I see now that you are not to be trusted."

T'Latya tried to speak, but it only made the Empress more livid and she pressed the sword more deeply into her neck, "Don't you dare speak over me! I am your Empress. You will only speak when you are told to. Your actions have caused complete anarchy on Vulcan! The death of Skon has created a huge lose to the Terran Empire. The increase in casualties in the Imperial Starfleet happened because of your actions and cannot go unpunished. Now my name has been mixed with yours and that is why the Ak'spar have even made it to this palace today. Two of your fellow Vulcans disguised themselves as Special Operations Officers and died in a suicide bombing. Do you really think that under these circumstances I will let you become Governor of Vulcan now?! I should kill you this very moment."

The Empress' own bloodlust called for her to kill Captain T'Latya on the spot, but she fought the urge and thought of an even better alternative. T'Latya remained silent as the Empress removed her sword and wore an evil smile.

"Ahh-but I won't do that. I know what to do with you. I am removing you as Captain from the ISS Forge and I'm going to station you at Deep Space Station 12 far out on the edge of known Terran space. Do you think I would allow you the ease of death? Ha! My vengeance seeks far more. I want to see you humiliated for the rest of your pathetic life! In fact, I'm going to promote First Officer Georgiou to captain just to spite you. I can see that Vulcan facade of yours breaking with every word I speak. Good. You need to squirm. You need to beg."

The Empress' words dripped from her mouth like poison. T'Latya was practically getting exiled and the amount of anger she felt at this turn of events was something she could not control.

T'Latya finally spoke, "The crimes that have been brought to me were generated by someone to see my downfall!"

"You call that begging? I'm not interested in the source of information. Your downfall has been in the works for years now. Many have wanted to see you fail for a long time. Now that you have made a fool out of me I want to see your downfall as well. "

The Empress saw officers enter the hall and she made a pleasant smile when she saw them. The look in her eyes looked gleeful. "Guards please take Officer T'Latya to the space station at once and board her on a shuttle to Deep Space 12."

In her desperation T'Latya spoke with a loud voice as the guard grabbed her and immobilized her, "I can become governor to the Vulcan people and bring peace to the planet."

The Emperor started to laugh, "You are right about one thing. The Vulcan people need a governor. This chaos has gone on long enough. I will elect someone you hate just to make you wish you never tested me! Enjoy your new home in the depths of cold space, T'Latya. You will be fighting for your life as people swarm to that corner of the galaxy to assassinate you. Oh and one more thing before you leave. Say hello to Commander Pike for me. I'm sure he will be happy to see you. "

T'Latya's face cracked and she looked livid as she struggled against the guards. She let out a disgruntled yell before the guards knocked her out. The Empress felt a keen sense of pleasure at seeing the stoic Vulcan woman crack and showcase her frustrations. Soon this mess of a situation would be over and Emperor Sato would have totalitarian control soon enough.

The question that rang in her mind was, would it be enough to elect a new governor? The Empress didn't want to elect a new governor only to see the Ak'spar gain more power. She needed something to sweeten this deal. Something to make the Vulcans trust her again, but what?

Author's Notes:

It's been awhile since we have seen Amanda but she will make an appearance next chapter! Sorry about any grammatical errors I've missed.

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