The BLTS Archive - Contempt of Council
by Selek (selek@shaw.ca)

---

Acknowledgements: I really want to thank T'Thrill and T'Lea for their
wonderful betaing of this story. If it weren't for them, it would
really suck.

---
The Death
---

Spock was dead. Sarek glanced at the official stargram he held in his
hand, then crumpled it viciously. Amanda's sobbing could be heard in
the living room and he turned to comfort his wife. Her tears wet his
robe, and Sarek could feel a lump in his throat threatening to burst
free. His sight blurred, but he forced the wetness from his eyes.
Vulcans do not cry, or so he had been taught. But he so wanted to at
least let one drop fall. 'I am a Vulcan,' he firmly reminded himself.
'It is not our way.' He had never felt grief as profoundly as this,
not even when his father, Skonn, died ten years ago. He shook his head
and concentrated on soothing his distraught wife, rubbing her back and
whispering into her ear.

The strident beeping jarred Sarek from the oasis of calm he was trying
to create around himself and Amanda. The unit beeped again, and still
he ignored it. Amanda was all that mattered to him right now. And
Spock. Sarek felt the lump rise in his throat once more. Where was his
control when he needed it? Spock. . .

When the unit sounded a third time, he felt Amanda stir in his arms,
but he pulled her even closer and burrowed his face deeper into her
hair to comfort her. There was no one he wished to speak with. Except
for Spock, and that simply was not possible. Not now. He had waited
too long. On the fourth ring, Amanda slowly, deliberately pulled away
from him.

"Go ahead. Answer it, before it drives me crazy," she told him with a
wan smile, her eyes red and puffy. When he looked at her uncertainly,
she told him "I'm fine for now. Really."

Sarek reluctantly let go of his wife and went to answer it, then
motioned Amanda to join him. It was Admiral Kirk, his eyes red.
"Ambassador Sarek, Lady Amanda, I. . . regret to inform you that your son,
Spock, died in the line of duty." He stopped and looked away briefly,
composing himself. Sarek could tell he was greatly affected by Spock's
death. His voice was rough as he continued. "He died while saving the
ship. He. . . saved us all from certain death. You would have been proud of
him. . . " He broke off as a tear fell onto his cheek. "Please excuse me,
Ambassador."

"There is nothing to excuse, Admiral," Sarek told him softly.

Amanda leaned toward the screen. "How did it happen, James?"

"I'm so sorry, Amanda, but I can't go into any details. But I do want to
tell you that he died most bravely. If it weren't for his actions, the
entire ship and crew would have been lost. I'm sorry to have to tell
you this news. . . " Again, he stopped as his voice cracked, unable to
continue.

"Please be assured, Admiral, that we appreciate you telling us
yourself," Sarek said. "When can we expect to receive our son's body?"

Kirk looked uncomfortable. "Uh. . . according to Spock's wishes, he was
buried in space." Kirk knew his words sounded harsh and he tried to
soften them as best as he could.

Sarek's features hardened slightly at this news. Buried in space? Then
where was his katra? Who was the Keeper? And when were they coming to
Vulcan? "Then when can we expect you on Vulcan, Admiral?"

"Vulcan, sir? I have to report to Starfleet Headquarters immediately.
I don't know if I'll be able to get to Vulcan."

The confusion on Kirk's face was plain to Sarek. 'Is it possible he
does not know what I am asking?' He wanted to ask Kirk about the
identity of the Keeper, but now was not the time. "That is
unfortunate," was all he said.

Amanda's eyes filled with tears again, knowing she would never see her
son again. "Thank you for calling us, Admiral. Please send Spock's
effects to us as soon as you can."

"Of course, Amanda." Kirk's fingers formed the familiar ta'al. "Live
long and prosper, Ambassador, Lady Amanda."

Sarek returned the salute and closed the connection. His mind was
whirling. Spock's katra. Where was it? Did he even have time to
entrust it to a Keeper? Clearly Kirk had no inkling of what Sarek was
alluding to during the conversation. If Spock had not transferred his
katra, then he was surely lost and gone forever. Sarek's throat
tightened at the thought.

That night, when they went to bed, Sarek gathered Amanda in his arms
as he usually did before falling asleep. This time, however, he could
feel her stiffen in his arms and pull away from his touch, so he let
her go and only rested a hand on her hip. He watched her restless
sleep the entire night in confusion, fearful that he was losing her as
well. He felt the overwhelming grief she was feeling though their
marriage bond and he did not want to burden Amanda further with his
grief so he blocked the bond, not allowing her to feel the intensity
of his emotions. They were in turmoil and he felt he had to
deconstruct them before he would re-open the bond fully again.

---

The following day, Sarek dressed and ate breakfast alone as Amanda was
still in bed,having finally fallen into a fitful sleep late last night.
He opened the bond between them and her grief was staggering.
Reluctantly, he closed it down again, leaving her thoughts in private.

As he was heading for the door, Amanda's voice stopped him. "Where are
you going?" she demanded.

"I am going to teach my class at the Science Academy."

Her eyes flashed at him. "How can you go to work as if nothing has
happened? Our son is dead and you act as if nothing has changed! How
could you!?"

Sarek blinked at her vehemence. "The class has to be taught, Amanda,
and I am the instructor. I do not wish to leave you but it is my
duty."

"Duty?! Don't give me duty! You and Spock and your damned 'duty'! Duty
killed our son! How dare you go to work! If you walk out that door,
don't come back, you hear?"

Sarek put his briefcase down and approached her. "Amanda. I grieve for
our son as well, please believe me, but I cannot disregard my duties
because of his death. It is not our way," he said softly.

"Well, your way is not my way! I mean it, Sarek. If you leave here now,
don't bother coming back." Her eyes snapped in anger.

Sarek knew it was her grief talking, but he was not about to anger her
further. "Very well. I will stay home today." He walked over to the
comm unit and placed a call to Senak, the director of the computer
department at the Science Academy, informing him of his intended
absence. He crossed the room to hold Amanda, but her hands on his
chest stopped him. Confused, he looked at her. "What is wrong, my
wife?"

"Just leave me alone, Sarek. Go meditate or something." She turned and
stalked into the kitchen.

He followed her into the kitchen and leaned against the counter where
she was making herself a cup of tea. "Amanda, have I done something
wrong?"

Slowly letting out her breath, she put down her cup and turned to face
him, her eyes softening. "No. It's me. I don't know what to feel, and
I feel everything. My emotions are a mess right now. Just give me some
time and space, alright?" she asked of him, reaching up to gently
stroke his cheek with the back of her hand. But the sadness suddenly
returned to her eyes, and her hand dropped away as if it were too
heavy.

"As you wish, my wife. I will be in the living room if you need me."
Sarek sat down in the rocking chair and steepled his hands. Amanda
wanted him to stay home one minute, then leave her alone the next. He
did not know how to respond to her inconsistencies and it concerned
him. He wanted to console her, but his own grief was interfering and
he was unable to contain it. Where was his discipline?

As he rhythmically rocked back and forth in the oak chair, his
thoughts were centered on Spock and he didn't try to redirect them.
How many nights had he rocked his infant son to sleep in this very
chair? Holding the warm bundle close in his arms, looking into the
tiny face wondering about the man he would one day become. Fiercely
proud of the stoic little boy who silently endured the taunts of his
classmates that he was not a real Vulcan. Equally proud of the Star
Fleet first officer who refused to put aside his responsibilities to
his ship and crewmembers in order to give his father a lifesaving
blood transfusion. Oddly enough, only Sarek himself had fully
understood Spock's reasons. He took some solace in the fact that Spock
died saving his ship. He died a hero, as Amanda would say. But it was
small comfort for him; his son was gone and possibly his katra as
well.

Amanda was more emotional than usual that day. She would cry suddenly,
but softly. At times, her grief was so deep that she hated Sarek
because he still had a son who lived, even though he was exiled from
Vulcan. Sometimes, she would stare into the desert, tears streaming
down her face, making no noise and Sarek was at a loss as to how to
console her. One time, Amanda turned to him, eyes flashing, saying how
dare he not cry for his own son. That he must be some kind of monster.
That he hated Spock so much he would not even shed a tear for him.
Sarek was deeply hurt by those accusations from his beloved wife, and
when he tried to explain that it was not the Vulcan way to cry, she
slapped his face and stormed into the bedroom. He could still feel the
sting of the blow.

His grief was just as profound as hers, but it manifested itself
differently. His was internal; to be resolved through meditation. Hers
was external, to be resolved through tears. Never in his long marriage
had he encountered such profound sorrow and he was not sure how to
dissipate it. He thought it best to just be here for her until she
finished her mourning.

After she slapped him, he distanced himself from his wife, mourning
Spock in his own, private way. Spock's death hit Sarek hard, harder
than he had ever though possible. The lump in his throat threatened to
loosen again, as his vision blurred once more. Even meditation had
deserted him lately.

That evening, Amanda was more composed. "Sarek, I want to apologise
for my hitting you this afternoon. It was inexcusable. Please forgive
me."

"The cause was sufficient, Amanda. There is nothing to forgive." Sarek
looked into her red-rimmed eyes and saw warmth there.

"My grief was so great, I couldn't even feel the bond between us all
day." She chuckled softly. "Imagine that. I didn't know anything could
stop the feeling of your presence in my mind, but I guess I found
one."

Sarek kept his eyes downcast, looking at his dinner plate. Should he
tell her that he closed the bond to spare her his grief? As a
diplomat, he knew that disclosure of all the facts was essential to
establishing a treaty, so he looked up and said, "Amanda, I closed the
link to spare you my grief. "

Slowly, she looked at him. "You did what?" she asked softly, with an
icy undercurrent to her voice.

"I only did this to spare you my intense grief. I have not been wholly
successful in containing it through meditation.Your own grief was
overwhelming you and I did not wish to add mine as well."

"How dare you! We have shared many things in our marriage, Sarek. How
could you deny me your feelings about our own son's death? How fragile
do you think I am? After all these years, don't you know me yet? I'm
not the porcelain object you think I am, you know. Humans are a lot
tougher than you have ever given us credit for. Your arrogance is
overwhelming!" She got up from the table and her unfinished dinner and
stormed into the garden, leaving Sarek looking after her.

'Will I ever stop making mistakes?' he thought.

He opened the bond fully and felt her anger and sadness filtering
through. He got up and went into the garden, determined to make amends
to her. He looked for her in her favourite spot and found her crying
on the stone bench. He sat beside her and put his arm around her
shoulders.

She turned slightly and leaned against his chest, her sobbing becoming
harder as she did. "Oh Sarek, my baby is gone," she sobbed. She clung
to him desperately, as if his solid presence was the only thing
anchoring her to this world.

Sarek let her cry, holding her close and whispering into her ear as he
did the first time they heard of Spock's death. He knew, as did she,
that her crying was for both of them. When she finally stopped, she
looked at him and kissed him on the lips softly. He returned the kiss,
then led her into the house.

That night, she allowed him to gather her into his strong arms as they
both lay naked in bed. She turned to face him and absently stroked his
muscular chest. "Sarek, I said some terrible things to you. I just
wanted to tell you that I didn't mean them. It was the grief talking.
I thought I was losing my mind when I couldn't feel your presence, and
I so wanted to feel you in my mind."

"It was wrong of me to close the link, my wife. Can you forgive me?"

"Of course. What a pair we are." She continued to stroke his chest and
belly with her fingertips. "But, we still have each other and I would
hate to lose that as well."

"As would I," Sarek said, rubbing her back.

Amanda settled against him and fell asleep, her mind somewhat at
peace.

The next morning, they ate breakfast together. "Is it acceptable for
me to teach my class today, Amanda, or do you wish me to stay home
again? It is only a half day today, so I would be home for mid-meal."

"No, Sarek. Go to class. I'll be fine today. It just was. . . too soon
yesterday. I wasn't ready to be left alone."

Sarek got up from the table, kissed his wife, then left for the
Science Academy. Amanda watched him leave, then changed into her
gardening clothes and prepared to do battle with some persistent
weeds. 'This will keep my mind occupied until he gets back,' she
thought.

Sarek returned home to find Amanda working furiously in the garden,
her face smudged with dirt and the knees of her pants covered in soil.
"What are you doing? You know you should not be outside in the midday
sun, Amanda."

"Quit being such a worry wart, Sarek. I'm fine. What time is it?" "It
is sixteen minutes past midday."

"Oh my! I completely lost track of time. Here, help me up."

Sarek reached down and took her hand, pulling her to her feet. "Do you
wish me to prepare the mid-meal while you get cleaned up, Amanda?"
"Yes, please. I'll only be a minute."

They returned to the house. Sarek went into the kitchen and starting
making Terran tomato sandwiches. Amanda came into the kitchen minutes
later, clean and fresh-looking. Sarek had just finished the final
sandwich and handed it to her on a plate. Just then, the comm unit
sounded. Sarek crossed the room to answer it. When he came back to the
kitchen, he informed Amanda that Spock's personal effects had been
shipped and were ready for delivery to the house. He watched as
Amanda's eyes filled with tears again, feeling her sorrow over the
link they shared. "I told them to bring them in one hour," he said
softly.

Amanda just nodded her head in agreement.

That afternoon was spent moving Spock's personal effects into his old
room. Amanda handled each one with the love only a mother can give.
Sarek waited patiently for her to hand him the article, then put it
away, either in drawers or crates for storage. When she pulled out
Spock's ka'athyra, she hugged it to her breast and rocked slowly.

Sarek watched her as tears spilled from her eyes and ran down her
cheeks. He sat beside her on Spock's bed and held her, letting her
grief wash over them both. Sarek swallowed hard as a memory stabbed at
his consciousness. The fleeting look of delight that Spock had quickly
suppressed when his father had presented him with the ka'athyra, which
had been in their family for centuries, on the day he completed his
kahs wan. Spock's small hands reverently stroking the polished wood,
then tentatively plucking the strings for the first time. The awe his
son could not quite keep out of his voice when he thanked Sarek for
the gift. Now there would be no sons or daughters to inherit Spock's
musical talent along with the family ka'athyra. The enormity of the
loss settled heavily at the core of Sarek's being.

It was late when they finished packing up Spock's things. They were
both tired, mentally and emotionally. The end-meal was a simple affair
and was eaten in silence. Both of them were deep in their thoughts.

When they finally went to bed, Sarek gathered Amanda in his arms,
spooning to each other. She pulled his hands up to cup her breasts and
he complied. "I want to feel your touch, Sarek," she said.

He rubbed his thumbs over her sensitive nipples. She arched her back,
pressing her buttocks against his groin, rubbing it slowly. Sarek
could feel his cock stiffen in response and knew Amanda could feel it
as well. She put one leg over his, opening herself up to him. He
lowered a hand to stroke her sex, slipping a finger inside of her
warmth. She moaned softly as she reached back to rub his flank. His
cock was demanding more attention, poking her buttocks insistently.

Amanda turned onto her back, pulled his head down and kissed him
deeply. Sarek kept pumping his finger in and out of her, thrusting
deeply each time. Amanda reached down for his cock and squeezed it
gently. She slid her hand up and down its length, then rubbed her
thumbnail across the weeping slit. Sarek inserted another finger and
continued to pump them deeply into her.

Her love for him suffused across the bond they shared as she stroked
him to full erection. In a flash, there was a terrible sense of guilt
that flared across the bond from Amanda. Its intensity staggered Sarek
as he saw Amanda turn away from him abruptly, pushing his hands away
fiercely.

"Amanda? What is wrong?" Sarek asked, still very aroused.

"This is wrong! Can't you see that? How can we do this when our son is
dead? How could you let me?"

"Amanda, do you mean to tell me that we will never be intimate because
Spock is dead? I cannot accept that." Sarek's cock was throbbing with
arousal, his heart was on fire for his wife and now she was rebuffing
him?

"Well you'd better, Sarek. Can't you see that it is wrong? How can we
have pleasure when our son has only been dead two days?"

"I do not believe that Spock would want us to deny ourselves pleasure
because of his death, Amanda. That is not logical."

"To hell with your logic, Sarek. And to hell with you!" She threw back
the covers, put on her robe and left the bedroom.

Sarek flopped back down on his back and willed his erection away.
'Where have I gone wrong this time,' he asked himself silently. He
debated going after Amanda, then decided not to. He rose from the bed,
put on his meditation robe and went into his study.

---

The sun shone into the study, its rays bathing the meditating figure
kneeling in the middle of the floor. Sarek opened his eyes and slowly
stretched. He stood up and padded into the living room. There, he
found Amanda sleeping on the couch. He softly stroked her cheek and
went into the bedroom to brush his teeth and comb his hair. He did not
have a lecture today, so he did not hurry his ablutions.

When he returned to the living room, Amanda had awakened. He carried
on into the kitchen. He was tired of treading on eggshells, as the
Humans would say, around his wife. He would wait until she came to him
this time. "Do you wish anything for breakfast, Amanda?" he called to
her.

"No, thank you."

He prepared his breakfast and sat at the table to eat it. He could
hear Amanda shower as he ate. After he finished, he went into the
little greenhouse he had made for his wife and puttered in there until
midday. When he returned to the house, Amanda was in the living room,
reading a book. When he entered, she didn't even look up. Sighing
inwardly, Sarek went into the study and closed the door.

Late at night, Amanda burst into the study, interrupting his
meditation. When Sarek became aware of his surroundings, he looked at
his wife. Her eyes were almost wild looking. He stood up quickly and
went to her, sure something terrible had happened. "What is it my
wife? Are you unwell?" he asked earnestly.

"I have been studying the computer banks for information regarding
Vulcan memorial rituals. Why have you kept the information regarding
Spock's katra from me? Why would you not tell me that there was a part
of him that may not have died? How could you keep something that
important from me? You and your dammed Vulcan silence! How much more
do you plan on keeping from me? Spock's katra," she demanded. "Where
is Spock's katra? If he found someone to give it to, then he's not
really dead, his living spirit could still be found!"

Sarek had thought long and hard about this ever since the
communication with Kirk. And, had he been expected to make his wife
suffer further by telling her those things that only made this harder?
"Amanda, I am sure you realize that in an emergency situation, Spock
would not have the time to entrust his katra to anyone. If he had,
surely we would have been made aware of the identity of the Keeper by
now."

"Not necessarily. Remember, we're dealing with humans who aren't even
aware of katras. Listen to me, Sarek. From what that stargram said and
what Admiral Kirk told us, Spock knew his actions would kill him, so he
would have entrusted his katra to someone before he died. Spock is a
good telepath, Sarek, he could have done it quickly!"

"Kirk made no mention. . . "

"Kirk is human, Sarek! He may not even know that he's the Keeper! It
seems to be the Vulcan way to keep secrets; even from those you are
supposed to care about. It doesn't take a full meld, and Spock's
melded with Kirk many times over the years. He could have made Kirk
the Keeper in a mere instant! Oh, Sarek, if there's even a chance. . . !"

Amanda had fueled a spark of hope within Sarek. Although illogical, he
knew where he had to go and whom he had to see. He looked at the
amazing woman standing before him. "Very well, I shall go to Earth and
meet with Kirk, my beloved."

---
The Rebirth
---

The next day found Sarek sitting in his quarters aboard the Vulcan
liner, T'Planna'hath. He chose this liner for its direct route to
Earth and its speed. It saddened him that Amanda did not want to
accompany him, but he had to find Spock's katra and return it to the
Hall of Ancient Thought. Sarek tried to convince her to come to Earth,
even if to visit her family, but she was adamant. She wanted to be
alone to keep her own private vigil for Spock and assured him that she
would be fine. He promised to contact her daily and let her know how
the search for Spock's katra was progressing.

He knelt on the floor, meditating. He thought about his marriage and
the relationship with his wife, especially in light of recent events.
Amanda had allowed him to hug her only occasionally since that night
when their lovemaking was interrupted by her grief. She had been
polite to him, but distant. He missed her smile and the sound of her
laughter, and he especially missed the warmth of her personality. 'Am
I losing my wife as well as my son?' he thought. 'I am not sure I
could bear that.'

Sarek used the three days of travel time to meditate on all that had
gone before, as well as plan a strategy he would take upon his arrival
on Earth. His first stop was at the Vulcan Embassy in San Francisco
where he used the power of his office to obtain Kirk's Genesis report,
pulling in all of the favours he had garnered over the years. Even
then, he couldn't locate the information he sought.

Sarek commanded his aide, Soran, to obtain all contact information for
Admiral Kirk. The lack of retrievable information was most
enlightening. This was a man that obviously valued his privacy and was
most successful in limiting the amount of public knowledge released
about him. Soran was able to obtain a private comm contact code. The
methods that his aide used to acquire this protected information,
Sarek did not question. Kirk held the answers and Sarek was determined
to speak with him. His first call was to the published code that went
into Kirk's office at Starfleet Headquarters.

The ensign that answered the comm unit visibly straightened in her
chair when she saw who was calling. "A-Ambassador Sarek. How may I
help you?"

"It is important that I speak with Admiral Kirk. Is he there, please?"

"I'm sorry, Ambassador. He left several hours ago."

Sarek's jaw muscles tightened slightly. "I see. If he contacts you,
please let him know that I wish to speak to him."

"Certainly, Ambassador." She took down his contact information and
assured him that she would give it to Kirk as soon as she was able to
locate him

Deciding to give Kirk's assistant sufficient time to pass the message
along, he called Amanda to advise her of his arrival. Once he had
finished his call to his wife, he decided to put his energies to good
use and tackled the mountain of PADDs on his desk.

His time sense told him that four hours had passed since he called
Kirk's office. Finding himself uncharacteristically anxious, he pulled
the information on Kirk's private comm from his case and directed the
computer to connect him. His frustration increased when he received a
pre-recorded image of Kirk advising anyone that contacted him to leave
a  vid and he would return his or her call later.

He did not attempt to hide his irritation when he left his message."I
wish to speak to you, Admiral, at your earliest convenience." Then he
left his location at the Embassy quarters for Kirk to call him.

He retired to his quarters and stripped off his clothes. He reached
into the closet and pulled out his meditation robe. As he put it on,
he realized that he did not want to meditate this evening. He was
tired of meditating. He felt that same nervous energy that he
experienced in his office build within him. It felt as if he were on
the edge of a breakthrough but could not reach the one person that
held the answers.

Retrieving Spock's katra had become a driving force within him. He
knew his feelings were hovering on the irrational, but that did not
seem to matter right now. He paced the suite of rooms; often looking
at the comm unit that was irritatingly quiet.Several hours later,
Sarek noticed that it had become dark outside. He called Kirk's number
once more and still, there was no answer. Sarek contacted Soran, who
was alert and always at the ready where Sarek was concerned, and asked
him to do the near impossible. He wanted to know Kirk's address and
directions on accessing the residence. Soran nodded his understanding
and assured Sarek he would contact him with the information.

Waiting for Soran to perform this latest task, Sarek attempted to
contain his frustration. Since Spock's death, his emotions had been
perilously close to the surface and he knew he had to control them
better than he was. It was proving difficult as he was still not able
to meditate as deeply as he wanted to.

In a short time, the comm sounded and it was Soran with the address.
"It was difficult to obtain this, but to the best of my knowledge,
this is where Admiral Kirk lives. Do you wish to go there now,
Ambassador?" Soran had been his aide for more than twenty years and
knew Sarek's moods well.

He decided to take matters into his own hands and seek Kirk out. "Yes,
I desire to visit him this evening."

"I shall arrange for an air-car and driver. Do you wish that I
accompany you?"

"No, Soren, it is not far. I shall walk. This I must do alone." Soran
nodded his understanding and Sarek closed the call. He put on his
heaviest clothing to ward off the chill of the night air and walked to
where the Admiral lived. As he walked, his anger surfaced again. Sarek
firmly pushed it back, determined not to be overwhelmed by it, or let
it determine his actions.

When he arrived at the apartment building where Kirk lived, he
hesitated. 'Do I have the right to intrude into this man's private
home?' he thought. Then with steely resolution, he decided that for
him, his son's katra was far more important than anyone's privacy,
regardless of what he had been taught. And if Kirk had responded to
any one of his numerous messages, he would not be forced into this
action. He knew he was rationalizing but he didn't care.

Just as he was coming to the front door, a couple, walking arm in arm,
was leaving. The man held the door open for Sarek who nodded and
strode in. He went to the turbolift and punched in the number to
Kirk's floor.

Standing outside the door to Kirk's apartment, he could hear other
voices inside. With determination, he pushed the chime. Kirk opened
the door and stared at him. Sarek realized he was apparently
interrupting what seemed to be a party, but did not care. His mission
was of paramount importance.

Kirk stood by the door as it whooshed open. When Sarek saw him after a
full day of trying to contact him, his anger flared. He stepped inside
without being invited and lowered his hood. "Sarek!" Kirk said.

He stood there, glaring at Kirk, trying to reestablish his controls.
Then he noticed Uhura, Sulu and Chekov, all standing, staring at him.
His eyes flicked back to Kirk

Kirk had secluded himself in his apartment since arriving back on
Earth, unable to face the constant stream of reporters that wanted to
know each retching detail. He was startled to see Sarek standing at
his door as Kirk was unaware that he was on the planet. He stepped
back so Sarek could enter. "Ambassador, I had no idea you were on
Earth", he said. He motioned to his crewmembers. "I believe you know
my crew."

"I will speak to you alone, Kirk." He pushed past him, removing his
cloak. He stood by the fireplace as Kirk's crew set their glasses down
and filed out of the apartment, leaving them alone. He felt Kirk
approach him.

"I wish to express my deepest sympathy. . . "

Sarek's anger flared again. "Spare me your human platitudes! I have
been to your government, I have seen the Genesis information and your
own report."

"Then you know how bravely your son met his death."

How could Kirk be so obtuse when he was carrying Spock's katra? Surely
he must know that he has to come to Vulcan to fulfill his duties! And
why did he not bring Spock's body back to them? " How could you leave
him on Genesis! Spock trusted you and you denied him his future." At
his words, Kirk looked totally confused. Had Sarek finally snapped?
What was he talking about? Spock was dead.

"I saw no future."

Sarek was as animated as Kirk had ever seen him. He was. . . emotional!
Very emotional for a Vulcan.

"Only his body was in death, Kirk, and you were the last to be with
him."

"Yes, I was."

"Then you must have known that you should have come with him to
Vulcan."

Kirk was still confused by this entire conversation. He decided a
direct question would be the best course of action. "But why?"

Sarek wondered if Kirk was really this dense. Or had he made a
mistake? "Because he asked you to! He entrusted you . . . with his very
essence, with everything that was not of the body. He asked you to
bring him to us, and to bring that which he gave you, his katra, his
living spirit."

Kirk saw Sarek in a different light now. He was not Ambassador Sarek
of Vulcan, but a grieving father who seemed to be grasping at any
straw he could find. How could he have Spock's katra? How do you take
a soul back to Vulcan? "Sir. Your son meant more to me than you can
know. I'd have given my life if it would have saved his. Believe me
when I tell you he made no request of me."

"He would not have spoken of it openly."

Kirk spread his hands and regarded Sarek with sympathy. "Then how. . . ?"

"Kirk. I must have your thoughts. May I join your mind?" Sarek knew
that he needed a direct meld to find, and possibly retrieve, Spock's
katra. Only then could he either conclude his search, or move on to
where Kirk's thoughts would lead him.

"Of course."

They moved to the sofa and Sarek prepared himself. The only human he
had melded with was Amanda and he braced himself for Kirk's mind. His
fingers found the contact points.

Images swirled into Sarek's mind; Spock smiling broadly in Sickbay,
Spock hugging Kirk hard in what looked to be an ancient Terran city, a
scene from Earth's "wild west", Spock at his station on the bridge.
There were so many! He could feel the love that Kirk had for his son.
A love that almost was a strong as his love for Amanda. But Sarek was
there for a specific purpose. He let Kirk's thoughts and feelings flow
past him as he tried to sense Spock's presence. He probed into Kirk's
more recent thoughts and found his memories of his son's death.
Together, they relived Spock's last moments.

Sarek broke off the meld and sagged. His sense of loss and despair
almost overwhelmed him. "Forgive me," he said softly. "It is not here.
I had assumed he mind-melded with you. It is the Vulcan way when the
body's end is near."

"We were separate. He couldn't touch me." Kirk looked exhausted.

"I see. Then everything that he knew, everything that he was. . . is lost."
Sarek felt all of his 117 years when he stood up to leave. He had
failed. His son was truly gone and there was nothing he could do to
change that. He picked up his cloak and started for the door, his
heart heavy.

"Please wait," Kirk said softly.

Sarek turned to face him. Kirk stood. "He would have found a way," he
said as if saying it to himself. "If there were so much at stake,
Spock would have found a way," Kirk said, his voice growing stronger
with every word.

A small flicker of hope seated itself inside Sarek. "Yes. But how?"

"What if he melded with someone else?"

Sarek slowly raised an eyebrow at Kirk's words. Was it possible?

Sarek watched with a glimmer of amazement as Kirk bypassed normal
channels and obtained permission for both of them to view the
engineering visual logs. They arrived at Star Fleet Headquarters and
went to a private viewing area. Finally, Kirk brought the logs up on
the computer. When Sarek saw his son's burnt face for the first time,
it struck him like a blow and his heart ached in his side. Oh, how he
must have suffered! He was glad that Amanda was not here to see this,
and he erected impermeable mental blocks around the image so she never
would see it in his mind. He steeled himself to watch them as Kirk
viewed and re-wound the tape. They both leaned forward slightly when
they saw Spock nerve-pinch and meld with the doctor.

"McCoy!" Kirk exclaimed.

"One alive, one not. Yet both in pain."

"What must I do?" Kirk asked, turning to face Sarek.

"You must return them to Mt. Seleya, on Vulcan. Only there, can both
find peace."

"What you ask. . . is difficult," Kirk said, turning back to the visual log
viewer where the image of Spock and McCoy was frozen onscreen.

"You will find a way, Kirk. If you honour them both, you must." Sarek
hoped his voice conveyed the gravity of the situation.

"I will. I swear," Kirk said softly, staring at the image of Spock
melding with McCoy.

Sarek told him that if he needed any assistance with anything, to let
him know. He gave Kirk his private comm number and told him to call
him any time, night or day. "Please keep me informed as to what you
are doing. Perhaps I can, what is the expression, run interference for
you."

"I appreciate it, Sarek. I may need that assistance before this is
over." Kirk looked at him ruefully.

Sarek looked at him, certain that a plan was already in the works. He
left for the Embassy and his bed. The meld tired him more than he
wanted to accept. He was not sure that Kirk, even with his
reputation, could do what he asked, but if anyone could, it was the
Admiral and his crew.

---

Two days later, Sarek was sitting at his desk having just finished
talking to Amanda. His private comm unit sounded and he answered it
immediately. "Sarek here."

It was James Kirk. "Ambassador, I'm glad you're in. I have a favour to
ask of you. This evening, Commander Uhura will be asking for asylum at
your Embassy. Can I assume she has it?"

"Of course. When can I expect her?"

Kirk told him of the plan to steal the Enterprise and that Uhura would
be beaming over to the Embassy at 1900 hours or shortly thereafter.

"We will be ready. These are the coordinates she can use. Once she
arrives safely, we will both return to Vulcan to wait for you." Sarek
relayed the coordinates, then signed off. He called Soran in to brief
him on what was going to happen, then called Amanda again to tell her
to prepare for their arrival.

---

Sarek stood at the comm unit in his study in Shi'kahr, stunned. Kirk
had just told him that his son was alive! Spock was alive! While
Sarek's face remained impassive, he sent incredible joy through the
bond to the woman he loved. Amanda's confusion came back to him, and
told him where she was.

Sarek quickly went to their bedroom and Amanda met him at the door.
"What is it, Sarek? Have you heard any news from James?"

"He just contacted me and told me that Spock's body was found alive on
the Genesis planet. His mind is a void, but his body lives, Amanda."
The corners of his mouth curved in a slight smile and his eyes
sparkled as he told her the news.

"Oh Sarek! Our son is alive!" She threw her arms around him and hugged
him hard.

Sarek's arms wrapped around his diminutive wife and hugged her back.
Her scent wafted to his nostrils as he buried his face in her hair. He
stroked her back, pulling her closer to him, her joy washing over them
both.

Amanda looked up at him, grabbed his face, and pulled it down so she
could capture his mouth in a passionate kiss.

Sarek responded to her kiss, their tongues intertwining and exploring
each other's mouths. It had been so long, Sarek thought. He picked her
up and laid her down on the bed, kissing her neck and throat. He could
feel his arousal pushing against his trousers, demanding freedom. He
lay down beside his wife, pressing his groin against her leg. He hoped
that this time, Amanda would accept his desires.

Amanda's eyes flew open and regarded him lovingly. "Oh Sarek, this has
been such an awful time for me, for us. I have treated you so horribly
lately. Can you accept my apology?"

"Of course, my wife. Can you accept my. . . desires without guilt?" "Yes,"
she said firmly. Amanda's eyes grew dark with passion as she watched
her husband of 41 years kneel on the bed and undo the clasp of his
pants. He slid his hands under the waistband and slowly, sensuously
lowered them down until his cock sprang free. Sarek sat on the bed and
removed his trousers with a single tug.

As Sarek watched, she pulled her dress off her shoulders and pulled it
down just so her breasts were free from the material. Sarek's eyes
darkened with desire and he cupped a breast. His thumb flicked over a
hardened nipple, causing Amanda to gasp softly. She removed the dress
and tossed it toward the end of the bed, then lay back down, her arms
over her head, stretching like a lazy cat.

Sarek lay beside his wife. He took the closest nipple into his mouth
and suckled. Amanda's back arched up to give him better access to her.
His hand roamed over her other breast, and down her flat belly to the
thatch of light brown hair between her legs. He cupped her sex, and
rubbed the palm of his large hand over her swollen nub. Amanda's legs
parted as she thrust into his hand. He slipped a finger into her
wetness, sliding it in and out. Amanda moaned, and grabbed for Sarek's
cock, pumping him firmly. "Oh Sarek, it's been so long," she moaned,
thrusting against his finger. "I want you inside me. Please!"

Sarek pulled himself free of her grasp and knelt between her parted
legs. He took hold of his penis and situated the head at her warm
opening. He slowly pushed himself into her.

"Oh yes. . . !" Amanda wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him
into her with every thrust. Sarek's balls slapped against her ass
every time he plunged into her.

Amanda tossed her head and pinched Sarek's nipples, spurring him on.
Sarek felt an electric current running from his nipples to his cock,
stiffening it even further. His thrusts became faster and more
erratic. Suddenly, Amanda's vaginal muscles gripped his penis hard
with her orgasm. The sudden clenching caused Sarek to shoot his seed
deep within her. He thrust once, then again as her muscles milked him
of his very essence. He collapsed on the bed beside her, his softening
sex slipping out of her.

"We had better inform Commander Uhura of Kirk's message, my wife."
Sarek started to sit up, but Amanda pulled him back down.

"Not yet. A few more minutes won't make any difference, will it?"
Amanda pulled his head down for another kiss and Sarek succumbed to
her wishes.

---
Reunited
---


Later, he and Amanda went to look for Uhura. Since she had requested
and received asylum from the Vulcan government, she had lived with
Sarek and Amanda. That had been three days ago.

Amanda led Sarek out to their garden. "She's usually out here at this
time. This will certainly put a smile on her face," Amanda said.

They found Uhura reading under one of the few shade trees. Amanda
softly cleared her throat to get her attention. "We received a message
from Admiral Kirk."

Uhura looked up from her book and searched both of their faces. "Have
you received word? Were they successful?"

Amanda said, "Even more than we had dared to dream." She looked to
Sarek and he nodded slightly. Amanda turned back Uhura and said, "He
has Spock and is bringing him back to us. His torpedo tube softlanded
on Genesis, and the wave regenerated him. Oh, Nyota, he's alive!"
Amanda's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "They're bringing him home
and he's alive!"

Uhura stood up abruptly, the book on her lap falling to the sandy
ground. "I can't believe it!" she whooped. She flung her arms around
Amanda and hugged her hard. "That's wonderful news! When will they be
here? When can we see him? Oh, I have a million questions!"

Sarek stepped forward. "We do not have the answers to those questions,
Commander, however, we are to proceed to Gol. That is where the ship
will be landing. Do you wish to accompany us?" Sarek knew what the
answer would be.

Uhura composed herself and said, "You have to ask, Ambassador? Of
course I'm coming. Perhaps I can use my communications expertise to
guide the ship in."

"I'm sure there are no communications experts at Gol that possess your
familiarity with spaceships. Your skills would undoubtedly be
appreciated."

After they had calmed themselves, all three went to Gol to await the
arrival of the stolen Bird of Prey. Uhura was shown the comm unit she
could use by a silent adept who glided before her. Sarek and Amanda
were shown to their rooms to wait. Sarek touched his fingers to
Amanda's and sensed her deep joy, but also her impatience. Normally
patient, he knew she hated waiting. This, coupled with the uncertainty
of Spock's condition could be particularly difficult for her. He
gathered her into his arms and hugged her to his chest. He lowered his
head and kissed her softly. She encircled his waist with her arms and
returned his kiss, deepening it with desire. She cupped his ass with
both hands and snaked one hand between them to cup his hardening cock.

Sarek broke off the kiss and looked at her. "I do not believe we have
the time for that, Amanda. The ship is due within the next hour."

"Perhaps you're right. But then again, maybe you're wrong." She looked
over to the firm bed in the room, and then back at Sarek. "Sometimes,
you can be very. . . efficient. . . in your lovemaking, beloved. Now would
be a good time to show me how efficient you really can be." Her eyes
glinted with mischief in the subdued lighting of the room. He felt her
need to, again, couple with him. He also sensed she was feeling a
variety of overpowering emotions ranging from euphoria to fear.
Somewhere deep within him, he felt satisfaction that his touch could
help her cope with these emotions. It was, if he chose to admit it to
himself, not a feeling he was unfamiliar with.

Sarek bowed his head fractionally, and then picked her up and headed
for the bed. He lowered her on it and removed just enough of her
clothing to expose her. Amanda sat up and removed Sarek's robe,
letting it fall onto the bed. Seeing him, her juices started to flow,
dampening her opening.

"Show me your efficiency, Sarek. Show me now," she purred as she lay
back down, spreading her legs.

He lowered himself on top of her, resting his weight on his elbows.
His stiff cockhead nudged at her slick opening, then with a smooth
movement, he embedded himself in her warmth. He continued to thrust
into her deeply as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him
in deeper. He moaned at the sensations that flowed between them. The
reassurance that whatever would transpire in these next hours,
whatever they had to face, they would face together. All was right
between them. She could feel him sliding in and out of her as he could
feel Amanda being filled by his jade-hard cock. The bond created a
loop back of sensations, pushing them both over the edge at the same
time. Their climaxes were explosive, shorting out their senses. Sarek
lay on top of his wife, feeling her last contractions around his
organ, then he slowly pulled out of her and rolled onto his side.

Amanda cuddled against his side, gently stroking his chest and
nipples. "My husband, I know that whatever happens today, I will never
again leave you. Not like I have in these last weeks."

Sarek could feel her incredible joy, but he also felt a shiver of fear
as it ran silently through her mind across the bond. "What scares you
so, my wife?" he inquired.

"I know the fal-tor-pan is very ancient, but will it work? Will Spock
be whole again? Will he remember us? I have so many questions, Sarek,
and no one has the answers."

Sarek took her hand and kissed the back of it. "I do not know either,
Amanda. But will it really matter? I will be content to have Spock any
way I can. Together we can cope with anything, correct?"

"Yes, Sarek. You're right. Together we can cope with anything." She
thought for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "Sarek, is there a
place I can wait for you, the two of you? If this is not successful, I
do not want James to see my disappointment. He has given up so much to
bring him back."

Sarek looked at this woman, this very human woman, lying beside him.
Her words made him realize that so many have given up so much in this
quest. This woman, even through her concern for the life of her son,
felt compassion for Kirk. "Yes, that can be arranged. And, for the
both of us, I will express our gratitude to Kirk for all he has done."

They got up from the bed and washed themselves as best as they could
with the bowl and pitcher of water they had in their room. As they
were dressing, they heard a soft scrapping sound at the door. Sarek
went to the door and opened it. An acolyte stood there in a white,
sheer robe, her long hair falling straight down her back to her waist.
She said, "The ship is arriving shortly. Commander Uhura requests your
presence, Ambassador."

"I will be right there."

"I will escort T'sai Amanda to the observation area, if that is
acceptable?"

"Certainly."

Amanda followed the acolyte out of the room, glancing back at Sarek
with love and a touch of anxiety. "I'll see you after the ceremony,"
she said. They touched fingertips and she was gone.

Sarek went to the communications room and noticed two acolytes were
following him. He ignored them as he met Uhura.

"They are requesting permission to land, sir," Uhura said.

"Permission granted. Tell them. . . tell Kirk. . . we'll be ready." Sarek
stared out across the desert, willing the ship to appear. Finally, he saw
a small speck on the horizon. It grew larger until finally he could see
the Klingon Bird-of-Prey streaking toward him. The sand and dust
kicked up, obscuring his view until the ship landed. As he watched,
the hatch lowered, and he saw Kirk and his brave crew exiting the
vessel carrying a stretcher. Sarek hadn't noticed when Uhura left his
side, but he saw her greet her friends and move to help carry the
stretcher. Sarek left and starting climbing the steps to the place
where T'Lar waited.

When Sarek saw his son being carried past him, he noticed that Spock
seemed the same age as when he last saw him. He also noticed how pale
and slack his face was and he could only hope that the fal-tor-pan
would work. But Spock was alive. That was what mattered now. He could
be re-taught if necessary and Sarek would be pleased to do the
teaching. He would not make the same mistakes he made when Spock was a
child. He would be more patient; less demanding. He would be gentle
with his son. He would not quash his humanity. He just wanted a
chance.

Spock was now placed on the stone pallet and brought to T'Lar, who
examined his mind. She raised an eyebrow at the fact that Spock was
alive still. "Sarek, child of Skonn, child of Solkar, the body of your
son breathes still. What is your wish?"

Sarek summoned his courage in the face of this High Master. "I ask for
fal-tor-pan, the Refusion."

"What you seek has not been done since ages past, and then only in
legend. Your request is not logical."

Her accusation stung him like a slap. He tried to explain to her. "My
logic is. . . uncertain. . . where my son is concerned." He looked deeply
into her eyes, hoping she would at least try the procedure. If she wasn't
willing to try, then all was lost. They would have to retrain Spock
without the benefit of his memories, and that would take many years,
if it could be done at all.

Finally, she looked into the crowd of people. "Who is the keeper of
the Katra?"

Dr. McCoy stepped forward. "I am. McCoy, son of David." His voice was
strong, even though he looked exhausted.

Sarek stood very still as T'Lar explained what he had requested to
McCoy. When the doctor accepted the danger of the ceremony, he almost
sagged with relief, and admiration. Here stood another brave man
willing to give his life for his son. Sarek finally realized that
Spock must be very exceptional to command this type of loyalty from
his companions. He motioned for McCoy to step up to the altar, then
started to meditate. . . and wait.

Amanda was standing on the observation balcony. She, too, saw Spock
being carried into the amphitheater and noticed that he was pale. She
sent a prayer to her deity to protect her son and his friends during
the long process to come. She, too, settled in to meditate and wait.
She momentarily beleaguered her choice to be separated from Sarek
during the ceremony, but then realized her decision was a correct one.
She could not give him comfort while he waited. They both had to hold
on to their inner strength to get them through this.

Interminable hours passed before T'Lar stirred and declared the
ceremony over. Sarek went up to T'Lar and thanked her. Fatigued, she
sat on her chair and was carried out by four strong Vulcans. Sarek
looked over at Spock who was standing, being fussed over by several
adepts. Then he went to escort McCoy down the steps only to be stopped
by Kirk.

After Kirk was certain McCoy was fine, he asked Sarek, "What about
Spock?"

Sarek wanted the answer to that question as well. "Only time will
answer," Sarek said. "Kirk, I thank you. What you have done—"

"What I have done, I had to do," Kirk interrupted, his irritation at
Vulcan non-answers grating on him.

Sarek's gaze softened. "But at what cost. Your son, your ship. . . "

"If I hadn't of tried, the cost would have been my soul," he answered.
He looked at Sarek, then, as if he could not meet the eyes that
reminded him of his friend any longer, distracted himself by looking
at Spock being fussed over.

Sarek, realizing Kirk's pain, stepped past him and followed the
acolytes out of the arena.

Spock followed closely behind him. Sarek could sense his presence,
tenuous though it was. When Spock stopped on the stairs, Sarek became
concerned. He turned to see Spock approach Kirk and his shipmates. His
concern turned to relief when he heard Spock say Kirk's name. He had
regained his katra after all! He shared his relief with Amanda and
looked up to see her on the balcony. Spock is back! Now the retraining
can begin.

---

"I have come to speak on behalf of the accused."

"Personal bias! His son was saved by Kirk."

After the Klingon Ambassador left, Sarek took his seat in the council
chamber. The president looked at him, and his gaze hardened.
"Ambassador Sarek, you will tell us the whereabouts of Admiral Kirk
and his crew," he said sternly.

"I regret that I can not do that, Mr. President. My government's
instructions are quite clear on this subject. They are held in high
esteem on my planet and I will not jeopardize them by having armed
Star Fleet personnel remove them."

"Sarek," the President said, his voice deepening as he leaned forward.

"Please. Tell us where they are and we will have them removed without
any further consequences. As it stands now, you and your government
are harbouring fugitives. Do you understand the ramifications of this?
Sanctions can be placed against Vulcan. You can be held in contempt
and charged with conspiracy against the Federation. We could be
speaking of a trial and imprisonment for harboring these fugitives."

"Mr. President, I clearly understand what you are saying but I am not
of the opinion that these individuals are criminals. I will not tell
you where they are. I am following Vulcan law on this." The steel in
his voice rang through the Council chamber.

"Ambassador, these six fugitives stole a ship, vandalized another
vessel and entered restricted space. This, after Admiral Kirk
disobeyed a direct order!"

"You made those steps necessary by disregarding Vulcan laws. Had this
Council not been so human-centric, this would not be an issue. I asked
Kirk to bring a telepathic being back to his home planet for a
post-mortem procedure that is vital to the Vulcan people. As you are
aware, Starfleet has a history of disregarding our needs or the needs
of any other telepathic race.You chose to ignore my official request,
which left me no other alternative. Admiral Kirk acceded to my request
that my son be returned to Vulcan. The fact that you also ignored his
request is not my concern. Nor should it be Admiral Kirk's. He is safe
now and will remain so."

The president conferred with the other members on the front podium.
Then he turned to Sarek and said with deadly calm, "Until you tell us
exactly where Kirk and his people are, you will be charged with
contempt of Council and held in the custody of Starfleet Headquarters
until you relinquish the requested information to us. Guards!"

Before Sarek could respond, four burley guards had him surrounded,
hand phasers pointed at him. He looked at the Federation president
through steely eyes. "As you wish, Mr. President. I do request that I
be allowed to contact my Embassy according to Federation law." Sarek
looked at the president with an icy stare. He would not divulge the
whereabouts of Kirk and his crew, no matter what the Federation did to
him. To do that, would dishonour himself, his family, and his
government.

"You may do so once you have been processed. Take him away." The
senior guard motioned to him to leave the chambers. He did so with all
the dignity he could muster. 'I will not tell them. Kirk saved my son
and I will save him,' he thought.

They led him across the compound toward the Headquarters building.
Once inside, they took him to a small room and told him to sit. He
looked around and noticed that all the booking rooms tended to look
alike. It held a desk and two chairs, a comm unit, and a terminal. The
walls were lined with memos and there was a retinal scanner in the
corner.

Another security officer entered the room. Sarek nodded to the
officer, and remained standing. The officer sat and accessed the
terminal in front of him, indicating the empty chair to Sarek. Sarek
sat stiffly in the chair opposite him. "Name."

"Ambassador Sarek cha'Skonn cha'Solkar"

The booking procedure took less than 5 minutes. He asked for and
received permission to contact the Vulcan Embassy. He gave Soran
instructions and told him to inform Amanda of what had happened. He
told him to tell her under no circumstances was she to tell anyone
Kirk's whereabouts. And he said that if any Star Fleet personnel came
onto their property, she was to contact T'Pau immediately.

He was led to secured quarters on the second floor of the building.The
accommodations were sufficient, however he noticed the terminal had
been removed to prevent him from speaking with anyone other than those
he was given permission to contact. He heard the sound of a portable
forcefield being placed at the entrance, and his acute Vulcan hearing
detected the distinctive hum when it was activated.

Sarek knew that if he was convicted and sentenced to the charge of
conspiracy, he would certainly be sent to a correctional institution
where he would be unable to see Amanda again. Conspiracy still carried
a life sentence, a fact of which he was well aware. He could cope with
the institutional setting; a Vulcan is trained to cope with any
situation, but the knowledge that he may never again lay with his wife
and feel her against him would be a sentence he would rather avoid.
She was nearly lost to him when Spock was believed dead, the thought
of having to give her up, again, was too painful to consider. But, if
the alternative meant giving Kirk back to the Federation for
prosecution, then he would have to cope with the consequences. He
could never betray either Kirk or his brave crew. Not after what they
had done. Not for any reason. Perhaps the Klingon Ambassador had been
correct about one detail. Perhaps he did have a person bias. Was there
ever a man with more right?Without Kirk's heroic actions, his son
would have died on a ravaged planet, or the Klingons would have killed
him horribly.

Sarek methodically paced around the perimeter of the room, trying to
find the inner peace he needed to meditate. To the casual observer,
the turmoil that stirred beneath the calm facade would not have
been evident. However, just beneath the surface boiled layers of
anger. Anger toward the Klingon government for their interference in
this matter. And, anger toward the Federation for their casual
dismissal of the needs of a Vulcan. How many times had they ignored
the needs of his son? How many times had he? Now he was being held in
confinement because there was a handful that cared. Slowly, he fought
down the emotions that threatened to undo him. Now was not the time
for blatant emotionalism. Calm and logic was what he needed to see
this through. With a deep breath, he was ready. He knelt on the mat.

Every day, exactly at 10 am, he was led to the Council Chambers where
he was ordered to turn over Kirk and his crew. Every day, he refused.
Every day he was then led back to his room, just in time for the
mid-day meal. This went on for five days.

On the sixth day, it became increasingly cold, and the rain pelting
against the window never stopped. He could hear a strange noise, like
a wailing sound, but more musical than that. He was at a loss to
understand what was happening and why the forcefield that kept him
confined had been deactivated. Although he had no chronometer in this
room, he knew it was much earlier than when he was usually summoned to
the Council chambers. Instead of the usual compliment of sentinels
that accompanied him, there was a single security guard requesting his
presence. He left the room with the man, and instead of leading him
outside and across the compound, he was taken to another turbolift,
which whisked him up several floors. The guard stayed in the lift when
it arrived at its destination.

Sarek's senses were assaulted by the controlled chaos he stepped into
when he entered what appeared to be a communications room. He was met
by the Federation President and quickly filled in on the difficulties
associated with the probe.

"Ambassador Sarek. It appears you are trapped here with the rest of
us." The president walked with Sarek to the window. "There seems to be
no way to answer the probe."

Sarek turned his back to the window and faced the President. "It is
difficult to answer when one does not understand the question."

The President looked thoughtfully at Sarek. The integrity of the man
standing before him struck a chord. Maybe a lack of understanding had
been this regime's downfall in many instances. Could it be that he,
and the other council members, had misjudged this man and all that he
stood for? And what of Kirk and his crew? Had they missed the
opportunity to understand what drove him to these actions?

Sarek paused, evaluating the best way to say what he knew had to be
said. "Mr. President, perhaps we should send out a planetary distress
signal. . . while we still have time." He could see in the other man's
face that he was thinking the same thought.

The President nodded and turned to do just that, but then turned back
to Sarek and said, "In light of recent events, and the devastation
this probe is causing, charges against you are dismissed. It seems,
Ambassador, that even if we still desired to do so, there may be no
one left to carry out such a prosecution."

"Thank you, Mr. President," Sarek replied. Then he turned to look out
of the window as the defeated Federation President walked across the
room.

Sarek was very cold. The wind was whipping the rain against the window
of the communications room. He moved toward the centre of the room
where Admiral Cartwright and others were standing, hoping it would be
warmer. He heard Kirk's plan and silently sent a message of hope to
Amanda across the bond. He looked out of the window, mesmerized by the
pelting rain. The window exploded under the pressure of the wind and
Sarek shielded his face against the debris. He was almost certain that
he had seen some movement. Then he heard the roar of a ship's engine,
it was a ship, not the storm, but it took a moment to recognize the
vessel. It was a Klingon Bird of Prey.

---

The next afternoon, in the brightly-lit council chambers, Sarek saw
Spock walk towards him accompanied by a human female. Spock raised his
hand in the ta'al. "Greetings, Father. May I present Dr. Gillian
Taylor? She was instrumental in the success of our mission. Dr.
Taylor, this is Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan."

"Greetings, Dr. Taylor, Spock." Sarek inclined his head slightly to
both of them.

Gillian shot her hand out to shake Sarek's. "Pleased to meet you,
Ambassador."

Spock looked uncomfortable and started to speak to her, when Sarek
took her hand in his and shook it firmly. "It would please me to have
you sit with our delegation during the proceedings. Would that be
acceptable to you?" There was something about this blond-haired female
that reminded him of his wife in her youth. His heart accelerated at
the thought of returning to his mate. He would see her again, and
soon. This was a reality that had been in doubt just a day before.

"Ambassador, I would be honored."

Sarek turned to Spock. "Will you join us as well, Spock?"

"I regret that I cannot. I must leave now. I am standing with my shipmates."

"Surely you are not charged, are you?" Sarek's eyes searched his son's
face.

"No, it is my choice." Spock looked at his father, his features serene
but there was a hint of something that Spock had rarely seen in his
father's eyes. Sarek was inwardly proud of his son and his demeanor
during this crisis, and now, his pride swelled at the loyalty
demonstrated by Spock.

"As you wish. Dr. Taylor, will you please come this way." Sarek turned
to go to his seat.

After the meeting, Sarek made arrangements to return to Vulcan, but he
wanted to take his leave of Spock first. They talked under the
watchful eye of Kirk, who was leaning against the desks of the first
row of seats. Sarek made sure he steered Spock far enough away so Kirk
could not hear what was being said.

"I am returning to Vulcan within the hour. I would like to take my
leave of you," Sarek said.

"It was most kind of you to make this effort," Spock replied.

"It was no effort. You are my son. Besides, I am most impressed with
your performance in this crisis."

"Most kind," Spock said softly.

Sarek looked at his son, and hesitated before speaking again. "As I
recall, I opposed your enlistment in Star Fleet. It is possible that
my judgment was incorrect." Spock's eyebrow rose at this admission.
Sarek continued, "Your associates are people of good character."

"They are my friends," Spock said simply.

"Yes, of course." Sarek was surprised to hear Spock use the term
'friends', but his features never registered his surprise. Thinking of
Amanda, he said, "Do you have a message for your mother?"

"Yes. Tell her, I feel fine." Sarek's eyebrow rose to his hairline at
Spock's cryptic answer, his eyes softening. 'It seems Spock has a
sense of humour after all,' he mused.

Spock raised his hand in the ta'al. "Live long and prosper, Father."

Sarek raised his hand and split his fingers in response. "Live long
and prosper, my son." With that, he turned and strode out of the
council chambers to return to his wife. It had been a long time.

---

On board the transport, he accessed a commlink and contacted Amanda,
telling her when he was arriving.

Her face beamed at him from the commscreen. "Oh, I'm so glad you're
coming home, Sarek. You look tired. Did you not sleep well in
confinement, my husband?" Her eyes twinkled as she teased him.

"On the contrary, Amanda. I found it most relaxing," Sarek teased
back. "However, I have been quite busy since my release. I anticipate
reaching Vulcan in two point six days. I would be arriving home in
time for end-meal."

Amanda smiled over the link and said, "Do you want me to pick you up
at the spaceport?"

"No, beloved. I plan to transport home. I will see you then, Amanda.
Peace and long life." Sarek closed the link and settled in to his
cabin.

---

Amanda was sitting in the oak rocking chair, reading, when she heard
the familiar whine of the transporter by the front door. She looked up
to see Sarek and his luggage materialize. She got up and approached
her husband, her palms up and crossed at the wrist in the Vulcan
embrace. Sarek stepped from the transporter pad and returned the
gesture. Amanda then hugged him hard. "It's good to have you back. I
missed you," she said, burying her face into his chest.

"It is good to be back, my wife."

Amanda straightened up and looked at her mate. Her hand caressed his
cheek as she memorized the lines and angles of his face. She noticed
that his hair had grayed considerably since Spock's death, but it only
made him more handsome in her eyes. "I made your favourite dishes for
end-meal, Sarek. Why don't you take your luggage into the bedroom and
get changed before we eat?"

"I would appreciate that." Sarek looked over to the dining room table
and saw it had been set with the lace tablecloth and the fine china
and crystal. "What is the occasion, my wife?"

"Why, your release from confinement, of course." Her eyes sparkled in
amusement.

"I see. Then I shall wear something that would be appropriate in such
a fine setting." With that, he picked up his bags and headed for their
bedroom.

Amanda returned to the kitchen to make sure the dinner was perfect. As
she was putting the food on the table, Sarek emerged from the bedroom
dressed in one of his favourite meditation robes. "Are you going to
meditate now, Sarek?" she asked.

"No, but I find this robe to be most comfortable. Do you wish me to
change, Amanda?" he asked.

"No, of course not. Come, sit down and tell me all about what
happened."

Sarek filled her in on his captivity, the charges being dropped
against Kirk and his crew, and finished with his pride at Spock's
behaviour. "You would think the fal-tor-pan had never happened. It is
as if he had never died, Amanda. You would have been most pleased with
him." Sarek's eyes glowed when he mentioned his son's name. "Spock
asked me to tell you that he feels fine. I am not certain what he
meant by that but. . . "

Amanda's laughter filled the room. It had been a long time. She filled
Sarek in on her conversation with Spock during his retraining. She was
also so happy they were finally getting along after the 18-year
silence between them. They still were not friends, but at least they
were comfortable with each other.

They ate their meal and discussed many things for several more hours.
Once they had cleared the table, Sarek suggested they go outside into
the garden. Outside in the relative cool of the evening, Amanda came
to him and wrapped her arm around his waist as they walked together.
Sarek put his arm around her shoulders, then he turned her to face
him, bent his head and kissed her softly on the lips. His tongue
traced the outline of her mouth before capturing it and claiming it as
his own. Her arms tightened around his waist as she returned his kiss.

"Perhaps we should go to the bedroom, my wife," Sarek murmured.

"Yes," she whispered back.

They walked back into the house, arm in arm. Once in the bedroom,
Amanda closed the door and lit a candle. She then turned off the
lights and opened the curtains so they had a view of the desert.

Sarek gathered her into his strong arms and kissed her passionately.
She thrust her tongue into his mouth, gliding her hands over his chest
and sides. Sarek massaged her ass through the thin fabric of her dress
and pulled her close to him. She could feel his arousal pressing
against her belly. She pulled away from him and undid the clasp of his
robe, parting the fabric to get a good view of him. He was naked
underneath and his erect cock stood proudly away from its nest of
black curls, the head peeking out from the folds in his robe,
glistening with pre-ejaculate. She rubbed the drop with her thumb,
spreading it over the spongy head of his cock, causing Sarek to inhale
sharply. With her other hand, she hefted his heavy sac and rolled its
contents between her fingers.

Amanda let him go and slid the fabric of his robe off his shoulders,
causing it to fall and pool around his feet. She looked at him,
noticing that his belly was still flat and his chest still muscular
after all these years. 'Mind you, he's only 117 years old; still young
for a Vulcan,' she thought to herself.

Sarek's cock twitched under Amanda's scrutiny and he wrapped his arms
around her again, pulling her close. "Surely you know what I look like
by now, my wife."

"Yes, but I can never get enough of you as you well know," she teased.
She reached up and pulled his head down to her again and kissed him
deeply. Her hands caressed his chest and sides, then moved to his
spine and lower to the hard, round, mounds and kneaded them gently.
She could feel his hardness bumping her belly, causing a wet stain on
her dress. "Perhaps I should remove my dress, Sarek, before you soak
it."

"Let me assist you," he offered. He undid the clasps and pulled it up
over her head. Then he carded his fingers through her hair, pulling
out the clasp that held it in place. As he was doing this, Amanda
grabbed the base of his cock and started stroking the length of it
slowly. Sarek thrust into her cool hand as he finally released her
hair. Amanda shook her hair loose, allowing it to fall to her
mid-back. He pulled from her grasp to put the hair clasp on the
bedside table. When he returned to her, she stroked him again, this
time with both hands.

As he carded his fingers through her thick hair, his gaze raked over
Amanda who was bathed in candlelight. A soft smile played at the
corners of his lips. Despite her protestations to the contrary, his
wife had grown even more lovely over the years, her silver hair
accentuating her beauty. Her breasts were still firm and her figure
had not changed much over the years. He returned to her, his large
hands cupping her breasts. Sarek rubbed his thumbs over her hard
nipples, causing her to moan softly, arching her back to give him
better access. He lowered his mouth and flicked a hard nub with his
hot tongue. Then he picked her up and lowered her onto the bed, all
the while sucking on her breast. He lay  down beside her and rolled
her other nipple with his fingers.

Amanda reached for his cock and pulled on it firmly. "I want you
inside me," she gasped. She spread her legs to give him access.

"No, not yet. I'm not ready yet," he said. He looked down to see his
wife splayed wide and cupped her sex, returning his mouth to her
breast. He flicked the clit with his thumb, causing her to buck her
hips. Then he rolled his fingers in her juices, inserting two of them
into her slickness. She pushed against them, forcing them deeper. He
pumped his fingers in and out of her quickly.

Amanda moaned in frustration and said, "I want more than your fingers
inside me. Please, Sarek, I want you!"

Sarek moved between her legs and centered the head of his cock at her
wet sex. He rubbed her clit with his ridges and then slid inside her.
She moaned in pleasure and wrapped her legs around his waist to pull
him in deeper. He thrust deeply and slowly, over and over.

Amanda spread her legs, reveling in the sensations she was feeling,
both physically and through the bond. His cock filled her and his
ridges scrapped against the walls of her vagina increased her arousal.
Sarek's strokes were agonizingly slow, but she could feel his balls
slap against her each time he thrust. She didn't know if she wanted
him to go faster, or to have this agony and ecstasy last forever.

Sarek removed his mouth from his wife's breast and looked down,
watching himself disappear into her. She opened her thighs even
further, and the sight of his wife so wantonly displayed spurred him.
He brought a finger to the blood engorged, pink clitoris and felt its
heat as he massaged it. His thrusts became faster and faster, until
the sound of slapping flesh filled the room. He could feel his balls
contract, readying themselves to release their precious cargo.
Finally, he tensed, threw back his head and shot his seed deeply into
his wife, filling her. He could feel her muscles contract around his
cock as she came. He continued to thrust feeling her muscles milking
him of his seed. He collapsed on her, his cock softening inside its
wet cocoon. After he caught his breath, he withdrew from her and lay
beside her, absently stroking her belly.

"That was beautiful, Sarek. Welcome home, beloved," Amanda murmured.
"I hope the next time you go to Earth, you will be able to avoid the
contempt of the Council. Sleeping with a jailbird is something that I
only want to do once," she teased.

"It is good to be home, my wife," he said, still stroking her belly
and chest. Sarek pulled her close and whispered, "However, I can not
make promises that I may be unable to keep."

After a few minutes, they pulled up the covers. Sarek wrapped his arms
around Amanda as she cuddled against his side. His last though was
that of contentment; that his family was whole again. Spock was alive!

---

The End