Week 3: It's All Political

On Vulcan-Meanwhile, at the S'chn T'gai compound (Amanda's point of view):

The wedding reception preparations had been completed: place settings, music, and security arranged in precise Vulcan fashion. That put a smile on Amanda's face, knowing that all was ready for her son and his bride's arrival on Vulcan. She had even had a peaceful conversation with T'Pau; what a blessing! What really astonished Amanda was the amount of respect the people of Vulcan were showing to the whole clan. This was new to her. "After forty years, it's darned well about time!"

Sevel announced himself and approached T'Amanda, offering her a Padd with some disturbing news from Earth:

"T'Amanda, I have a media post from Earth that you might find interesting. It is being broadcast around the planet."

Amanda took the Padd and viewed the post. A reporter named Kim Kelly announced Spock's marriage and then brought up the backstory of her and Sarek's marriage; Amanda was not pleased. She remembered how social media had depicted her marriage and the prejudice of the Terran media toward Sarek. All the anger and frustration came back to her in an instant. Amanda started tapping her Padd, thinking about Saana and knowing what would to happen to that poor woman.

"Sevel, please present this to Ambassador Sarek and check on the progress of Saana Uhura's documents."

"Yes, right away," Sevel said, leaving to fulfill her request.

Amanda stood up and started pacing, her heart going out to Saana. She knew all too well that people could be cruel. She remembered when the news of Sarek's marriage proposal hit. At the time, she had worried that she would have a mental breakdown from the stress of how the media treated her. "Be strong Saana! I will support you."

Amanda hoped Saana remembered everything she had told her.

Sevel found Sarek at the Vulcan Science Academy and gave him the report from Earth. Sarek quickly read the media report on his son and his bride.

"Sevel, what is the status of Professor Uhura's travel documents?"

"They are in the process of being validated by the Ministry of Transportation. They are verifying her credentials on Earth."

Sarek reflected on his courtship with Amanda and how Terran emotions often are the result of making assumptions without clarification.

"Continue to monitor the status of her documents and have the Minister of Transportation expedite their processing due to the events on Earth, Sarek said. "I will contact Ambassador Sern and ask him to help hasten approval of Professor Uhura's credentials on Earth; you may continue Sevel."

Sevel bowed: "I am here to serve."

"Your service honors us," Sarek said, bowing in return. Sevel left. Sarek used his com-link to page Ambassador Sern, instead reaching one of his aides. T'Zora the daughter to Shath the family healer, appeared on his monitor. She gave the standard greeting and Sarek returned it.

"Greetings, S'haile Sarek. It is an honor to see you. How can I be of service?"

"Greetings, T'Zora. I seek an audience with Ambassador Sern."

"I will inform him of your presence, S'haile Sarek. One moment."

Ambassador Sern appeared on Sarek's monitor:

"Greetings, S'haile Sarek. How can I serve you?"

"Greetings, Ambassador Sern. I have been informed that the Terran media has announced Commander Spock's bonding."

"Affirmative, S'haile. The Terran media has surrounded the Embassy, demanding a statement. I have taken the liberty to confirm Commander Spock's status. The media is currently focused on a female Terran named Saana Uhura."

"The Terran female is the mother of Spock's bride," Sarek said. "Professor Uhura is preparing to visit Vulcan and will attend the wedding reception on Altair VI in the near future. Ambassador, I request that the Embassy aid her in securing her credentials and travel documents and see to her safety until she reaches Vulcan."

"Consider it done, S'haile. It will honor us to provide the documents necessary for her transport. We will accommodate her here at the Embassy until her transport is ready."

Ambassador Sern stood and beckoned to two of his aides, who joined him in the image on Sarek's com-link. "S'haile, may I present my aides Semek and Stinek. I will dispatch them to bring Professor Uhura to the Embassy and see to her safety."

"At this moment, the Ministry of Transportation is gathering information on Professor Uhura's credentials," Sarek said. "There seems to be some hindrance."

"My aides will investigate the issue, S'haile, and assist the Minister."

Sarek bowed his head: "Your service honors me. Peace and long life, Ambassador Sern."

"We are here to serve, S'haile. I will keep you informed as to Professor Uhura's progress. Live long and prosper."

Sarek faded from the monitor, and Sern faced his aides:

"You are to secure the safety of Professor Uhura and bring her here. Provide any assistance that is needed. I will give you both full diplomatic passes to override any Terran laws or regulations that might be an obstacle, and I will notify all Terran agencies of your clearance."

Stinek and Semek bowed their heads and left for the United States of Africa.

Ambassador Sern tapped his com-link to page T'Zora.

"How can I be of assistance, Ambassador?"

"S'haile Sarek informed me that Professor Uhura's credentials need to be expedited."

"I will investigate and render any required assistance, Ambassador."

"Your service honors all of Vulcan," Sern said, inclining his head.

T'Zora returned the bow and faded from his monitor. Sern sat at his desk and pressed his index fingers together, pondering the impact of the union of S'haile Spock and his wife.

Later on that night, Sarek returned home to his wife and was met with a surprise:

Sitting in their lounge, sipping tea, were his mother and wife. It was a rare occasion that those two were in the same room. Sarek raised his eyebrow at the thought of their conversation. "Their relationship has always been so tense."

"Ko-mekh, your presence honors us," Sarek said, bowing to his mother. He then approached his wife and they touched fingers in the ozh'sta.

"My wife."

Amanda asked her husband to join them for tea, but he held up his hand to decline.

"Sarek, I was updating T'Pau on the situation on Earth and the wedding reception on Altair VI."

Sarek stood next to his wife, with his hands folded into his robe.

"I have spoken to Ambassador Sern; he will secure the safety of Professor Uhura at the embassy in San Francisco. Once her credentials and travel documents are cleared, transport will be provided for her to Vulcan. We should hear of their progress soon."

Amanda's thoughts went immediately to Saana: "I hope she's okay-I know how the Terran news media can be ridiculous."

T'Pau raised a brow and took a sip from her cup: "Terran behavior has not disappointed me; they continue to expand my thoughts."

Amanda didn't know how to take that statement and gave a T'Pau a slight sideways glance.

T'Pau turned her attention to Sarek: "Sarek, what have you heard of Spock and his bride?"

Sarek sighed inwardly and sat next to Amanda, indicating he would have tea after all. "T'Ara has sent a communique to Starfleet Command to request Spock's presence on Vulcan. We are waiting for their reply."

"Do you think there will be a problem releasing them?" Amanda asked, handing him a cup of tea.

"I do not believe there will be any hindrance to their journey to Vulcan, my wife." Sarek turned to his mother and bowed his head: "The request for Spock's return and the wedding reception should be approved."

"Sarek, there is some concern about Spock's bond with the female. If he has instituted it correctly, only a check by a healer is necessary until his pon farr, assuming the healer has no concern about the health or strength of the bond. But we need to consider Spock's telepathic powers, which indeed have shown growth since his youth.[1] There are those who would seek knowledge of Spock's abilities. To prevent that-and to prevent interference in his marriage on Vulcan-I will perform the kal'i'farr. Although the Terran marriage is binding and should be recognized by all Federation worlds, it is paramount to ensure that Spock and his bride seek me out first-before all others-upon their arrival."

Sarek bowed his head in agreement: "I will converse with Spock and inform him of his appointment with you, Ko-mekh."

Amanda was quiet, taking in all that T'Pau had said. Now that Spock had established his place on Vulcan, another scenario had developed. She placed her cup on the table:

"How serious is this, T'Pau?"

T'Pau's old eyes focused on Amanda:

"T'Amanda, you have done well with Spock, but his telepathic abilities have grown considerably, drawing the unwanted attention of the Genetics Division of the Vulcan Academy of Science. Since his capabilities have come to their attention, they have speculated about how two different species of DNA have merged to produce such an heir. They are also curious about whether Spock's seed carries those telepathic abilities. Therefore, it is imperative that Spock and his bride seek me out first upon arrival to avoid interference in their bonding. Once I determine the health of their bond, a secret ceremony must be initiated immediately to avoid others knowing of Spock's potential."

Amanda stood, wringing her hands: "Let me get this straight-first they shun us, and now they admire us? Because of Spock's telepathic abilities?"

"It is the fact that Spock's abilities have surpassed those of most other Vulcanians, which they find-incomprehensible. They want his seed in order to study the full range of possibilities. His bond with his Terran bride will prevent any form of interference, unless he gives his permission, which I strongly doubt, due to his treatment as a child. If Spock were to fall into the wrong hands before the kal'i'farr is performed, they could invoke one of our laws to force Spock to submit to observation. The kal'i'farr will guarantee his commitment to the Terran female-no one will challenge it. They would have to overcome me." T'Pau's stern visage and words made it clear that she would never yield.

"You mean they could attempt to substitute a Vulcan female for Nyota?"

"If the bond is not authenticated, they could do so, but I will ensure that it will be. This is why I will measure the strength of their bond. If it is as I suspect, it is one of the strongest in Vulcan history. But do not fear, T'Amanda. There are those in the Vulcan High Command that will not permit such interference. Many have grown fond of Spock since the Intrepid incident since it was he discovered their demise. This has given him and the clan great leverage. But most unfortunate that it continues to be a great loss to their family members, their katras lost through eternity." T'Pau said earnestly and with determination. She WOULD safeguard her grandson!

Sarek saw his wife's concern and sensed her distress; he extended two fingers:

"My wife, attend."

Amanda turned to her husband; he touched his fingers to hers to calm her.

T'Pau continued: "Once the kal'i'farr and wedding reception have concluded, Spock and Nyota will return to their duties in space; there will be no further challenge to his choice of bride or his telepathic abilities."

Amanda added: "Vulcanians are committed to their duty; Spock and Nyota will be safe."

T'Pau raised her brow and stated to the couple; "It was wise of Spock to have chosen Starfleet as a career to avoid examination of his telepathic abilities,"

While Amanda managed to convert a deep giggle into a less offensive hiccup instead. Sarek continued to keep his stoic face, despite knowing full well that he had characterized Spock's choice as hasty and illogical at the time.

T'Pau looked at the couple as they sat together; it was strange to see them interact as a real Vulcan couple. Amanda did display some emotional outbursts, but nothing that would cause resentment or concern. After all these years of being bonded to a Terran, her son was complete. No such thing had ever before occurred, and many had doubted it ever would, including herself.

"Sarek, it would be interesting to see how Spock's offspring grow and develop; they might have enhanced telepathic abilities as well. If such an event would have occurred than they would be considered a new species."

Sarek arched a brow:

"Correct, Ko-mekh. It is probable that any offspring would inherit telepathic abilities, whether average or advanced."

T'Pau stood up and grabbed her cane: "We shall soon see, I hope to see the results. I will depart now. Live long and prosper."

Sarek and Amanda stood and bowed their heads: "Peace and long life."

They escorted T'Pau to the door, where her aide T'Lara waited to drive her home to her compound.

After the door closed behind T'Pau, Amanda turned to Sarek: "Should I be concerned?"

"No, my wife."

"We just got over the debacle of the kal'i'farr with T'Pring, and now this? Could the Vulcan High Command force Spock to participate in research into his telepathic abilities?"

"As a citizen of Vulcan, it would be considered an honor to be of service for the greater good of science. They would place that obligation upon Spock. But as you heard, T'Pau will not permit it-and neither will I."

"What about Sybok? Does he have those abilities too? He is also your son; is it in your DNA, Sarek?"

"When I was tested, my telepathic abilities were measured as average among Vulcanians. Sybok's, however, were considered strong, but he had discipline concerns in regard to managing his potential."

"Then I don't understand?"

"They believed that Spock's telepathic abilities should have been stunted due to his Terran DNA; that this is not the case is a mystery to them. Therefore, they are motivated to discover why his telepathic abilities even exist."

Amanda didn't know whether to feel insulted or complimented. She was used to Vulcans' dry humor and direct comments. The fact Vulcan scientists thought her DNA was inferior should have angered her. But instead, finding that Spock had extraordinary telepathic abilities fascinated them made her happy. For that, she smiled at Sarek.

Sarek's com-link blinked to indicate an incoming message in his office. Opening the link, he saw Ambassador Sern giving the ta'al:

"Greetings, S'haile."

"Greetings, Ambassador Sern."

"I have information on Professor Uhura. My aides have returned with her, and she is currently resting in one of our suites. We have extended to her all courtesies and the use of our facilities here. There is still concern about her credentials in regard to the length of her stay on Vulcan. It seems the Interplanetary Department of Transportation needs verification."

Sarek raised a brow. He was not aware of any restrictions or requirements regarding how long a citizen could be off-planet. He surmised that the extra scrutiny came because it was Nyota's mother, and the announcement of Spock and Nyota's marriage had reached the department.

"Please inform the department that Professor Uhura's visit to Vulcan is for the standard three months."

"I will give them that information."

"Elaborate on the state of the Terran media."

"They are persistent, rude, and very loud, S'haile. My office com-link is continually bombarded with calls from them. I find it-very unusual and quite irritating."

"I experienced such events as well when I was stationed there."

"Only meditation and the study of Surak's words has enabled me to endure the situation."

"I also was forced to perform lengthy meditations while on Earth. Your service honors the S'chn T'gai clan. I will let you return to your duties."

"It is an honor to serve you, S'haile."

Sarek watched as Sern faded from the monitor. He was concerned that the Terran Interplanetary Department of Transportation would delay Professor Uhura's transport documents. He decided he would wait two standard days and then contact the director of that department for assistance.

The next day, Amanda woke up and continued her business of checking off RSVPs from dignitaries on other Federation planets. She smiled, thinking about how Vulcan High Command was on board with acknowledging Spock and his marriage. Then she received a message from Sarek that Starfleet had approved Spock and Nyota's leave, and that the Enterprise was already en route to Vulcan. Amanda did a victory dance in her office and shouted with glee. She quickly notified T'Pau of the couple's impending arrival. Now she needed to let Saana know of the good news. Since she was already at the Vulcan Embassy, her departure would be much easier. Amanda looked down at her Padd as it beeped to indicate more RSVPs. She needed to confirm them first before the call.

Amanda finalized the confirmed list on her Padd and transferred it to Sevel. Amanda checked her chronometer for San Francisco time and settled at her desk to call Saana. Because of tight security, she had to go through the Embassy channel. She was greeted by T'Zora, who raised her hand in the ta'al. She looked at the young Vulcan woman, who Amanda remembers as a little girl, grown now.

"It is an honor to speak with you, T'Amanda; how can I serve you?"

"Greetings, T'Zora it is good to see you again. How are the accommodations for Professor Uhura?"

"Professor Uhura arrived at the Vulcan Embassy at 2100 hours yesterday. We invited her to take end meal with us, and she did. She is currently working on her Vulcansu learning module."

"That's nice to know. How is her progress?"

"She has completed 35.67 percent of the basic Vulcansu learning module and is making moderate progress. There are some letter-sound mispronunciations, but her progress is acceptable."

"That is good. When she arrives on Vulcan, she will be able to understand simple greetings and instructions. Thank you for providing the learning modules."

"It is of no consequence."

"How are the news media behaving?"

"They continue to inquire about the status and location of S'haile Spock and his wife. They continue to refer to them as Prince Spock and Princess Nyota, respectively. I believe someone misinterpreted the title after I included it in the media release."

"OH! So that's how it started?!"

T'Zora was trying to read Amanda's facial expressions and became concerned:

"Have I erred, T'Amanda?"

"No, you have not. I am grateful that the Embassy tried to intercede to resolve the situation."

"Do have any further requests, T'Amanda? How can I be of service?"

Amanda kept forgetting that Vulcanians are not social people unless they have a purpose. She sighed deeply and then smiled:

"I would like to speak with Professor Uhura."

"I will inform her of your presence, T'Amanda."

T'Zora tapped her com-link Padd to page Professor Uhura. A beep acknowledged that her page had been received.

"I will transfer you to her com-link, T'Amanda."

"Your service honors us, T'Zora."

"I am here to serve," T'Zora said before transferring her call to Professor Uhura.

Meanwhile, at Starfleet Command, Admiral Nimitz received a com-link page from Federation President Demetrio:

"Good morning, Admiral Nimitz."

"Mr. President, what can I do for you?"

Demetrio raised his brow: "Have you received and accepted the invitation to Altair VI?"

"Yes, I have; the Enterprise is scheduled to escort me there."

"Mind if I join you, Admiral?"

"Not at all. I know Captain Kirk would be honored, Mr. President."

Demetrio smiled with pleasure:

"I see the news of Commander Spock's marriage is all the rage on Earth."

"The media is eating it up. They are calling it a romance between the Prince of Vulcan and an Earth girl. It's kind of wild."

"Admiral, I think you might have a problem. It appears that Nyota Uhura has a mother on Earth and the media has run her off from her job. I have information that she is currently staying at the Vulcan Embassy in San Francisco."

Chester sat bolt upright, wondering how the media got hold of the story about Lt. Uhura's mother. He had sealed Lt. Uhura's files because the majority of them were classified, except for her Academy records.

"I was unaware that was going on. I didn't think about her extended family." Chester typed into his Padd and found the records for Uhura's parents: "Father deceased: Was a member of Starfleet; Master Sargent killed in the line of duty; ruled accident. Mother: anthropologist/professor at the University of Rhodes in the United States of Africa." Chester looked up at Demetrio: "Thanks, I'll get someone on it right away. I wonder why I wasn't informed she was being harassed by the media?"

"It was all over the media! They were demanding that she take a stance on their marriage. It seems they gave her a rough time. The Vulcans swooped in and took her to their embassy."

Chester rubbed his hands over his face in failure: "I don't follow Earth media. I did receive the Vulcan statement a couple of days ago. Thanks! I'll check on Professor Uhura."

"Not a problem, Chester. I just wanted to let you know. Also, it seems her travel documents are somehow delayed at the Interplanetary Department of Transportation. Something about her credentials is concerning them. Could you investigate the delay?"

"Of course. I'll check on that personally!"

"Then I'll see you in a couple of weeks, Chester. Have a good day!"

Chester watched Demetrios fade from his monitor, and then he grimaced with disgust. He hit his com-link button:

"Walters, get me Lieutenant Commanders Dent and Xiu on the double!"

"Yes, Sir!"

As Walters went to find the commanders, Chester looked more closely at Uhura's file, and yet more closely at Master Sargent Kayode Uhura's profile. He read about the accident at the space dock that left Saana Uhura a widow. He then saw that another of Saana Uhura's family members-a brother-had also perished in an accident. A family shattered. Saana Uhura's profile appeared, showing her educational background in human history and anthropology. The woman worked had worked hard as a single mother to raise her daughter and to complete her impressive education. Things changed when he saw Saana's ID picture; his heart skipped a beat. She was a beautiful and mature woman; he read the file carefully to check that she had not remarried. "A handsome woman like this is not taken?" At that moment a deep longing hit Chester; it had been decades since his divorce due to his job in Starfleet. His children had grown up and were living their own lives. He stared at Saana in a dream-like state, very much taken with her doe-like brown eyes. Her chocolate brown skin looked ageless. Chester estimated that she was about 50 years old, younger than him by about 10 years. He allowed himself a quick fantasy about developing a meaningful relationship with her despite his hectic schedule. Chester's mind dwelled on the happy daydream until his intercom beeped;

"Walters here, Sir. I have the two commanders that you requested."

"Send them in, please."

The two men entered and stood at attention at Nimitz's desk.

"At ease, Commanders. I have a mission for you. I'm authorizing you to visit the Vulcan Embassy to see whether Professor Saana Uhura needs our services. Apparently, the news media are giving her a hard time. Her daughter, Lieutenant Uhura, is currently serving on the Enterprise. Have you heard that she is now married?"

They both answered, "Yes, Admiral."

"Your job is to render any service that she needs, and that extends to even having her stay here at Starfleet Command, if necessary, to get the media off her back. Her husband was in Starfleet and gave his life in the line of duty. Now, on behalf of Starfleet Command, we will extend our hospitality to her. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"The news media went too far, forcing her to leave her own home. The Vulcans beat us to her. She is currently at the Vulcan Embassy in San Francisco, but if she wishes us to assist in any way, we will be honored to help her. Dismissed!"

The two men left and headed to the Vulcan Embassy. Chester was hoping to meet this intriguing woman-the mother of his master code breaker. But he was worried about her safety and her stress levels; he sat back, thinking that things couldn't get any worse.