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Summary: Spock and Nyota are officially married according to Vulcan laws, and the crew of the Intrepid have made themselves known throughout Vulcan. Saana finally was introduced to Spock and she noticed the love he has for Nyota. Plus, Shath and Saana had come to an understanding. Kirk and McCoy endured a Vulcan vegetarian dinner and the scrutiny of T'Pau. Spock is resting and completing his meditation when...See the source imageSee the source imageSee the source image




Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.


 

The Resting Place

"Commander Spock, please forgive me for the intrusion."

"You may speak."

"Do you know the timeline for our departure?"

"Unknown at this time Captain Spaik. As we speak my matriarch is explaining your presence, which is a concern with the science division. Apparently they are interested in my ability to sustain the amount of katras for such a length of time. Also, why I've not shown evidence of a diminished mental capacity."

"I understand, how can I and we be of service? You have taken on such a burden, we long for the peace that the ceremony will give us. Completion."

"Are you aware of your family consciousness?"

"Yes, they are aware of my presence and they were concerned about the ceremony to the caves."

"If you are unaware, that Vulcan High Command is curious about my ability to hold so many katras. The Science Division has created a mission to explore this. I find it intrusive, I desire to complete my wife."

Captain Spaik thought for a moment, "We can be of assistance to you S'haile Spock. We will relay our concerns to all of Vulcan to refute such action. We can project the thought as one consciousness."

"That would be acceptable and resolves T'Pau of her administrative confrontation at High Command."

"We give homage to you S'haile Spock. We have returned to the home of our forefathers and we all seek the peace that was promised for our dedication to Surak and ‘The Way."

Spaik left Spock's presence during his meditation, and Spock opened his eyes and cleared his daily pots. He went to seek his father and relay the information.

 


 

Meanwhile at Vulcan High Command, T'Pau sat around the oval table, again defending her grandson. But this time two Science Division Healers were present to plead their case to begin research on the katras.

Healer Volis stated his case: "It seems that S'haile Spock's mental abilities are more advanced than the previous healers had suspected. It is clear that Spock is able to deflect his capabilities, this is fascinating and a new area to research."

"Yes, though he is part Terran, his touch telepathic abilities are outstanding. We are curious of the possibilities." added Healer Tekav

"You mean the possibilities of offsprings with another Terran." snarled T'Pau. She knew their intentions and she made sure to close those doors.

"We could order him to have a complete physical and part of his evaluation will be to scan his thoughts and telepathic strength," stated Sudoc.

T'Pau looked at both healers and spoke firmly. "And we have agreed weeks before that S'haile Spock is here on my family request to celebrate his bride. I find it intrusive that my requests have been ignored. There are those  who have already interfered in my duties as the matriarch of the S'chn T'gai."

Sudoc continued with his request.

"T'Pau, we are aware of your position as matriarch of your clan, but it is the duty of the Science Division to expand our knowledge of our capabilities. Spock has displayed telepathic abilities, abilities which have not yet presented in other Vulcans. The Science Division is requesting an investigation, why are you hindering their research?"

T'Pau glared at Sudoc, "I am curious, do you believe your science background and knowledge gives you the right to speak for all of Vulcan?"

Sudoc and Suter raised their brows, their eyes blinking, and noted the implication of the statement. They were not phased by the insult.

T'Pau saw their reaction and she was not amused. She touched Spock's mind; his powers were beyond that of any Vulcan on record. She had researched with T'Lara the family history and that of other Vulcans. But at the moment, two commissioners have hidden agendas to exploit her grandson.

"They do not have the expertise or measurement to compare such abilities. That my grandson, the descendant of our founder of ‘The Way', is subject to such research is unconscionable and without merit."

Healer Tekev folded his arms in his draped sleeves, going against the highly knowledgeable matriarch. He was fascinated, but he needed to reassure her of their intention.

"I assure you that Healer Volis and I are quite capable of handling telepathic measurements, and we have documented countless Vulcans who decided to partake for the greater good of all."

"Such as when Spock was a child,  at which time he was informed that he was neither a true Vulcan nor capable of offspring?" T'Pau took a slow deep breath and concentrated on their next move.

Brows were raised at that statement. "Indeed."

Sutor folded his hands in his long sleeve and glared at T'Pau. "We could insist S'haile Spock to submit to the research on behalf of all Vulcan. He will find it an honor to commit to such a request."

"You will harm him more than observe and research him. I am aware that you have sought out the Intelligence and Weapons Division to exploit his abilities. I. Forbid. It." 

T'Pau is not known for her violence, but listening to the healers and Sudoc's probing might make her provoke an ancient ritual war. "I grow to weary of their ignorance."

Sutor asked as he straightened himself in his chair. "Explain"

"It was evident during Spock's ceremonial bond with his bride. I observed and inspected the intensity of their bond, it has developed its own defense system which will endanger any violators. His bond with the woman cannot be altered or dissolved."

"Then his seed could be processed and examined." requested Tekav.

T'Pau stressed again her disapproval. "Negative, you cannot, according to our historical laws and without direct consent. I have already performed his ceremonial marriage and it has been registered in the Hall of Records, they are legally bound. There shall be no interference!" 

At that very moment, a wave of intense conscious grief touched each person's thoughts, on Vulcan and beyond. First, there was pain, it was the internal personal feelings from the Intrepid crew. Then, there was their presence in those surrounded and touched by their consciousness.

It was then when T'Dess felt her grandson's presence and closed her eyes and bowed. Then it faded away, and the High Vulcan commissioners relented.

T'Pau looked at each member, glared, and confessed. "I saw and met Captain Spiak in Spock's consciousness. He and his crew desire to return to the ancient place of Surak, the Father of all our logic, to rest. You would deny this for your own personal gain, the natural culture of telepathy, to exploit an anomaly in our blood which is in my grandson."

Healer Volis voiced his opinion, "T'Pau, you are correct that Surak is the Father of our logic, it is because of that that we seek to expand the knowledge of our potential in telepathy. Science continues to be the unknown, we seek the heart of the matter."

"Did not the consciousness of the Intrepid touch you? Did we all feel the plea of those lost to return home to their resting place? Does the need of the many outweigh the need of the few?"

T'Pau glared at them again, except T'Dess who held her ground on this issue and mourned with her family.

 

"I concur with T'Pau, she speaks with wisdom. I felt my grandson's presence a moment ago, we should give respect to those who had lost much."

"See that they wait for us in the sacred caves. I need to prepare the High Priests for the transfer." T'Pau steadied herself with her staff and thought to herself that she had refused to engage in their politics. She gave them her hooded look of distaste and left. 

 "We have not concluded our discussion T'Pau."

She continued walking out the large double doors, followed by T'Lara.

T'Dess stood up and slowly looked at her fellow commissioners, "Did we not grieve when all of Vulcan felt the departure of their life force on that fateful day? But yet 1 minute and .074 seconds ago. Did we all not feel their presence?"

"I will assist T'Pau and the High Priests in the Halls of Katras in returning my grandson and the others who were lost from the Intrepid." She walked down the aisle and turned to address them again. "I will also make it clear that I will contest any further investigation of S'haile Spock, for he is a sovereign citizen." And left the silent group.

 


 

A little while later, as Sarek and Spock sat in his office, they viewed T'Pau on the monitor while she relayed the meeting with Vulcan High Command and Sarek commented.

"It seems that my son is sought as a research project instead of the commander of a starship."

"They implied that they would extract his seed to induce others of his capacity. Healer Tekav was insistent on this. I reminded them that Spock is a descendant of Surak; his bond to the woman is legal and cannot be dissolved." commented T'Pau.

"No harm will come to thee or thy wife son of Sarek." T'Pau looked at Spock with respect and honor.

Spock added to the conversation. "Spaik is willing to assist us if needed."

T'Pau raised a brow, "Indeed, he had conveyed this to you Spock?"

"Yes T'Pau, during my meditation. Captain Spaik will render any assistance to make it so."

T'Pau was further intrigued, "How can he assist us, Spock?"

"Did you not feel their presence during your meeting? That was them making a statement."

T'Pau raised her brow and made the connection. " Spaik had all of Vulcan feel their presence. It was beneficial and gave evidence that their peace superseded any research on you Spock."

"Indeed, I have reports that people had assembled at the Hall of Katras and await Spock's presence," commented Sarek.

"Yes, I had informed the High Priests and Priestesses of our arrival and the katras. They are preparing as we speak. Once the ceremony is completed then we will have peace and support from the people. Now I will prepare." T'Pau faded from the monitor.

"It is time to give respect to the fallen Spock, you have done well." Sarek stood up, did a slight bow, and left to get ready. 

As Sarek left his office his thoughts continued in conflict over his behavior about Spock attending Starfleet Command. He now evaluated the possibilities of Spock's attendance at the Terran force. "Perhaps I erred, the presence of the katras is evidence of such an event. If Spock were not in Starfleet, what would be the fate of the Intrepid?" 

 


 

Sarek entered their bedroom suite, greeted his wife, and informed her of the preparation for the Hall of Katras. Sarek again evaluated the effects of the katras, once they were in place, the people of Vulcan would see his value and IDIC. [Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations] 

Also, at the same time in Spock's suite, as they prepare to get dressed:

"A lot has happened since we arrived Ashayam. I've barely spoken to my mother. She must think I've abandoned her." Nyota said, pulling on her formal robe.

 

"Yes we have moved in haste since our arrival, Ihave not met your mother properly since our marriage ceremony. I believe I owe her apology."

"Once things are straightened out, I can spend some quality time with her before we go to the reception."

"At the moment the katras are the primary concern to be addressed."

Nyota looked at Spock and asked. "Where will they go?"

" The High Priestess will mind-meld with me, then the katras will be placed in the Hall of Katras where their consciousnesses will rest."

"What about the mind-meld? Will the transfer be... difficult?" asked Nyota.

"Unknown, my wife, it appears that few Vulcans were able to hold katras for a limited time. I am the one that has surpassed this, it draws attention from the Medical Science Division. They are curious that I can hold over four hundred katras for such a length of time. Especially considering the fact that I am half Terran. Which is unfortunate, as I have no desire to be observed. T'Pau has intervened in Vulcan High Command to discuss their interference."

"Then how about the rest of the ceremony, are there any other concerns?"

 When a High Priestess performs the detachment, it might have a lingering effect on the person."

"Okay, I don't like the sound of that!"

"I might feel an emptiness in my mind."

Spock went to Nyota and touched her fingers to reassure her.She asked: "Share your thoughts with me, Spock."

He touched her psi points and gave her everything he knew about the procedure and the discussion with Vulcan High Command.

"I'm beginning to love T'Pau more. She's more than a grandmother,  authoritative and highly respected as the records revealed. I don't like the fact that they have a hard time because you are part Terran, it makes me feel they are prejudiced and that bothers me!"

"I have come to terms with both sides of my heritage, because of you Nyota. Our cultures are blended and similar which I find quite interesting. I am aware that Earth also has had a violent past that surfaces from time to time."

"Yes, unfortunately, it surfaces."

They both continued to prepare for the ceremony.

 


 

Meanwhile, in another area of the compound, a concerned mother was trying to get ready. Saana sat on her bed with a worried look as she hadn't got a chance to talk to her daughter since she arrived. The ceremony was quick like they were at the Justice of the Peace. Saana did notice her robe; she looked so regal in it, it didn't seem like her daughter but someone else.

"My baby is a grown woman, I've got to remember that." sighed a concerned Saana.

As she got up and continued to get dressed for the Vulcan ritual, an idea came to mind to take mental notes. Just maybe they would let her document, as part of her project. Vulcan culture is so fascinating, and she wants to study it more, but right now it's dealing with a memorial service. So far she knows that their version for the soul is the katra. Most Terrans believe in some form of an afterlife, but from her understanding, their Vulcan katras are still functional. This is why she needs to seek more knowledge and more understanding. 

"I must ask Sarek once everything is settled, after the reception, now I am more interested than before. Maybe I can be presented to my Chancellor and stay here on Vulcan on assignment. I need to write a proposal that would satisfy the Vulcans and Terrans as a relations exchange."

Saana became excited about the idea. 

 


 

Hours later at the Hall of Katras, people gathered around the stone engraved temple. Waiting for their countrymen to come home to their resting place. The katras of each family revealed that they were contained in S'haile Spock and he had brought them home to rest. Husbands, wives, children, siblings, and grandparents were dressed in their ceremonial robes, and they all stood in silence awaiting the arrival of the S'chn T'gai clan. 

A gong rang, to symbolize the beginning of the ceremony; a procession of priests and priestesses wearing hooded white robes with gold braided trim, walked through the quiet crowd as they made to the steps that led up the waiting chambers below.

Then the S'chn T'gai family arrived, led by T'Pau, followed by:

Sarek and Amanda

Spock and Nyota

Saana

T'Lara and Shath

All dressed in their traditional robes. Another gong rung that ended the procession located in the inner chamber. The Vulcan High Priestess, T'Lar, walked to the clan, held up her ta'al hand, and addressed T'Pau.

"Matriarch T'Pau, what service do you desire this day?"

T'Pau held her ta'al hand and bowed her head slightly, " I have come to return what was lost from the USS Intrepid."

"Who holds such a task?"

"S'haile Spock of the House of Surak."

"Is he ready to release those who are bound?"

"Yes, I give thee S'haile Spock, Commander of the USS Enterprise, and his bondmate."

T'Pau stepped aside to let Spock and Nyota come forward, both knelt before T'Lar.

T'Lar spoke, "Spock of the House of Surak, are thee prepared what must be done?"

"Yes, High Priestess. I am aware of the possible effects as is my bondmate."

"Then come and proceed."

Several priests came around Spock and escorted him up another set of steps to a raised platform and instructed him to lay down. Two priestesses escorted Nyota to stand nearby, and another set of priests had the family nearby. This was Amanda and Saana's first time observing the katra ceremony, Amanda held her clasped hands and tried to meditate with all her strength that nothing was going to happen. Nyota closed her eyes and focused on the training Spock had taught her. She relied on the strength of their bond to help to anchor him.

T'Lar stood at Spock's head and scanned the area. "Are the urns ready to receive those who have returned?"

Two male priests replied, "Yes, High Priestess, according to records of the Intrepid."

T'Lar closed her eyes and lifted her head toward the ceiling, she slowly placed her hands on both sides of Spock's head and started the meld. She chanted the ancient history of katras, when she entered Spock's mind. She found the crew of the Intrepid, standing, waiting for their place in space and time. She also found that Spock's mind, his consciousness, was well ordered and disciplined. But T'Lar was astonished by the amount of katras.  So many in one mind had never been recorded, throughout Vulcan history. Standing before T'Lar was the crew and they acknowledged her. Captain Spiak stood before her and knelt, T'Lar touched the psi points on his face then he slowly disappeared. Each crewman stepped forward for their turn, one by one. Each person thanked Spock for holding them, bowing and acknowledging his clan title. The transference process took over five hours to complete. T'Lar lifted her hands from Spock's head, drained from the process, it had never been done for so many katras at once. T'Lar looked down at Spock, who was in a state of rest, in amazement. T'Lar addressed the family:

"It is done, the process is complete. I am honored to be of service to the House of Surak of the clan S'chn T'Gai. This task has not been recorded since the beginning, not of such a vast of quantity of katras at one time." She turned to the priests to address them:

"Let those who lost much, come to the lower chambers to seek their inner peace."

 

A row of priests and priestesses left to lead the family members of the Intrepid crew to their katras. At that moment, a gong rang multiple times, indicating that the katra process was complete. Three other priests went with water and a medical kit to attend to Spock, Nyota went to stand next to Spock and spoke to him.

 

"Spock, are you alright?"

Even though he was in his silent state he answered her: "I am well, the process was taxing but I am well my beloved."

"Then I will let you rest."

"Yes, but do not leave my side."

Nyota stepped closer and held his hand. Spock received it and did not feel ashamed. He felt loved.

Sometime later, as the family was leaving the Hall of Katras, heading down the stairs to their hover cars, Spock felt freedom in his thoughts. He knew the Intrepid had taken up a lot of space in his mind, managing the capacity, meditating to keep his own mind in order. It took a lot of concentration, but now there was a gap, a quietness, and emptiness left and well rewarded. Now the whole world knows that he held such a quest, the secret is out about his telepathic abilities. Will he be treated like a freak again, will he have to defend himself as a Vulcan? ‘NO' not this time, Spock is not alone. Not only does he have Nyota by his side, but  his parents and especially his grandmother had supported him. T'Pau accepted Nyota as his bride but also included her in the clan, as she did his mother. T'Pau defending him in front of Vulcan High Command must have taken a lot of her diplomatic techniques, which his father and grandfather had mastered. Spock remembered when he confronted his father and High Command on the decision to go into Starfleet versus the historical Science Academy as his forefathers had. It was unheard of. Now he can focus on the wedding reception and his wife.

When they reached the hovercars the Vulcan High Command Commissioner T'Dess waited for them.

She stepped out in front of T'Pau with the ta'al hand.

"Live long and prosper S'chn'Tgai family. On behalf of my family, we are grateful that my grandson has found his resting place. We give honor to you, S'haile Spock, for Rekan's placement in the Hall of Katras."

T'Pau held up  the ta'al to represent the whole family. "Peace and long life T'Dess, may your family find the peace you seek from Rekan's return."

T'Dess bowed her head still holding the ta'al, "Peace and long life T'Pau and the House of Surak." 

She stepped aside and watched them continue being greeted by other family members who lost loved ones. Rekan was the oldest of her grandchildren, his loss was a toll on the family. His station on the Intrepid had been an honored one, she and her husband had personally watched Rekan's academic growth in physics. The Intrepid was a great loss of knowledge and potential. It was to symbolize the greatness of Vulcan itself, a shining beacon of Vulcan philosophy. T'Dess was grateful that Spock had found Rekan, and the other katras, and returned them to Vulcan. S'haile Spock is a Vulcan of valor, much under the scrutiny of others. Now she will attend to her son and his wife with their grief. 

As the S'chn'Tgai family descended the stairs, people gave the ta'al and stated softly as they passed; "shaya tonat." [Thank you]

The S'chn'Tgai got into their hover cars and left to go home. The major part is over, Spock has done the impossible. Not only that, Spock was known as a legend. His achievements in Starfleet had represented Vulcan well, but he personally impacted Vulcan by returning the Intrepid katras. Spock became the most highly respected Vulcan, next to his father.

 


 

Meanwhile, several upset Healers and Commissioners contemplated their thoughts of the events that occurred within the 56.4 hours of Commander Spock's arrival.

" Will we never know the true potential of S'haile Spock's telepathic abilities?" asked Healer Voris as he paced the conference room.

"Sudoc also was concerned of the possibilities that the Son of Sarek could be useful in the Intelligence Division." "There is no law that could be used to force him to do any research or project."

"It is not wise to contest T'Pau again, she has made her stance clear on the subject," added Suter.

Healer Tekav commented, "The fact that S'haile Spock is bonded to a Terran is also hindering the investigation of the possibilities."

"Correct Healer Tekav, T'Pau did state that there is some form of  defensive mechanism triggered if the bond is broken or interfered with."

"I found it fascinating that S'haile Spock carried the Intrepid katras for such a length of time. Can you, Healer Voris, explain this?" asked Sudoc.

"I have looked extensively throughout our historical records, and no such event has not been recorded before or after the awakening. It is quite fascinating, we have only documentation of those who had, at most, three katras. But side effects were so detrimental to the holder that they required extensive treatment."

"Most unfortunate that they became Vulcans without logic!" commented Sutor.

Tekav continued: "Healer Voris is correct, those with the side effects did not recover and expired in treatment facilities. That is why we are interested and willing to invest in S'haile Spock's well-being."

"S'haile Spock had a successful transference of the Intrepid katras and recovered from it. His personal healer was present at the ceremony. It is also fascinating that the presence of those katras was felt throughout Vulcan itself. Just to infer questions to the S'haile would cause us to be grateful."

Sutor had heard their concerns and was interested in Commander Spock. He gave his final advice: "It would be wise to close this topic for now. S'haile Spock is here to celebrate his bond and ceremony which will commence in three days. To interfere at this point will cause more friction among the S'chn T'gai clan and resistance among the people. It would be wise to wait for when events are in our favor,  then we shall consider our options." 

All three Vulcan turned to Sutor and pondered on his words, Voris bowed his head and answered, "I agree, once the celebration is completed, it would be wise to seek what we want then."

Sutor also added, "Remember the statement that T'Dess had made, that S'haile Spock is a sovereign citizen. There will be those who will consider his position as a leader among the people."

With that, the subject of Spock's abilities was put to rest for the moment, knowing that Spock's popularity will cause more friction with both parties.

 






Chapter End Notes:

 

Hall of Katras- Memory Alpha-Fandom website

High Vulcan Priestess-T'Lar: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

 







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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.