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Beta Reader: JSilver2000    

Summary: T'Pau went into battle for Spock to bring him home to have his bond with Nyota ceremonially confirmed and to have a reception on Altair VI provided by all of Vulcan (after a just a smidgen of blackmail).    




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.


Over the next couple of days, the word that Spock had bonded with a Terran female spread throughout the provinces of Vulcan. The other new event was the new title that Sarek and Spock acquired; "S'haile" and the respect behind it. And the fact the new respect being shown because of it. Amanda was beside herself; she couldn't believe how quickly and easily things fell into place. Sarek shared the results of his plan to have Spock's reception on Altair VI and the fact that T'Pau had convinced the Council to finance the event. In Amanda's mind, it was long overdue. Vulcan should celebrate what Spock, as well as Sarek, had done for the people of Vulcan. It would turn out to be a family event, but between the festivities, Amanda had a new relationship to establish.

"Sevel."

"Yes, T'Amanda? How can I be of service?"

"Please find the location and com-link of the Uhuras of the United States of Africa."

Sevel's eyebrow rose. "It is an interesting name."

"It is the surname of Spock's wife; her family dwells there. I need to speak with them about the upcoming reception."

"As you wish, T'Amanda."

"Oh, Sevel! How are your wife and child?"

"They are well; the child continues to develop normally."

"Thank you, Sevel. That will be all; your service honors us."

With that, Sevel bowed his head and went to seek information on the Uhuras.


A couple of hours later; back on Earth, in a small condominium in the United States of Africa, a handsome woman was completing her university work, grading student's work, adding information to her research and sipping tea. Her com-link lit up. She quickly observed two things:

First, it was private line. Second, it was from Vulcan. She couldn't remember any family or friends currently on Vulcan; the Enterprise is somewhere out in deep space probably in some unknown galaxy; so she wondered who could be calling.

Saana pressed the button for the incoming com-link connection. A woman appeared on the screen. She had salt and pepper hair, but her tanned face gave her a youthful look. Her eyes were bluish-gray; she had wrinkles at the corners because she was smiling, and pale pink lipstick. She had been a beauty in her youth, Saana could tell. Saana wondered who she was, and the two of them stared at each other for a moment.

"Hello. Are you Saana Uhura?"

"Yes, I am Saana Uhura."

"My name is Amanda Grayson."

Saana looked puzzled; she tilted her head ever so slightly, wracking her memory for the face on the screen.

"Your name sounds familiar. How can I help you?"

"Well, your daughter is married to my son!" Amanda said whimsically.

Saana again looked puzzled, in response to that statement "What? I don't understand? My daughter is married, but she is married to a Vulcan."

"I know, my son!" Amanda's smile widened as she watched shock spread over Saana's face. Saana covered her mouth with both hands while she tried to process the woman's statement.

"Commander Spock is YOUR SON?"

Amanda started to laugh. "I get that a lot. I gave birth to him, so according to natural law, he's mine."

Saana saw her reaction and started to giggle too. "Please forgive my manners; it's nice to meet you."

Amanda gave a small laugh from the recognition; "The same to you; I thought it was time I sought you out."

"I'm glad you did! Have you seen the holo-vids of their wedding?"

"Oh yes; they are a lovely couple, in my opinion."

"Your son looks so handsome in his formal robe."

"Thank you. Your daughter is quite beautiful in her wedding dress!" Amanda could see where Nyota got her looks and self-assurance from. Saana looked like an older version of Nyota and was still an attractive woman.

"Thank you! I'm so happy that Nyota found someone to love her; I can see it in their eyes!"

"Oh, you noticed that too? Only a mother could tell that about their children."

Amanda sighed with relief. This woman is approachable and easy to talk to.

"Nyota's dress is different. Is it traditional?"

"Some of the patterns in the dress are traditional designs, but it looks so elegant. I wonder where she got it?"

"All I know is that it's a relief that my only son is married." 'Not technically my only son, but that's another story, there is another.'

"Really, he's your only son? Nyota is my only daughter too. I always feared she would be alone in this world and universe."

"I felt the same way about Spock. Saana we have something in common, and I am pleased about that."

"Does Nyota know that you are calling me?"

"Neither of them knows that I have reached out to you, but I felt that I should, now that we are family."

"I guess they are both busy; at least they are together."

Saana gave Amanda a suspicious look. If her son is a Vulcan, she must be married to one. I'm not aware of any Vulcan-human marriages, except for one a long time ago. Saana's eyes opened wide and she covered her mouth again as she realized whom she was speaking with:

"Oh my, you're THAT Amanda Grayson! You are married to a Vulcan ambassador!"

Amanda started to giggle: "Yes, I'm THAT woman!"

"It was on all the media circuits that your courtship and marriage was the love story of the century!"

"Really? It didn't seem so at the time. Well, thank you. I fell in love with a fantastic man. But I wanted to talk to you and get to know you, since you will be part of the family."

"Oh yes, but are you on Vulcan?"

"I am. I have lived here since I've been married. I had my period of adjustments, like any marriage will have. But coming to Vulcan was my greatest challenge with culture and traditions, and one thing you'll notice that it is hotter and dryer here, but I somehow call it home."

"The weather sounds like Africa, I think we are friends already!" Saana was so excited, her mind racing about what's life like on Vulcan and the history with their people.

"Yes. But I need to talk to you about something."

"Sure! How can I help you, Amanda?"

"Well, you know both our children are in Starfleet on a five-year mission."

"Yes. That's the part that's bothers me. I won't meet my son-in-law for at least a couple of years."

"That's the same issue with Spock coming home to Vulcan with my new daughter-in-law. But there are some things happening here that could bring both Spock and Nyota to Vulcan; they are in the preliminary stages right now."

"What! That would be great! When do you think?"

"That's the problem; it might take weeks or months, but either way, I am making arrangements for you, Saana, to come to Vulcan to see them both!"

Saana's mouth dropped open, and tears filled her eyes. Just the thought of seeing her daughter and Spock made her heart leap with joy. Kayode would have been so happy to meet Spock, that he is a man of science.

"But... How are you going to do that? They are exploring the universe somewhere unknown?"

Amanda gave a sly smile. "Don't worry; plans are falling into place. And don't worry about your trip, either; it will be all expense paid."

"I can't let you do that."

"Trust me, marriage to an ambassador has it's privileges," Amanda said, giggling.

"WOW! This is amazing! I've been off Earth. I mean, I've been to the moon for a holiday, but that's nothing compared to going to Vulcan! Thank you, Amanda!"

"You're family now, and it's not a problem. Now I want to give fair warning."

Amanda's demeanor changed and her face took on a grave look.

"You need to be aware that people can be cruel; prejudice is alive and may wreak havoc with our plans. Some people will be biased about their marriage."

"Why? What's going on?" Saana asked with rising concern.

"Just think about when I married Ambassador Sarek. Do you remember how some people reacted? Well, they might react the same way to Spock and Nyota's marriage. The media circuits has a way of twisting and insinuating things that are not there and blowing things out of proportion. Earth really don't know how Vulcan people are, and they are very private race. Trust me it's for a reason. But I want you to be prepared for the media circus; the reporters were everywhere and bothered almost everyone in my family. It was ridiculous!"

"First, don't talk about your daughter to anyone you don't trust or know well. With family and coworkers, some can be helpful, but others might be prejudiced against such a marriage. If you must talk to the media, say something like 'No comment'.

"Second, they will try to manipulate you to reveal things about Nyota; they will scour your job, home, neighbors, family, and even the academies she attended. This happened with Sarek and me; it was very stressful, and it hurt my feelings when I learned how some people viewed us. I was young then, but now I have a voice and I can use it."

Saana drew a concerned look; "You think I will run into the same thing; I mean, will it get bad as you say?"

"I hope not, I really do, but if anything awful happens, promise me to contact Sarek or me on Vulcan via the San Francisco Embassy; they will help you."

Saana's countenance was now marked by worry; she thought about the bullying Nyota had endured her whole life and how she might have to face it again.

"OK, I think I can handle it; I hope."

"Saana, our children will need us to be strong for them. Some people won't like that they are married. Trust me; I am here for you."

"Thank you for the warning, Amanda!"

"Now that I've told you that, I feel relieved. You will be hearing from me soon about the preparations for the wedding reception. A Vulcan aide will come to help you with the transportation and documents. Remember, Vulcans are blunt and to the point; it's their nature."

"I haven't met a Vulcan personally. I have seen them on the media. They look intimidating."

"Yes, they give that appearance, but I think they are the most interesting race of people. They have the same family values as Terrans but adhere to an extremely strict code on displaying emotions."

"There's not much on them in our libraries; I don't want to offend them."

"You won't. You'll get used to them, and they are very helpful."

Amanda took a long look at Saana and saw a strong, independent woman who would do anything to protect her child. She was already looking forward to the possibilities of having a friend from Earth and talking shop.

"Thank you again, Amanda, for the warning and sound advice!"

"Not a problem! Welcome to the family!"

"Do Vulcans have last names?"

"Yes, it's S'chn T'gai."

Saana tried to pronounce it and it came out choppy.

Amanda chuckled. "Well, that's close enough, but keep practicing it. I can send you some typical Vulcan phrases for tourists to get you started with the language."

"Thank you; that would be nice."

"Saana, I have to go, but it's been wonderful chatting with you."

"You too, Amanda! Good afternoon!"

"Good evening! See you soon!"

The com-link closed; Saana leaned back in her chair and reflected on the conversation they'd just had.


Saana's POV

Saana sighed deeply. She was grateful to have met Amanda Grayson, who had stood up against a lot bias during her courtship with the Ambassador. Saana remembered Amanda's whirlwind romance, which had played out for the world to see. Some thought they brainwashed her or put her into some form of trance to get her to marry the Ambassador. From what she remembered, Sarek seemed very protective of her. She remembered that Vulcans age more slowly than Terrans. From the cultural and physical aspects, some people thought the two races weren't compatible. At the time, it hadn't mattered to her. Saana and her husband were in college then. Saana wondered whether Spock and Nyota would face the same nosiness and bias that Amanda and Sarek had. She hoped not. 'It wouldn't be fair. Nyota has been through so much!' Saana wondered who she could talk to about it. She decided to tell the Uhura side of the family. 'They are more practical and reasonable. Kayode's family members are mostly educated professionals; they accepted me with open arms during our courtship. Telling them that their favorite great niece and cousin is married to a scientist will thrill them.' Saana smiled about that. Then she thought about her side of the family. The Buharis are a different story. They are a little more old-fashioned and biased. They cling to some of the outdated traditions. They never liked the Uhuras because they were educated; they considered them uppity. Her own family members were stiff-necked and rude about anything that was not related to the old-world traditions. They didn't accept Kayode at first, especially her Great Aunt Chandis, who was tough as they come. She would criticize Kayode for every little thing he did or didn't do, simply because he was educated. Saana wondered if this close-mindedness would affect Nyota's husband. Could he deal with such a crazy family? Would he find the Uhuras and Buharis offensive? Maybe I should hold back from telling them-for now.

Saana took a deep breath, and wondered what the Vulcan family unit was like. Amanda said they were like Terrans and believed in families. "I don't think Vulcans are like my family! My family is nuts!" Saana said, laughing.

She went into her small kitchen and got some Earl Grey tea from the replicator. She sat down and sipped from her cup, wondering what the ceremony would be like. She had no idea what a Vulcan wedding was like. She had no idea, but she could have asked Amanda while they were speaking. Saana sighed, thinking about the missed opportunity. Then her com-link pinged. She retrieved the message, and it was from Amanda. She opened the message to see a list of phrases in a different language, with a note at the top:

-"Here are some simple greetings you can practice. They will help you when you come to Vulcan. Once again, it was nice meeting you.

-Your friend, S'chn T'gai Grayson Amanda"

Saana's face broke into a smile. She was eager to learn them and test them out before she left. She typed back: "Thank you, Amanda."

"Well, I'd better start learning now." She touched the first phrase, and the module's voice became active.

"'Dif-tor heh smusma" [Live long and prosper] is a standard Vulcan greeting similar to 'Hello' for Terrans."

Saana practiced the phrase and the module graded her performance-that brought a smile to her face.

"I'm going to like Vulcan!"


Amanda's POV

Amanda sighed with relief. Saana Uhura is a nice, interesting woman. She did read her bio-life knowing she was married and currently a widow. She didn't want to bring that up. She hopes that Saana will become a friend, confidant to her. Amanda did miss having a female friend to trust. Most females that she had encountered desired Sarek and she had to use all her diplomatic skills to fight them off. Amanda was feeling optimistic that she, her husband, and the great T'Pau would be able to pull off both the ceremony and the reception-if everything fell into place. She called Sevel on the intercom, and a minute later he entered her office with his Padd.

"How can I be of service, T'Amanda?"

"I would like an emergency standby trip for Saana Uhura from Earth to Vulcan. Once the reception has been cleared by the Vulcan High Command, please proceed with her transportation."

"It would be necessary for the passenger to leave from the embassy, and I would have to have her documentation prepared to avoid complications."

"Yes, Sevel. That would be perfect. Your service honors us." Amanda tilted her head politely.

"I am here to serve; I will proceed with your request." Sevel bowed his head and left with the information in his Padd.

Amanda went to the kitchen to get some Plomeek tea from the replicator. As she thought about her son, Spock, a smile formed on her face. He's finally getting a break in life. Amanda sat at the table and continued to reflect on the progress of the reception plans and the results of the S'oleh-nau accusation. She couldn't believe that T'Pring's family had agreed to the compensation for the Kal-i-farr. When Sarek had told her the news, she could hardly contain her reaction. Amanda had been awestruck by Sarek's account of T'Pau's wrangling of the Council. She had wanted to shout with joy-all because of T'Pau! That woman is something else! T'Pau needs to continue in her position in the Vulcan High Command. She has a way of making people see things her way.

Now she and Sarek would review the invitation list for Spock's reception. First on the list was the S'oleh-nau clan. A sly, long over due satisfied smile appeared on Amanda's face.

 












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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.