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Kal-I-Farr'Terau (Matchmaker)

Saidicam29

Sarek watched his young son reach out to experimentally touch the soft petals of one of Earth's great flora population. Suddenly the boy startled, nearly falling to his backside in his haste to avoid the charge of a small creature. He quickly recovered, and his curiosity brought him a step closer, again causing the animal to jump as it made its way from the shade of the vegetation to the safety of the private pond.

The boy glanced back at his parents eagerly, "Tehvar'bosh, Sa'mekh?"

Sarek spared an amused glance towards the boy's mother. "Nirsh, Sa'fu," Sarek began, then switched to Standard. "That is called Rana aurora draytonii, or the California red-legged frog. It is a type of amphibian common to Earth. In the early 21st century, this particular species was nearly extinct, but extensive rehabilitation efforts have insured their survival in this part of the planet, and on our embassy's grounds, in particular." Sarek looked from the child to his mother for any reaction to his attempt at humor, but there was none. Terran humor was always challenging for Vulcans. Sarek lifted his hand dismissively. "You may study it, if you wish. It is harmless."

"Stay away from the water," his mother warned but the boy had already changed his focus to the frog. He stalked it from behind, his hands held up, cupped, with the apparent intent to capture the beast.

Sarek turned his attention to the woman beside him. "You have come a long way for just a visit."

"You are his father," she stated simply.

Sarek's gaze remained penetrating, a silent reprimand for the unsatisfying response.

"And," she continued hesitantly, "I must confess to a certain amount of … curiosity regarding this planet you spend so much of your time on."

"Curiosity, T'Rea?" Sarek gently teased.

She tilted her head up high, proudly defiant, but her eyes sparkled with silent mirth. "It has been known to happen ... on occasion. Besides..." She paused as both their attention was drawn by the call of their son, who had finally captured the frog and was showing them how the beast now sat tamed within the boy's hands. After acknowledging her son's victory, and warning him once again to stay away from the water, she turned back to her former husband. "It occurred to me that, with his kahs'wan approaching, it might be beneficial for you to spend some time with your son. There has been little opportunity over the years."

Sarek took a deep breath. "Indeed, and I believe I shall miss the kahs'wan as well."

"Your duty is here, Sarek. Sybok understands." She marveled at how natural it was for her to still reassure him, to soothe his qualms, even without the bond.

"You are most generous."

She shook her head, dismissing his compliment. "And you are still too free with your praise." She focused her attention on their son.

"Forgive me." Sarek bowed his head apologetically. He watched T'Rea watching Sybok, and he could not vanquish the thought that her visit had more purpose than simply giving him time with his son. "The monastery does not object to your absence?"

"I am a Jarok priestess, not a Kolinharu, Sarek." While the Way of Jarok agreed with Surak that emotion must be mastered instead of repressed, Jarok believed emotion should be embraced and understood, and only then could one come to terms with it. She looked at him with patient tolerance, having always suspected that Sarek's "misunderstanding" of her less rigid sect came more from an attempt to tease her regarding her different beliefs than any real ignorance of Jarok's tenets. "My reasons are sufficient."

"Of course," Sarek placated, changing the subject. "Your reports indicate Sybok's desert training is proceeding as planned."

"We do not expect failure," she assured him.

"Indeed?" Sarek nodded his approval. "In that case, I am confused."

T'Rea glanced at him sharply. "Explain."

Sarek's eye lifted slightly, his expression innocent. "If his success is imminent, then what benefit -- so imperative that you left the monastery and came to Earth -- do you expect?"

T'Rea's eyes narrowed with disapproval, her jaw tightening as she looked away. "If we are not welcome--"

"I did not say that."

He watched her, the muscles in her jaw remaining clenched as she considered her next actions. She would not take long, then she would relent and speak to him of the thoughts that were preoccupying her. She always did. Sarek noticed her glance out of the corner of her eye, and permitted himself to relax.

"Very well, Sarek." She looked to ensure Sybok was well occupied. "I had not intended to discuss this here, in the open; however, the coming of Sybok's kahs'wan brings to mind the coming of ... another significant event."

Sarek stiffened, his eyes widening with surprise. Taking a breath to stabilize himself, now it was he who looked away. "I cannot think of any such event that would be cause for discussion between us."

"Time is short, and it has come to my attention you have yet to select a mate."

"How?" Sarek demanded.

T'Rea turned to face Sarek's profile. "Your parents are concerned. You have not responded to any of the women who offered themselves as your wife."

Sarek looked her way, then shook his head in disbelief that his parents would speak of this with anyone. "This is not something to be discussed, especially with you. Unless … are you offering as well, T'Rea?"

"Of course not, but while I may no longer serve as your wife, I still hold a place in your clan. I am family; Sybok ensures that." She saw the light leave his eyes, some dark emotion quickly suppressed by his Surakian way of life. "Sarek," she said apologetically, "I only meant my condition is unchanged. I could not--"

"I know," he said quickly, cutting her short. "It was an illogical question."

They were both distracted by the sound of a woman's voice, and they turned to see a human female approaching Sybok. She spoke with him, and following his gesture she looked over to where they sat, shielding her eyes against the late afternoon sun. She called out a greeting and raised her hand to which Sarek raised his hand back, fingers closed. T'Rea hastily copied the gesture, lest she be guilty of offending the human in some way. The woman then turned her attention back to Sybok, so T'Rea turned back to Sarek.

"If you have chosen not to select a mate, I may be able to assist you in overcoming the fires." She waited patiently for his response, allowing him time to consider while he stared past her in contemplation. Two minutes passed … then four … and finally after five point three minutes she began to suspect she did not have his full attention. "Sarek?" Still no response, so T'Rea followed his gaze, looking behind her to where Sybok and the Terran were kneeled down in the grass examining something too small for her to see. She turned back, speaking louder in hopes of getting his attention. "I asked whether you will seek a mate or use alternative methods."

"Alternative methods?" Sarek asked absently before finally pulling his gaze back to the women beside him. "Jaroks are not known for their meditative abilities."

"No," she agreed. "However, historically our men have had better success at this than Surak's followers, although even that is rare." She leaned towards him, her words a warning.

Sarek nodded, then reached out to lightly touch the back of her fingers with his own. "This is no longer your concern, T'Rea. There are unbonded females here prepared to assist should an emergency arise."

"You will not even consider our methods then?" she asked, disappointment evident in her expression.

Sarek pulled his hand back, allowing himself a sigh. "We can discuss them, but at another time. It is time for end meal." He stood, waiting for her to follow.

T'Rea bowed slightly, allowing the subject to be dropped, for now. She stood as well, but realized the edge of her traveling cloak was caught on the corner of the bench. She gave it a sharp tug and was surprised to see the end of the bench lift completely off the ground, although her robe did not become dislodged. She looked at Sarek, amazed. "I feel so strong here."

Sarek permitted himself a slight smile. "It is the lower gravity." He reached out to release her robe. "You should find it rather difficult to injure yourself here, even with your fragility, but promise me you will not test it too much."

"Of course not," she agreed, then kicked a large stone that lay on the ground before her, pleased to note not a single twinge of pain, let alone a broken toe. She noted Sarek's disapproving glare. "Interesting," she commented then turned and called Sybok to join them. She turned back to see if Sarek was ready to go, but he was again staring after the Terran as she walked across the grounds, away from them.

* * *

T'Rea sat at her dressing table, taking her medication and preparing to rest for the night. She glanced in her mirror at Sybok, who was sitting on her bed reading a PADD about Earth and Terrans.

"You find this planet interesting, son?" she asked in their native tongue, as Sybok's Standard was still shaky.

"Yes, Mother. Especially the people." He put the PADD aside, warming up to the subject. "They are so free with their emotions, they hide no pain."

"Ah, but be careful, Sybok. Emotion can be used to mask pain as effectively as suppression is used to hide it."

"I do not think so. The Terrans I have met have all seemed quite blissful."

T'Rea raised an eyebrow, turning in her chair to face her son. "You have only met one, Sybok, and that was only briefly."

"But I have seen others."

"You are too quick to judge, my son."

"Yes, Mother." He bowed respectfully then resumed his perusal of the PADD.

T'Rea turned back, picked up her brush and began working it through her long onyx hair. "That woman ... did you speak with her?"

"Yes, she spoke Vulcan!" He looked up at her, eyebrows both raised to show his astonishment at the Terran's feat.

"Indeed," she said neutrally. "Who is she?"

"An educator." He went back to his studies.

"Here at the embassy?"

Sybok remained glued to the small screen before him. "Yes," he said absently.

"Did she state her name?"

His brow wrinkled as he thought, but still he remained fixated on the PADD. "She did, but I do not recall it precisely."

T'Rea put the brush down, turning again to her son and placing her hand over the PADD screen. "Did she say what she teaches here?"

Sybok looked up. "Standard," he replied, his tone indicating he thought the answer more than obvious.

"I see," she said, standing up and pushing her chair in. "Take that to your room, Sybok. You may study for another hour. I am fatigued now, however, and shall retire." She placed her hand gently to Sybok's forehead, allowing her thoughts to express her affection for her son. Feeling him return the thoughts, T'Rea allowed a smile to grace her lips, which her son also returned. "My kakhartayek khoi'ri. You have grown so much these past few years, but you have a great legacy to fulfill. Your father, and his father, they are both leaders, in their own ways. They've changed our people for the better, and so will you."

"How, Mother?" Sybok's brow creased with a child's worry.

"I do not know, precisely, but I know it just the same. You are a gift from Shaka'ri, I have told you that. The Ofereiksu shall guide you, my son."

"Yes, Mother," Sybok replied, fully believing in his mother's great wisdom.

"But even legends need their rest, Sybok, as well as their mothers." She smiled once more, caressing his cheek with her paired fingers before steering him towards the door. "One hour, no more," she warned, closing the door on her son's muttered acquiescence.

* * *

T'Rea picked up her food tray and glanced about the room for a place to sit. It was mid-meal, and the cafeteria was full of embassy staff, Vulcan and Terran alike. It was noisy by Vulcan standards, and although the racket didn't seem to bother the other Vulcans in the room, she found the chaos disturbing and decided to have mid-meal in her quarters. She was half way to the door when she noticed Sarek seated at one of the corner tables with the Terran woman Sybok met the other day.

The people at the table in front of her stood up, taking their trays and vacating the spot, so T'Rea quickly sat in the chair nearest her and watched. Sarek and the woman sat on opposite sides to each other, both leaning in to catch each other's words for whatever subject they were discussing. Sarek's face was relaxed, but his eyes bore a strange intensity while his gaze remained fixed on her. He hardly moved, and never once attempted to touch his full plate. She, on the other hand, was very active. In one hand she held her fork, and often took bites in between snippets of conversation. She smiled, a lot, and in the space of just a few moments laughed several times. Her hands flittered as she spoke, an invariable flurry of activity that had no significant meaning that T'Rea could detect.

Scanning the room at large, T'Rea could see many tables holding a mixture of Terran and Vulcan occupants, although no other had only two. The flittering hands appeared to be a human trait, as such gestures could be regularly seen by both the males and females of the species. The postures varied, but of those not eating, the males generally leaned back in their seats, hands resting on the table's surface or crossed across their chests. The females sat back also, hands resting on crossed legs; or many sat facing the table, but with their bodies turned away to one side. Interesting.

A movement out of the corner of her eye led T'Rea back to Sarek's table, where the Terran had stood up and was looking at the chronometer strapped to her wrist. Sarek stood as well, and when the woman would have turned to go he called her back, taking a step nearer. They spoke a few more moments, the female's head nodding in agreement, then she left. Sarek watched her go, his eyes never leaving her until the doors swooshed shut behind her. Then he returned to his seat and finally set to the task of eating.

* * *

T'Rea was resting atop her bed, contemplating. Her door opened, and Sybok entered softly calling her name to see if she was awake.

"You wish something of me, my son?"

"Father wishes you to join us for end-meal."

"So soon?" Her time sense told her it was an hour earlier than they normally took their meal.

"Yes, he completed his work early today."

T'Rea sat up slowly, losing the battle to keep the pain from her expression. "Very well, tell him I shall be down in a moment."

Sybok looked worriedly at his mother, immediately going to her dressing table to retrieve the hypo bag from her drawer. "Will you require the walking stick tonight?"

T'Rea loaded the device and applied the hypo to her neck. She sat in silence, eyes closed, while she waited for some relief. Sybok returned the bag then sat beside her on the bed. Taking a deep breath, T'Rea opened her eyes to find her son. "I feel relief already. The stick will not be necessary tonight, my son. It is wet out today, and that has undoubtedly temporarily aggravated my condition." She stood up, taking time to stretch the kinks out of her back. "Come along, Sybok. Your father is waiting."

They always ate end-meal in Sarek's suite, giving them the peace and privacy preferred by Vulcan families. No one talked during the meal, as is custom, but soon the repast was over, and discussion began. Darkness was falling on San Francisco, and the rains of the day became the thunderstorm of the night.

T'Rea listened patiently as Sarek and Sybok discussed the dinosaur exhibits at the local museum Soran had taken them to see earlier that day. Sarek was just promising to take Sybok to see a museum featuring exhibits about Earth's desert cultures when a loud crack of thunder shook the walls and the lights in the embassy went out for a brief second until the secondary systems kicked in. Sybok's eyes became transfixed on the show taking place outside the window, and Sarek excused him from the table so he might watch the storm up close.

Sarek got up to ring the chime that would send a member of the kitchen staff to remove their dinnerware. He returned to his seat, steepling his hands on the table before him. "You had little to say regarding your experiences on Terra thus far," he observed. "Are you not finding your visit agreeable?"

"It is quite interesting; however," she tipped her head graciously, "I am not much of a traveler."

Sarek nodded. "Do you require anything before I leave?"

"You are leaving?"

"I have a meeting to attend."

"Indeed?" T'Rea's brow lifted slightly. "Sybok informed me you had completed your work for today."

Sarek's eyes widened slightly. "I…" He began to carefully straighten his cutlery on the table before him. "It is a … personal meeting."

"I see." T'Rea watched his fidget with the utensils, itching to ask him about the nature of this meeting, but knowing such inquiry would be impolite, and unwelcome. She already had her own suspicions, however. "Soran is remaining at the embassy?"

"He is," Sarek quieted his restless digits.

T'Rea allowed a brief smile to emerge, unseen due to Sarek's preoccupation. "Then I believe I shall have everything I need." The discussion ended upon the arrival of the kitchen staff, and Sarek's subsequent departure from the embassy.

* * *

Soran rang the chime to T'Rea's door, entering as the doors slid apart. The room was dark, the interior fogged by the smoke of the incense T'Rea had burning throughout the quarters. Soran stifled a cough, barely resisting the urge to wrinkle his nose at the unpleasant scent. He turned towards the center of the room, where several candles had been placed sporadically around that area, giving just enough light for two speakers to see each other. So, they were to palaver -- to hold a lengthy discussion tonight.

T'Rea turned to him, holding a glass of what Soran knew would be saya, the traditional drink offered at palavers, and one that is very intoxicating, if not moderated. "Sit," she incurred, gesturing to the two large pillows seated opposite each other.

Soran walked towards her, taking his seat and the cup she offered, but only sipping at the liquid.

T'Rea turned her back to him, moving to the counter to prepare her own drink. "You find my incense displeasing?" she asked, humor tinting her voice.

"I find it is not to my taste," Soran stated simply.

"Ah, but it is good for you," T'Rea implored. "It clears the mind, and the spirit."

"As you wish." Soran bowed his head instinctively, even though she wasn't watching. He had no desire to engage in a debate with the woman tonight.

"Sarek never liked my spices either." She turned towards him, slowly walking his way. "You are much alike, the two of you." Soran said nothing, but watched her insistently. "You are a good friend to him."

"Yes," Soran stated.

"You have been a good friend to me," T'Rea offered.

"You are most kind," Soran replied, becoming slightly weary of this conversation. It was most unusual of T'Rea to seek him out so.

T'Rea walked past Soran, turning to watch him from behind, without his knowledge. "Where did Sarek go tonight?" she softly asked, not missing the stiffening of Soran's back, or the way he barely caught himself from spinning around to look at her.

"He did not say," Soran answered carefully.

"But you know." T'Rea stepped closer to Soran, standing directly behind him and bending to put her face nearer him. "Is he with the teacher?"

Soran remained quiet.

"I have seen them together. Does he intend to bond with her?"

This time Soran did turn, for just a moment, then he faced forward again. "It is not for me to say, or you to ask," he admonished.

"You are correct Soran, forgive me." T'Rea stood and took her seat facing him. She took a drink of her saya, watching him over the rim of her cup while she contemplated her next move. "Let us change the subject then. You have been on this planet, around these people, for many years. Perhaps you could provide me with some information about them."

"Certainly," Soran said, relieved to be changing to a safer subject. "What do you wish to know?" He lifted his cup to his lips for another sip.

"Do you think a human female could withstand pon farr?"

Soran sputtered, his saya catching in his throat. "I … I would not know!" His eyes were wide, his demeanor clearly affronted at the topic of discussion. "I should go now." He stood to leave, placing his cup on the floor between the pillows.

"Soran," T'Rea called out, standing as well as he stopped just inside the doorway. "Time is short, and I do not believe he will survive without a mate."

Soran released a sigh, her concern mirrored on his own face. "I know," he said softly. "But it is his choice, T'Rea." With a lingering, meaningful look Soran left the room.

T'Rea remained still, a non-committal noise emitting from her throat. "Yes," she said to the empty room. "But why can we not help him make that choice?" She quickly swallowed the rest of her saya and cleaned up the room. She had some planning to do.

* * *

For the next several days T'Rea watched them at lunch in the cafeteria. Sometimes she'd find them in the embassy gardens, where the woman had approached Sybok their first day there. They were cordial, no doubt about that, but she still could not ascertain precisely what their relationship might be. Sarek, she knew, was definitely showing interest in the Terran. He was subtle, which is his way, but those who knew him well would be able read the signals clearly. Soran must know, but he wouldn't say. If they had intentions to bond already, then an announcement would have been made. She would have had no reason to come to Terra.

So, it must be the woman. T'Rea sat at one of the library computer terminals and began her research.

{Subject: human mating rituals.}

She looked at the various titles returned to her, and picked one.

{Females must apply more criteria to select a male than males apply to a female. It is not the nearest possibility, but the best possibility that she desires. What constitutes an alpha male, the best male with which to mate and produce the best possible offspring, depends on far more factors than any other animal on Earth. The criteria for her to sexually desire a man can include strength or health or fighting ability, like the lion or the wolf. However, they can also include intelligence, money, power, prestige, position, status, attitudes, political or religious convictions, any number and combination of factors. It is whatever she believes a man should be that will result in 1) the best possible genes for her offspring, and 2) the offspring's best chance for survival and ability to pass on its genes.}

'That is not so different than us,' T'Rea thought to herself, reading on. {In any case, she then evaluates those men who contact her (or she contacts) to see if they really satisfy her criteria. Again, this is often done through conversation. This is called dating.} T'Rea repeated the word aloud. 'Are Sarek and the Terran "dating"? They certainly have had many conversations, but how does one tell if the dialogue holds a purpose other than the simple exchange of information?' T'Rea cleared the screen, considering her topic then typed another search term.

{Signs of sexual interest.}

This time a heading caught her attention immediately.

{Five Signs She's Interested In You.

{1- She touches you. This is one of the most telling signs. When you are out on a date with a woman who likes you, you will notice that, in most cases, she will find an excuse to physically touch you in some way during the date. Often it will not be a clearly obvious move like holding your hand or taking your arm as you both walk down the street together. More often, the kind of touching referred to here will be something as seemingly insignificant as a tap on the shoulder from her or her knee "accidentally" bumping yours and lingering for an extra second before she withdraws it.}

T'Rea paused in her reading to consider this. She had only rarely witnessed Amanda touch Sarek in any matter. Only once did the touch seem purposeful. They were sitting in the cafeteria, and she was speaking to him. At one point she reached out to briefly touch his hand with hers as she learned forward to speak to him in an earnest manner. But wh