First Days - Part 5
Sanek had elected to take a shuttle from the Archimedes to the surface rather than beam down. He had not been to Vulcan... to T'Khasi... for the last several years, and as such he had indulged himself in the view of his home planet during the descent from space to Shi'Kahr and the Federation spaceport located there. As he stepped outside, he paused for a moment and took in the smell of the air, the heat, the lack of moisture that immediately seemed to assault his body. Looking up he saw the familiar stars of his childhood peeking through the reddish hued skies... Eridani B and C distantly visible on the horizon as brilliant stars, while the sun - Eridani A - lay huge and oppressive in the lower sky. However, as always, T'Khut - the binary twin of Vulcan - spread itself across almost a full eighth of the visible sky to Sanek's right, dominating the sky as it always had.
Sanek was home because of his mother. He had not seen his mother in some time; communication with her had been via standard communique' format, and only once via subspace video connection shortly after Sanek had been comissioned as a Fleet Captain within the Institute. Recent communication from Sanek's maternal grandfather, T'lok, had indicated that Sanek's mother's health was failing and that Sanek should return to Vulcan soon. As such, Sanek had returned as early as was possible within the scope of his duties at Starfleet.
As he stepped down off the platform, Sanek noticed his mother's brother moving towards him. Selov by name, Sanek had not had much direct interaction with him since he was a child. As he reached Sanek, he held up his hand in the traditional Vulcan greeting.
"Sanek." He bowed slightly. "It has been many years since we spoke last." His traditional Vulcan garb, flowing slightly with the wind, rustled about him as he stood straight again.
"Selov," Sanek began, after slighly bowing himself and returning the greeting, "what is my mother's current condition and prognosis?"
Selov gestured to an aircar several yards away, and continued once Sanek was at his side. "I am not a doctor; I will allow T'laris' physician Doctor Subak to brief you once we arrive."
The ride across Shi'Kahr was relatively short. The sall spires and decorative architechture, set off against the rust colored evening sky with dominant T'khut, again reminded Sanek that he was home. There was no futher communication between himself and Selov as they moved through the city's traffic. He had assumed they would be heading for his family estate near the edge of the city, but soon realized that Selov was headed towards the Vulcan Science Academy at the Pelasht Stronghold instead. This instantly made Sanek surmise that his mother's condition was much worse than he had been led to believe.
As they approached the Stronghold, Sanek again admired it's beauty. Vulcans were a race that held artistic talent and architechture in high regard as a whole... and there were many places and artifacts of true artistic quality across the planet that displayed the artistic heart of Vulcans across time. However, the Pelasht Stronghold was one of the most classic examples of true Vulcan artisanship. Carved from the rock of the mountain from which it was held, the Stronghold was a perfect example of harmony with natural beauty and form. Unfortunately it's history was one of violence until after the time of Surak, which was mostly due to the natural springs which flow from the mountain itself and which had been harvested and carved in intricate waterways and waterfalls within the Stronghold; the water the source of frequent clashes over resources.
But that was long ago. The quiet, solemn halls of Pelasht Stronghold now held the fulcrum of the pinnacle of Vulcan science and supreme logic.
Selov carefully set the aircar down close to the entrance of the Stronghold on the large open space designed for such craft. As Sanek exited the aircar, he briefly glanced out over the Academy gardens which encompassed the entirety of the Academy's ceremonial entrance. The tall Fountain of Scholars in the near distance... the only one of it's kind in all of Shi-Kahr... made him briefly think back to his father and the times they had both spent there waiting on Sanek's mother.
Turning back to Selov, Sanek followed his gesture and walked across the intervening space to the vast entrance foyer of the Stronghold. After moving through the initial antechambers, decorated with famous Vulcans and their achievements in science, they entered the immense Hall of Pelasht. Sanek had only been here once before, many years ago, when his mother had introduced him to Ambassador Spock. The ceiling, complete with open shafts to the outside air, was easily five hundred feet high. Numerous waterfalls fell in intricately carved pathways to the large pool in the center of the huge chamber. Sanek had little time to admire the beauty of the Hall before he and Selov entered the corridors to the right that led - eventually - to private quarters and medical facilities.
Several minutes later Sanek stood at his mother's side. She was laying on a medical gurney, the monitors overhead providing readouts of her various biological functions. The only other person in the room was Doctor Subak, whom Sanek recalled from his chilhood. Upon seeing the condition of his mother, wan and pale beneath the cover sheet, he inquired as to her status.
"T'laris' is currently under the final manifestation of Tuvan Syndrome, Captain Sanek," Subak stated.
Sanek's eyebrow raised. "She never indicated she had contracted the disease," he began. "I assume she was aware of her condition?"
"Certainly," Subak answered. "It was her choice to keep her condition silent. Her initial prognosis was imminently fatal, and she saw no reason to disclose her condition as there was nothing that could be done to alleviate the situation."
Sanek looked down at his mother. "That is logical," he replied.
"T'laris was reacting well to the medications provided for her until this time six days ago," the doctor continued. "Her condition then began to rapidly deteriorate. Two days ago the desease was in such progression that she could no longer stand or eat, and the pain had become severe. She made her last requests at that time, and we placed her in her current state under medical coma soon after."
"I assume that her final requests are on file at our estate," Sanek queried.
"Correct. She has requested that her Katra, and that of your father as well, be remanded to a vre'katra," Subak stated. Sanek looked up at Subak inquiringly. "She is only expected to survive for, at most, a few days. Her condition is painful, and I have provided her with a sedative to alleviate the pain. She was only awaiting your arrival before performing Fal-Tor-Pan."
"Then I recommend we begin the preparations for Fal-Tor-Pan immediately," Sanek said. "To wait any longer would be illogical."
Both Doctor Subak and Selov nodded. Turning, they left the room... leaving Sanek alone with his mother. She looked much older than when he last saw her in person, he noted. Of course, that was partially due to the effects of Tuvan Syndrome, he surmised. The doctor had indicated that she lay in the final throes of the disease, which usually meant that she would be almost completely incapable of even so much as nodding her head or lifting a finger due to neural damage... which of course also caused extreme pain.
Sanek began to turn away, when he noticed her move slightly. As he watched, she opened her eyes and after a moment or two of glancing about the room, noticed Sanek standing next to her. She attempted to move her hand, but the attempt obviously caused her much pain due to the sudden expression on her face. Sanek stepped closer... and began to feel his mother's request. She was throwing at him with as much strength as she could muster, and he suddenly understood. Kneeling, he reached forward and, gently, placed his fingers over the left side of her face. Closing his eyes, he began to concentrate.
As their minds connected, Sanek's mind suddenly exploded with severe pain... like fire through his mind and body. Only extreme mental discipline kept him in contact with his mother. He slowly sifted through the pain and began to feel through it. Fleeting images of what Sanek assumed was his mother's final days before the disease overcame her passed through his mind... eating dinner with a friend, study at the Academy of what appeared to be decalithium, memories of his father, moments of meditation during her path through Kolinahr. As he searched, he slowly became aware of his mother's consciousness gaining more and more clarity, drawing strength from him, his youth and strength helping her to momentarily overcome her pain and assist her in concentrating herself. Then, with a suddeness that almost cost Sanek the physical contact with her mind, the full force of her consciousness overwhelmed him and she and he were one.
"My son," she began, "know that your father and I are proud of your accomplishments. Your foray into Starfleet in your father's footsteps solidified your scientific prowess and you have truly become an entity that is important to the needs of the many."
"My thanks, mother," Sanek replied.
"I have little time left," she continued. "Continue on your chosen path. I have provided contacts for your use at the Academy should you wish, or need, to utilize them in your research. It is my last gift to you."
The pain briefly returned for a moment... a feirce, agonizing pain... but was once again gone in an instant as T'laris reasserted her will. There was a real possibility of Sanek contracting Pa'nar Syndrome himself due to her condition, but he ignored the risks as she continued.
"My time is soon," she said more quietly. "I will submit my katra to it's vre'katra and give it to you and our family for it's knowledge." She paused for a moment before continuing. Sanek could feel their minds beginning to ebb slightly. "I feel my consciousness slipping away now, Sanek," she said softly. "Do not grieve, my son, as death is but a part of life... all beginnings must, at one point, reach their ending. It is only logical." She began to slip away... with a supreme effort Sanek felt her reassert their bond. "Live long, and prosper, my son."
Before Sanek could respond, with a rush that felt as if he was flying down a tunnel of pain, memory, and raw emotion... a thunder in his ears that was deafening... Sanek suddenly found himself keeling over his mother, his hand slipped away from her face. For a moment he was overcome by grief, the aftereffects of the mind meld still lingering. He slowly stood, exhausted, and looking down at her, bid his mother farewell. "May your katra find peace in A'tha."
An hour later found Sanek standing in the Temple of Amonak as high priestess performed Kal-Tor-Pan on his mother. She had slipped into a coma after the mind meld, and as such it took some effort to retrieve her katra for it's transfer. Surrounding him were family members, clan members, and friends of both T'laris and Sanek. The ritual was long, and involved, intoned with long incantations of concentration in Vulcan.
Sanek watched as the katra of both his parents were taken from her body and remanded to separate vre'katra vessels, both made of crystal and carved in the likeness of each respectively. He would take them both back to their estate outside Shi-Kahr and place them in the Katra Shrine when the ceremony was complete.
Despite his discipline, Sanek could not concentrate on the proceedings. He constantly found himself in a state of meditation, which he thought only logical due to his weakened state after the mind meld. Images of his past, memories of his mother... and his father... welled up repeatedly. He analyzed each in turn, filing it all away until he could take a moment of peace and meditate in turn alone.
-Later-
As he stood, gazing at the vre'katra vessels of his parents, Sanek contemplated his future. His mother's Vok-Van-Kal T'To'oveh was over... she had been buried in the clan ceremonial grounds according to tradition yesterday. He had risen early and checked in with the Archimedes... Lieutenant Thryiss was currently in charge during his absence. Lieutenants Vaareler and Solida had beamed down to participate in the Vok-Van-Kal T'To'oveh with Sanek, and had remained in his estate with him overnight in rooms that had been provided for them in the upper section of the house.
As he stood, he heard someone come up behind him. Turning, he saw it was Solida. She was dressed in a comfortable outfit, a flowing gown in her favorite color blue. She looked up at him, an expression of concern on her face.
"I'm sorry, Sanek," she said quietly.
"No need," Sanek said. "Death is the inevitable progression of life. Her katra, and my father's, live on."
She continued looking up at him with a sad, but knowing little smile. "I understand." She reached out and folded her arms around him, disregarding his inability - or indecision - to reciprocate. She knew he was grieving... in his own way perhaps, but she could feel it irregardless.
"I was intrigued by something I saw during our mind meld," began Sanek. "She was involved in research of decalithium at the Academy."
"So?" Solida said, leaning her head against his shoulder.
"Decalithium is a prime isotope involved in the creation of Red Matter," Sanek replied.
Solida let her arms drop as she stepped back a bit, looking up at Sanek. "Red Matter?" she said quietly. "But, I thought the Vulcan Science Academy wasn't interested in studying it."
"During the time of the Hobus Supernova, alledgedly they were not," replied Sanek. "However, the fact that my mother was researching decalithium does not, necessarily, indicate research into Red Matter."
"Yea, but it's darned sure coincidental, wouldn't you say?" Solida countered.
"Perhaps. I would calcluate a probability of sixty-five point zero eight that you are correct."
Solida looked at him, a smile fighting to break out, and then suddenly she laughed. "Is that all?" she asked, still chuckling.
Sanek raised an eyebrow as she continued to chuckle. "You are teasing me again," he stated.
Still smiling, she slowly nodded. Reaching out for Sanek, she took him by the arm and turned towards the back of the house. "Let's get some breakfast," she said.
As they reached the kitchen area a few moments later, Solida was surprised to see Vaareler finishing preparation on a morning meal. Already laid out on the table were the austere ornaments of Vulcan dining, along with bowls of some sort of fruit or vegetable, Solida couldn't tell which. As Vaareler walked to the table with some sort of tea in a large vessel, Solida turned to Sanek.
"Making the guests cook for you, huh?" she said playfully, but with a touch of acid as well.
Both Vaareler and Sanek raised an eyebrow at her question. "It is a Vulcan tradition that house guests prepare the morning meal," Vaareler said. "I was unaware that you were ignorant of that custom."
"Oh," Solida said. "You're right, I didn't know that." She slowly took a seat across from Vaareler so Sanek could sit at the head of the table. "Thank you for breakfast," she finished.
As Sanek seated himself, Vaareler indicated, for the benefit of Solida, each dish. "Kreila. Essentially a bread." She pointed to a bowl with orange colored orbs. "Yon-savas. It's a fruit with a strong flavor." She then indicated the last bowl, filled with small grape-like objects. "Hirat... this is similar to Terran grapes. And to drink, Theris-masu tea."
As they each began to eat, Solida took the time to watch Sanek and Vaareler closely. She had never seen either of them in their native environment before. She noticed that they both took their time to eat, savoring each mouthful before continuing. She also noticed that they were very careful to not touch any of the food with their hands. As she began to eat herself, she found the Kreila to be very good, if a bit overpowering in taste. The Hirat was like she said, very similar to Terran grapes (which she had developed a fondness for while at the Academy). The tea she had had before. However, she was unprepared for the flavor of the Yon-savas. After her first bite, her eyes went wide and she almost choked.
Sanek and Vaareler looked at her. "Are you in need of assistance?" Sanek asked.
Coughing, Solida shook her head. It took her a moment to compose herself... after a few rather long sips of tea she looked up at Sanek. "I'm sorry," she chuckled. "I was unprepared for how strong of a flavor that fruit has. Wow."
There was very little continued conversation during the remainder of the meal. They each finished... with Solida avoiding the remains of the Yon-savas on her plate... and after washing the few dishes that required it they retired to the sitting room which overlooked the city.
Sanek took a sip of tea. "We need to get underway by no later than this afternoon," he stated.
Solida looked around at Sanek quickly from gazing out over the city under the brilliance of the morning sun. "What?" she exclaimed. "Your mother just died yesterday Sanek!"
Sanek raised an eyebrow before replying. "Correct, Solida. I fail to understand the nature of your, obvious, reticence."
She stood up and raised her arms a bit as she continued. "Wouldn't you say you need a bit of leave? You know, to get over her dea... her being gone?"
"That would be illogical. My reason for returning to Vuclan has concluded itself. I have responsibilities to Starfleet that need to be addressed."
Solida seemed about to say more, but decided against it. "Very well, Sanek." Vaareler had watched the exchange quietly.
Glancing at the wall chronometer, Sanek stood and finished his tea. "I suggest we prepare to depart. I want to be enroute to Starbase 39 in less than an hour."
"Affirmative, Captain," Vaareler said, standing.
As Solida watched, they both left for their respective rooms to prepare for departure. Looking out over the city again, she slowly sipped the remainder of her tea. She'd never been to Vulcan before and really didn't want to leave. She found the bleakness of the terrain strangely beautiful, the reddish sky - the atmosphere so thin one could clearly see the stars - strangely compelling, and the huge orb of T'Khut dominating the western horizon oddly haunting. However, she couldn't help but feel real sorrow for Sanek... despite his lack of emotional response to his mother's death. She figured that was most likely the case for any Vulcan that lost a loved one. She shook her head slowly.
"I don't think I'll ever understand Vulcans," she said, and savored the irony as she finished her tea.