Chapter 25

"The members of the Institute have all reviewed the feeds of the Yoost game. All concede that she figured out something that has alluded us for centuries. Perhaps, she is not so illogical a choice as some would believe," The Aian'a'an continued, glancing at the young Earth woman across the tarmac by the waiting shuttle, "For a thousand years, we have labored under the impression it was a childish game, unable to see its true nature. Our greatest minds had dismissed it, and here, this young human, barely more than a child had figured it out."

"I am honored," Sarek briefly nodded in acknowledgment.

"I have told her that we are pleased with how she has comported herself in this matter. Your wife has brought to light a tool of great value that long lay dormant beneath our eyes."

"Amanda has much to offer, if only given the opportunity," Sarek offered.

"Indeed, Child, she has," The elder Vulcan turned toward him, "I have been in contact with T'Lar. She will assign one of her priestesses to preside over the bonding ceremony on your return."

Sarek raised his brows, the closest response he could give in surprise, "You have my greatest gratitude."

"I have also communicated to T'Pazia that this child is to be welcomed into the family. There will be no more of this 'too busy' nonsense that she advised me of," The Aian'a'an now stood directly alongside him, looking Sarek squarely in the eyes, " T'Yshin will not be with us much longer, and when she passes on, I fear that you will have others not so sympathetic to your union to deal with. I can try to be of assistance there, but I am unsure as to how much of a benefit that will be. Tread softly, Sarek."

The elder briefly placed his hand upon the younger Vulcan's shoulder, "I know many say that we were too lenient with you, exposed you to too much at an early age and that this Terran woman is the end result. But we were out to create a more flexible way of dealing with other species, training you away from the isolation that so many of our people wrap themselves in. You are the end result of that experiment. Let it not be in vain. We as a people have become adverse to change rather than welcoming. And as your wife pointed out, too many are now blind to the tenets of IDIC."

"She spoke to you of this?" Sarek pulled back a little.

"We had an interesting conversation. You have no need of worry. She was discreet and spoke only on my questioning," The Aian'a'an moved back to the window, "She has that one great hurdle that she must overcome, as your time draws near. "

"I have trust in her."

"I would have the same, but it is for every parent or grandparent to fear for their child at such a time. And this is something that she has no point of reference to in her species. It will be a test for her if she can keep her word and stand by you in your time of need. If she does, then I am sure the family will come to accept her. It is their fear for you that controls their reactions."

Sarek nodded in agreement, this was only logical.

"My tenure here as Aian'a'an will be up soon," The elder Vulcan continued, moving to a more comfortable topic of conversation.

"Will you be returning to Vulcan then?" It was now Sarek's turn to turn his gaze across the open tarmac, toward the waiting shuttle.

"Jey Du Hey has invited me to A'joon. So few off worlders are given this opportunity, I am honored by her offer. I will follow her there, if only for a time. Then, we shall see."

Sarek nodded, "Understood. If you decide to return home, your presence will always be welcomed."

"Maybe not by all."

"One can only look to the greater good, not the smaller minds."

"It is for the future to decide our respective fates. And now is time now for you to go."

Sarek bowed slightly and turned to go, aware that he had been dismissed

"You did not—"

"She is unaware of who I am, that is for you to advise her."

"I have followed only your wishes."

"It may be time then to educate her. Live long and prosper, Child."

oooo0000oooo

Amanda watched the two figures across the tarmac, suddenly aware of how similar they were in their movements, her husband and the Aian'a'an. She tilted her head and watched for a few brief moments before her own goodbyes brought her out of her reverie.

"All will be well, Amanda Grayson," Jey Du Hey touched her arm, bringing her back to the task at hand, "Do not let yourself be too intimidated by those that will seek to discredit you. Be strong against them for you will need it to make a home for your family and yourself."

"Thank you, Jey Du Hey, for your beautiful city and your welcoming world. I needed this time to put things in perspective. I think that I'll make it, and I know it won't be easy."

"You are a brave child, and you have found yourself an equally brave mate. Hold on to one another."

Amanda would like to have hugged the ethereal figure, but she was sure that it would be considered unseemly. Instead she took the Ajarti's hand and squeezing it ever so gently made her final goodbye and turned toward the shuttle and her waiting husband. She turned at the shuttle door, looking out at the figures beyond. In the distance the Aian'a'an reminded her so much of a older version of her husband as the two Vulcans parted ways.

As her husband made his way unto the entry ramp, she turned to Sarek wondering to herself if she could actually imagine herself still being alive when he was a similar age and a sudden sadness welled up as she turned to him, "I imagine that's what you will look like in a hundred and fifty years."

He waited a beat or two, before deciding on how to respond, finally deciding it was in fact, as good a time as ever, "As well he should. He is my grandfather."

Amanda's mouth dropped open as the shuttle door firmly closed behind them. Once again she was face to face with what she didn't know about her husband and wondering if he would ever let her know all his secrets? Or would she forever be on a need to know basis concerning the hidden corners of his life?

Sarek took a seat next to one of his aides, documents already being presented for his review. He glanced briefly in her direction before becoming involved in the formal paperwork that was passed to him. He would have some explaining to do when they were finally alone.

She seated herself without another word across the aisle and concentrated on the small porthole beside her. It at least would not neglect to show her what lay behind and before her. As the shuttle sped first through the clouds and then into the waiting star field, Amanda watched Ajart fade away, a blue sphere so like a welcoming Earth. But Earth wasn't home anymore- home was red and brown, with sand in lieu of water. What kind of home it would eventually become to her, she had yet to figure out. All she could do was hope that Vulcan would grow on her in time, and she, in turn, would grow on Vulcan.

*************************************FIN***********************************************

Author's note: I know that it has taken quite a few years to get to this point and I thank all of you who saw Afterglow to its end. I especially want to thank everyone who favorited, and most importantly put in a review at any point along the line. Writing can be like being in a bubble, and I, at least, need to know that there are people out there that are interested in reading what I am writing.

With that in mind, I am currently working on not one, but two sequels. So please let me know if you liked this story, even if it's just a word or two. It gives me an incentive to continue striking while the muse is still hot if I know that there are people out there that want to know what comes next!

Thanks!

Mary Stacy