Sarek returned to their quarters, relieved temporarily after his visit with Solek. At least for now, Maeve was safe…and so was he. He glanced into their sleeping chamber and saw that she was sleeping soundly. Satisfied that she was indeed resting, he moved to his study to meditate. Upon entering the room, he noticed an alert on is vid screen, the telltale sign that a message had been left in his absence.

Curious, he moved to the console. After triggering the icon he watched as the image of T'Pau of Vulcan came into view, his mother. Not realizing that he engaged in the very Human trait of sighing, he steeled himself inwardly for her message.

" Sarek. I have not been informed of your planned arrival date on Vulcan. Since your mission is complete, I will expect you on the next transport, along with your wife." Her tone was terse and commanding.

Sarek sighed once again and made a call to his mother, the most intimidating person in his universe. Why, he wondered as he waited for the connection, did she still hold so much power of him? Granted, she was the matriarch of the clan, he mused. But he was a fully grown Vulcan male who was well into his prime, heir, and respected Ambassador. Why did he find it so difficult to stand up to her?

"Sarek," her daunting voice sounded over the connection as her image came into focus.

"T'Pau. Greetings. I have just received your message and I regret that I cannot comply with your instructions at this time." He braced himself for what would come next.

Her eyebrows lifted only slightly but he recognized the gesture and cringed. "The agreement was that you and your… consort would attend me when your mission was completed. Have I been misinformed? Is your mission unfinished?"

Consort…the word grated. So she was intent on playing this game…again. Pausing to collect the negative emotions that were gathering like one of Earth's storm clouds internally, he looked at her image in the screen. How could someone so ancient be so formidable? "She who is my wife is with child, as you know. Solek has advised me that travel would be unwise."

Not a muscle moved in her face, but he could see the disapproval that was being propelled in his direction. "That explains her absence. There is no impediment to your attendance. You will come to Vulcan immediately."

"I have only just returned to the Embassy here. In fact, I left the talks early. Solek advised me that Maeve needed my attendance. She continues to experience difficulty and it is imprudent for me to leave."

The eyebrow rose higher. "Difficulty? What can you do to help her? In my experience, the male is useless in such circumstances."

Inwardly Sarek was amused by his mother's lapse. Outwardly, he remained stoic. "I will not discuss her medical condition further over subspace. If you wish to discuss my situation further then the rational solution is that you must travel here."

Again the eyebrow shot upward. "I?" Her pause was meant for effect but he had long ago ceased to be impressed by that tactic. "You travelled recently to inquire into my situation. Presently, the choice is quite clear. You can travel again or you can wait until Solek advises that travel is safe for my family."

This time her eyebrows knitted together slightly in an unusual show of emotion. Clearly annoyed she declared, "I will discuss this with Solek," before ending the transmission. Unperturbed by her last declaration, Sarek turned off the unit.

Feeling an awakening through his bond with Maeve, he returned to their sleeping chamber to find her beginning to stir. Sitting quietly on the bed next to her, he awaited her consciousness. He was rewarded with a warm smile as her hand gently reached for him. "You're still here," she said, her voice still thick with sleep and her eyes still closed.

"As I shall always be, when I perceive that I am needed."

One eye opened. "Then you shall never leave."

A smile fought for life at the corners of his mouth. "My wish is your command," he said lightly.

Both eyes opened. "You have that backwards, I believe," she smirked.

His warm, dark eyes settled on her lighter ones. "No, I believe I am correct." He sat, looking into her eyes, loosing himself in her essence, their minds meeting as their bodies had just a few hours before. And he realized that there was no force in the universe that could cause him to give up this new chance at happiness…or at least his Vulcan equivalent. Something stirred deep within as he watched tears pool in her eyes. "What disturbs you, my wife?" He asked gently.

She smiled, her eyes flickering away as she collected herself. "Nothing, my husband. Nothing disturbs me."

"But your eyes; there are tears…"

"When you were looking at me like that; I could feel your… contentment, and your love. And your mind touched me in a way it hasn't before… and what it made me feel; it was beautiful."

"It is you who are beautiful," he said softly. "And I am …content. Very content."

A mischievous smile crept over her lips. "Perhaps a little too content?"

Perplexed, he tilted his head. "How can one be too content?"

Her smile grew. "Come a little closer and I will demonstrate what I mean."

"Ah," he said, mischief growing inside of him. "I believe I am beginning to understand," he whispered as he lay on the bed next to her and took her in his arms. "But I do not wish to fatigue you."

Chuckling, she wrapped her hand behind his head to bring him closer for a kiss. "I believe you have that backwards as well. I believe it is I who will wear you out."

Her lips covered his retort, but he did not protest.

The next morning, Solek came to their quarters to access Maeve's condition. Once his examination was complete, he left in search of Sarek. In his estimation the most logical location for his kinsman would be his office or the balcony, both places being suitable for meditation. Consequently, he was not surprised to find Sarek on the balcony watching the activity in the harbor

"Maeve is well?" Sarek asked without even turning to face Solek.

"Her condition has improved significantly. Your presence is most beneficial."

Finally the fear that had been a knot in Sarek's chest subsided. "I sensed as much but your confirmation is…reassuring. "T'Pau insists that I go to Vulcan. I have told her that is not prudent at this time."

Solek nodded quietly. "She has already inquired about your lady's condition. I have advised her that travel is out of the question. She seemed quite persistent."

"She is accustomed to having her way. In this, however, she will not. Eventually, I will return to Vulcan with my family. But it will be Maeve's health that dictates the timing, not T'Pau's desire to…meddle."

Solek raised an eyebrow at Sarek's declaration. He also noted that Sarek seemed distracted. "You are well, also?"

Sarek finally turned to face the healer. "I am."

Solek looked at his kinsman closely. "There are other concerns that weigh on you."

Sarek's shoulders slumped in resignation. "Today is the anniversary of my wi…of Amanda's death. It is not logical to remember mark this day, but it seems I cannot avoid it."

Studying Sarek thoughtfully, Solek considered a response. "It is perhaps not unexpected. Your bond with your current wife was threatened and her circumstances, a human woman with child, are a reminder of a disturbing time with your previous mate. And although the intensity of your grief has passed, I think you shall never quite move beyond the grief of losing the Lady Amanda."

"But it is unjust; to expect Maeve to…"

"The lady understands more than you might believe. I find her to quite mature for a human of her years. She…cares for you and accepts that you lived a long a meaningful life with Amanda. She does not expect to replace the Lady in your heart."

Scowling, Sarek roared, "It is not appropriate that she should believe she is second best…second in my…esteem." Sarek's tone was filled with anger and frustration and Solek was shocked by his vehemence. "She is…unique, an extraordinary being on her own. That I could to make her feel… inferior is…unconscionable."

"You must speak with her about this. But I do not sense that she believes she is inferior; simply different from your previous experience. Indeed, she seems quite content."

Sarek's eyelids drooped heavily over his eyes as he considered the healer's words. "Perhaps you are correct in your assessment. I must confess that while I am content with her, my thinking is flawed when I add Amanda into the equation."

"Perhaps you should not, then."

Sarek's eyebrow quirked up alarmingly. "I should not…what?"

"Add the Lady Amanda into the equation. The life you shared with her and the life you now share with Maeve are different entities. Perhaps comparison is unjust…and unneeded."

Tilting his head in contemplation, Sarek nodded slightly. "Perhaps."

Maeve felt Sarek's remoteness and wondered at the cause. Solek had pronounced her healthy, so that was not a concern. But still, her husband seemed distracted and distant. As the day progressed, she became frustrated. At times, she felt the distance melting and he seemed to look at her affectionately. And then a few minutes later, it was as if she wasn't even in the room.

Finally, her patience ebbing dangerously, she decided to say something. "Something troubles you, my husband."

His eyes flickered to her and he seemed surprised by her presence. She watched as he collected himself and then sighed subtly. "I… there is nothing that requires your concern," he answered coolly.

She studied him in her usual open and honest manner and it unsettled him even more. She did not deserve this, he thought. She deserved his full attention. But on this day, he was unable to give it.

"Whether my concern is required or not, I still have it. You are… not yourself today. Have I offended you in some way?"

Sarek's irritation grew, not with her but with himself. "No, you have not." And then another sigh escaped and as he looked at her worried features, he knew he must follow Solek's advice and talk with her. "Today is… difficult," he finally admitted. He watched her confusion but she said nothing, waiting for him to continue. "On this day… Amanda…"

Instantly she was beside him. "Oh I am sorry; I didn't realize. Of course you are not yourself. Today is a painful reminder…"

Her voice and her manner were soothing to Sarek, yet he was somewhat shocked. That she could be so…considerate and understanding…push her own emotions and needs aside; it simply amazed him. It would not be such a surprise in a Vulcan female, but human females were known to be far more possessive in such matters. "Yes, painful is an apt word. But it troubles me because…," he hesitated. "I do not wish you to think that…" he fumbled for the proper words, which was most unusual for him and left him flustered.

"What is it you fear I am thinking, husband?"

"Solek gave words to my disquiet," he began hesitantly. "I…thought that my grief for Amanda had abated yet it seems …Solek believes… that I will never cease to grieve her."

He paused, collecting his emotions and formulating his next words. Maeve watched intently, waiting for him to continue, understanding that this was difficult for him. His eyes couldn't meet hers as he continued. "I believe you have sensed that as well. I am concerned that my inability in that regard perhaps in some way would cause you pain; that my grief for Amanda would make you believe that you are less than satisfactory."

Maeve wavered before answering. "I knew about your first marriage, your grief, when we met. I'll confess I did not understand how deep it went, exactly. There have been times when I knew you were thinking about her. But you have not made me feel … like a second choice. I understand that if she were still alive, you and I would not be. I suppose that mostly I feel lucky that you noticed me that day and that you were well enough healed to… do something about it."

Sarek gazed at her anew. She indeed, was a most extraordinary woman.

My apologies for taking so long. I haven't forgotten the story, real life just takes priority. As always, your thoughts and comments are appreciated.