"Is he injured?" T'Aitlu knelt beside the two. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her communicator, she notified the authorities. She looked to where Selek had disappeared and wondered if she should follow him. She passed the communicator to Desiree. "I will return." She reached into her sleeve pocket and pulled out the tiny vial and the hypospray. She had considered the fact that Sybok would not follow the plan and had prepared herself for the betrayal.

She turned the first corner and saw nothing. She stood for a moment listening to the nighttime sounds trying to discern some clue as to which direction they were headed. Her connection to Selek told her he was uninjured, unless he was blocking. There had been many times when information concerning political matters had to be kept from her. Selek's shielding abilities were superior. She heard the sound of arguing and headed towards it.

She ran down one walkway then turned right down another. It was in a small clearing, a park that she discovered the two fighting. She arrived just in time to see Sybok's fist connect with Selek's chin, sending him to the ground and unmoving.

"NO!" she screamed.

Sybok drew himself up then drew in a breath. "He is not dead." Sybok rubbed his shoulder then looked to T'Aitlu. "He will have a sore jaw and nothing more."

She glared at him. "You had better be right." She bent down to check the condition of her bondmate. The hypo was placed beside him on the ground as she quickly began to examine him. "If he is injured..."

"You will do what?" Sybok laughed. "You do not have enough time to do anything. Sarek will be dead by the time they reach the medical center."

She looked up at him, her hand still resting on Selek's chest feeling his breathing and heartbeat. Confident, for the moment, that he was recovering. "I could give Sarek the antidote now." Her hand closed around the hypospray. She had planned this well. If Sybok betrayed her in the least, she could administer the antidote then inform Sarek that she knew who attacked him. She would deny her participation. If Sybok accused her, and inform the authorities, she would simply state that Sybok wished her and this was his plan, but had injured Sarek and not Selek.

Sybok's breathing was still heavy. He reached down to her, pulling her up by her shoulders. "You what!" He looked to her hands then reached to the clenched one. He laughed as he pried the hypo from her hand then tossed it away. He watched as her line of sight tried to follow it. "You were not born of this world!" He laughed then held her wrists tightly in one hand. He held her chin then pulled her close and kissed her. "You will make a perfect mate. One I will have to watch, and one that is smart enough to know that she is watched as well." He laughed again then picked her up and with a touch, she fell unconscious. He carried her easily as he would a sleeping child, away from her bondmate.

********

Selek felt the pain in his head and controlled it easily. He had a moment when he was uncertain where he was, then he remembered. He sat up. "Sarek." He stood quickly then wavered. He waited for a moment then headed back to the aircar.

Medical personnel were there and one healer was speaking with Desiree. Selek moved to her side. "His condition?"

"Stable for the moment, but matters are not well." Desiree looked to the Vulcan male. "He has been poisoned." She looked past Selek for a moment. "Did T'Aitlu not come back with you?"

"With me? She was not with me?" Selek frowned.

Desiree noticed the bruising already showing on his face. "There was a fight?" She touched the darkening spot on his jaw. "She followed you. You did not see her?"

Selek shook his head. He vaguely remembered hearing her voice. "If matters here are being dealt with... I will go back." He bowed his head towards Desiree then headed back to where he had been.

He looked around the area quickly then began to search the ground for any clues. He stepped on something hard, moved his foot then noticed the metallic gleam. He bent down and picked it up. "Most interesting." He held the metallic cylinder carefully. The vial that had been attached had cracked. The golden colour liquid dripped out slowly. Selek held it carefully and returned quickly to Desiree.

He was fortunate, the healer was still there but the medical car had left. Selek called out to him then as he closed the distance between them offered him the hypo.

The healer took it carefully in his gloved hand. He ran the tricorder over the vial's contents. He raised an eyebrow. "A highly potent antidote of some type." He looked to Selek. "The location of this hypo?"

"Close to where I was." He breathed in slowly and wavered slightly.

The hypo was dropped into a sealable bag then dropped into the medical sack. "It appears that you should be seen as well." He looked to Desiree. "Can you bring him to the medical center?"

"Yes. We will be there directly." She touched Selek's arm then motioned for him to climb into the aircar. "I gather you did not find her." She had a note of apprehension in her voice. "Have you considered that whomever attacked Sarek..."

"Yes. I have." Selek leaned back in the seat, he was not feeling well. "She is alive."

"Then we shall get you to the medical center, check on Sarek and then inform the authorities as to her disappearance." Desiree guided the aircar towards the road and then on to their destination. There was something that was nagging at her thoughts. There was something familiar concerning the attacker and she could almost see the face and then it was lost to her.

She also considered, as she glanced at Selek, that Sarek may not live. Her future was once again uncertain.
 

*******

Sybok moved into the darkened room. He set a cup of hot tea on the small table beside the bed then brought over a chair. He placed it so that when he straddled the chair he would be facing her, then reached over to the cup that had been set down earlier. It was still warm.

He watched as she stirred. He drank down the tea then set the cup down. He reached over and brushed her hair off her face. She brought her hand up and brushed away his touch. He had not expected her to be asleep for this long. He expected her to be awake and fighting by now.

Her eyes fluttered open, her eyebrow raised and she looked to him.

"Greetings. I believe the Humans have a tale concerning a woman, 'Sleeping Beauty'." He smiled slightly. "She of course was awakened with a kiss."

"I would not advise it." She sat up slowly. She felt the residual effects of the nerve pinch in her shoulder. She moved, then rubbed the numb feeling area. She looked suspiciously to the cup he was offering her. "Poison?"

"Not even a sleeping potion." He almost laughed. "It is tea. Nothing more." He held it knowing she would debate the issue for a moment within herself before accepting the cup. "You have been sleeping for four hours."

She sipped on the tea. "I demand to be returned."

"Returned where?" Sybok rested his hands on top of one another, then rested his chin. "Do you really think Sarek would want you there now? Or even Selek?"

She watched him. No one knew of her plans nor did they suspect. She sipped on the tea careful of any wrong taste to it. She also knew he would not harm her... unless she drove him to it. She calmed any evidence of her reactions to him. "You have word?"

"None oddly enough." Sybok sighed. "Perhaps Sarek is not as news worthy as we have thought. Even the attack has not reached the headlines." He could move freely where he was, he had protectors. He debated informing her of the fact that leaving here would not be wise, but dismissed it. It would be far more entertaining if she were to find out after she attempted her escape. "The poison should have taken effect by now."

"Unless you have miscalculated again." She placed the cup down then flipped back the covers. She slid her feet over to the side and decided to wait another few moments before attempting to stand.

"Or they found the antidote that you lost." He grinned. "A most interesting twist of fate. The one that arranges his death, happens to supply the exact antidote." He combed his fingers through his beard. "Interesting actions for a female that claimed honour at serving the House of Surak." He offered his hand as support.

T'Aitlu slipped her hand into his then stood. She drew in a deep breath. "I do not need further assistance."

Sybok drew her hand closer to his mouth then turned her hand over. His lips brushed the palm, then he lifted his head quickly as her hand clenched. Her nails grazed the soft under part of his neck. "It would not be advisable to do away with me too soon. You do not know where you are. Nor do you have any means to return from where you came." He held her hand tighter. "You should also be aware that all the doors and appliances work with only my thumb print..." He smiled at her raised eyebrow. "And the thumb that is pressed against the scanner must be of the correct temperature." He kissed her clenched fist, keeping his eyes on hers. "There is a time that one must give in to kaiidth. Your life is something that I do not wish to take at the moment."

T'Aitlu felt momentarily uncomfortable. She wet her dry lips then cleared her throat. "It is with a degree of regret that I should inform you ... that, I do not feel the same, Sybok."

"M-m-m, yes it is." He considered this female then stood, he moved from the chair and pulled her close to him, her hands were held tightly at her back. He held both of her wrists in one hand then with the other lifted her chin. "I have plenty of time." His fingers caressed her jawbone then his fingertips edged her ear. "You however... do not have much time... as a free individual once Sarek dies... unless you wish to change your loyalties...?"

She met his eyes and in that, he had his answer. She wanted no part of him or his loyalties.
 

******

Selek looked around the room. He couldn't sit still any longer. He stood and looked to Desiree. "I will return in a few moments with some food and drink for you, T'sai."

"That would be most welcomed." Desiree went back to reading as she waited for Sarek to awaken. The poison had reached through most of his system by the time the antidote was administered. They had used what amount was left in the vial after verifying its potency and the technicians were hard at work matching the formula. More was needed, Sarek would not recover but he would not die. How much damage had been done or would be done, would have to wait until he awakened to be assessed.

Selek stepped into the hallway and headed for the cafeteria style eating area. He chose a meal for himself and sat down heavily in the chair to eat it. He was tired and not feeling well. Occasionally, disorientation, fatigue and a growing inability to reach Aitlu was taking its toll on him. He rested his elbows on the tabletop then rested his face in his hands. Perhaps all he required was some food and rest. He had decided that after this meal, he would bring something to Desiree then sleep for a time in the adjoining room. This room was provided for Desiree to remain close but he was aware that she often slept beside Sarek in the chair.

There were no clues as to where Aitlu had disappeared to. The officials were uncertain as to which further steps could be taken. He could still hear the official's voice stating quite clearly that unless there was more proof it would be assumed that Aitlu had merely left of her own volition.

She would not do that, he had stated to the officer. Now he was beginning to doubt that statement.
 

********

T'Aitlu stared at the plate of food.

"Starving yourself would only inflict discomfort on yourself." Sybok had just finished a second helping of the stew he had made. "I am, in my opinion, a decent cook." He lifted an eyebrow then smiled slightly. "And I have no intentions of harming you in the least..." he paused in his eating and met her eyes, "... unless you give me no choice in the matter."

"I wish to be returned to Selek."

Sybok sighed. "One could begin to tell time with the hourly request." He finished off his meal. "Eat. You will need your strength."

"I can not leave here. Why would I need the sustenance?"

Sybok laughed. "You intend to die a slow death? I had thought you would be the type to brandish a ahn-vahr and bury it deep within your own body." He stood and moved to her side then lifted her by the shoulders until she stood. "You will need the 'sustenance' for this evenings activities." His hints were if nothing else obvious, as he intended them to be. His fingertips brushed along her jaw and then her lips. He pulled them back as he felt her muscles react. He held her chin firmly. "You assume, my little Aitlu, that I prefer gentle coupling. I do not."

T'Aitlu moved her chin from his grasp then pulled herself away from him. He allowed it. She looked to the cooling stew. Eating would be preferable to listening to him.

She sat down and began to eat. She reached through her bond to her mate. He was there but faint. She had become concerned.

******

Selek moved out onto the balcony of the house. He looked out across the desert, his hands clenched around the railing and his eyes closed. His mind reached out to her. She was there but weak.

"What has happened?" he spoke out loud. "No clues. No evidence of what has become of you." He leaned his forearms on the railing. "Sarek is home and recovering very slowly." Selek started to go through the events of that night, trying to remember some detail that would help solve this. The preparations for the celebrations, it was all in order. They were preparing for dinner. Calls were received and dealt with, nothing out of the ordinary. The four stepped out....

He stopped then straightened. Why had he not remembered this before? T'Aitlu stated that she had forgotten an item. She re-entered the house then as she came back out... What had she forgotten? She was not one to forget anything, not even the smallest detail. Why had she that night?

He stepped back into their room. He looked around, frowning. Something was in here that would give him a clue. The officials had not searched anywhere in the house, it was decided that she had left on her own. Yet nothing had been noticed as missing. Not even personal items that she would take with her.

He moved to the closet that held her clothes, hesitated then opened it. He looked to the shelving and the clothes hanging. Nothing was missing except the outfit she wore that night. He felt uncomfortable searching through her possessions but knew it was necessary. If for no other reason, than for his own sanity.

There had to be a clue of some type if she was planning anything. He closed the closet, nothing was out of the ordinary or missing. He moved over to the column of drawers beside the closet. He crouched down and began in the bottom. Her clothes, a few momentos and nothing more. The next drawer held her sleepwear, the perfume he had purchased for her, nothing else. He moved up the column finding nothing more than clothing and the veils she wore. The top drawer, he opened it, it held her brush, hair combs, hair fasteners... and towards the back he felt a box.

He pulled it forward then lifted it out. A corner had been broken open, somewhat in haste. He tipped the box to the side and then tipped it forward. A cylinder slid out and into his hand. He recognized it... "A hypo?"

He turned, moved to the bed and sat down. This was not making any sense. Was she ill? He checked the contents of the box by shaking it gently. There was something else in there. He shook it again, a tube of small vials dropped into his hand. He looked at them, exactly the same colour as the vial he found on the ground. "The antidote...?" He sighed. "Why would she have vials of the antidote?"

"What is it, Selek?" Desiree asked from the doorway, when he looked up she added. "Sarek woke and asked for you. He is improving."

"I will go to him." Selek dropped everything back into the box. He stood, wavered for a moment then started towards Desiree. His hand went out to the doorframe to steady himself.

Desiree watched him for a moment. "Are you alright?"

Selek nodded. "Tired. Nothing more."

"What is in the box?"

"If I am right, more of the antidote." He looked to the box. "Call the healer, if this is the antidote it will speed Sarek's recovery."

Desiree bowed her head then headed off to make the call. Selek kept the box with him and headed to Sarek's room.

He entered the quiet room and stood beside the bed. "S'haile, you wished to see me?"

"Yes." Sarek drew in a breath, he felt and sounded tired. "Sit."

"Yes, S'haile." He sighed, relieved for the rest. He had not been feeling well since the attack, but then again he had not been sleeping or eating with any schedule the last week or so.

"There are matters..." he drew in a deep breath, "...that must be discussed. Bring a reader and my divisions of wealth."

"Yes, S'haile." Selek stood too fast then wavered and sat back down hard.

"You are not well," Sarek stated.

"Overtired, S'haile. It is hard to sleep in a bed that you have shared for so long." Selek stood slower this time. He placed the box on the bed.

"S'haile Sarek!" Desiree ran into the room, her eyes wide and carrying a hologram. "This man..." she thrust the picture towards him. "Who is he?"

Sarek frowned for a moment at her intrusion then glanced at the picture. "Sybok. My eldest son. He was ordered killed ten years ago." Sarek sat up slowly. Desiree's eyes were large and her breathing fast. "Why?"

"Then a ghost attacked you." She looked to Sarek and then to Selek. "This is the man that attacked... and took T'Aitlu."

Sarek coughed. "Took T'Aitlu?" He looked to Selek. "You said she was on retreat..."

"I did not wish to add to your concerns, your health..." He sighed. "At the time we did not believe you would live, Sarek."

Sarek stared at Selek for a moment then nodded his understanding. He looked to Desiree again. "You are certain of this?"

She nodded. "Yes." She looked to Selek. "The healer is on the way."

"Why the healer?" Sarek asked confused. He wished that he had felt better.

"For the antidote Selek found..." She looked at the surprise on Sarek's face then to Selek. "You have not told him?"

"I was just about to when you came in. At any rate we are going by appearance not a proper scan. I get imprecise readings."

"Antidote? What antidote?" He looked from one to the other then to the package in Selek's hands. "Where did you find it?"

"It is irrelevant. If it is the antidote then all will begin to fall back into place as it should." Selek did not want to admit as to where it was found. Sarek would not wait for the analysis, he would assume that Aitlu was a part of the assassination. But it had failed and T'Aitlu was not here.

For Sarek, some of the pieces of the mystery began to fall into place. He flipped back his covers and despite Desiree's protests slipped off the bed and stood in front of Selek. He grabbed a handful of Selek's clothing, unsure if it was for support or in anger. "She helped plan this?"

"I do not know, S'haile." His head lowered.

"You were bonded to her. You should know... her every thought!" He was seething now. "How could she?" He drew Selek closer, his voice fell to just above a whisper. "How could *you*!"

Selek held his breath. "I had nothing to do with this attack, or any other for that matter." He swallowed. "If you truly believe this, S'haile, kill me now." Selek's hands moved to produced the small thin dagger he carried and offered it hilt first to Sarek. "If it was her, then I should be killed."

Sarek's hand wrapped around the hilt of the weapon and he placed it against Selek's throat. He had been his companion since before he became an Ambassador. Why had he not known of this deception before now? Surely with the mind melds, the sharing of information, the nights spend talking of their futures... he should have known. Just as Selek should have known about T'Aitlu.

He lowered the dagger. He stared at Selek. "If she is found to be involved, I will give the order to have her killed..."

Selek bowed his head. "Yes, S'haile."

"... by your hand." Sarek released the hold on Selek's garments.

Selek stared at him, without saying a word he turned and left the room.

Desiree helped Sarek back into bed. "There are times, S'haile, when there is no logic to one's actions." She breathed once wary of making this statement, but it had to be said. "Your actions may have precipitated hers, S'haile."

"Mine?" He spoke as if he did not see anything wrong with any of his actions. On reflection perhaps he had given her cause. "She is... was a bond-servant to me, to do with as I please."

"Yes, S'haile." Desiree heard the emptiness in the words.
 

******

Sybok howled.

He held his wrist where she had bit him. "You...!" He reached for her dark hair and wrapped it around his hand then pulled her closer; his other hand grabbed her wrist and twisted her arm behind her. "Stay quiet or I will break it. I have no qualms about that, nor killing you."

She drew in her breath through clenched teeth. She glared at him then growled in frustration. She had not been able to rid herself of his demands for the last hour. Killing someone was not a solution for her but her priorities were changing rapidly. "Let *go* of me."

Sybok held her head back her arm was twisted painfully and his weight rested on her body pinning her to the bed. His mouth gently kissed her throat, then the tip of his tongue ran a line down to the base of her throat. "It would not take much to cause your death. A slow death." He ran his lips along the vein that beat rapidly. He opened his mouth threatening to bite into her flesh. He felt her body's calm, but her heart still raced and her eyes still wished him dead.

She closed her eyes as his touch moved down her body. He had stripped her clothing from her when she would not comply. She clenched her teeth to control her shiver of revulsion. "You can not keep me here forever."

Sybok's position was not conducive to truly enjoying her. He held her hands with one hand, his leg held hers down and he knew she could be lethal to him. "I can try." His hand caressed her hot skin, hot from the fighting no doubt but it stirred his desired none the less. He pulled her closer with his leg, her reaction to their proximity was enjoyable. "You are still the cause of quite an enjoyable sensation." He pressed his hardness against her thigh. "I can understand why my father has you in his house."

She clenched her teeth hard, seething with the anger she felt towards him and the stupidity of her own actions. Why had she even thought that he would have honoured the promise to her? She growled in revulsion as his body covered hers. She turned her face away from his and closed her eyes as he entered her.

Sybok held her wrists, positioning her hands on either side of her head, he had balance now. His body was heavy enough and his strength superior to hers. He needed to watch her when she was anywhere but under him. Even here she brought a degree of pleasure to him. He moved his hips with a steady rhythm bringing his body close to release. He discovered that even her body was forced to react in a natural way to his actions.

His body pumped in and out of hers, his legs held hers spread comfortably apart. He moved her hands closer, until he could hold both in one of his hands. The free hand was placed at the side of her face and he reached in with the sharing of his desires and satisfaction.

He cried out as his body emptied into her, his thoughts teasing her senses and even her increased anger served his purpose.

Sybok brushed his lips along her jaw then close to her ear. "This has pleased me greatly."
 

*****

Selek moaned in his sleep. He fought through the haze that seemed to be invading his senses lately, awake and asleep. He wasn't sure of the reason but there were times when he welcomed the numbness.

He sat up slowly then looked to the empty space beside him, he knew where she was now. This was the first time in days that he had felt their bond flare... and he knew why and that did not please him either.

Covers were tossed aside and he dressed. He went into the common room and was not surprised to see Sarek awake. He had said that he had slept and rested enough.

"Selek?" Sarek put aside the PADD he was reading.

"I felt her. I know she is alive and she is not there because she wishes to be." Selek was in there to leave a message for Sarek. He reached into the cabinet for a weapon. He checked the power pack. "I will return this to you, Sarek."

Sarek stood. "You should not go alone."

"She is my bondmate. It is my responsibility." Selek headed down the short hallway to the door and his travel cape. He heard Sarek's steps behind him. He took another cape down for T'Aitlu. "Do I have your permission to use the aircar?"

Sarek shook his head. "You will not need it." He took his cape as well. "I will be with you."

"That is unnecessary, Sarek."

"It is my son that holds her." He turned to look down the hallway towards his bedroom as Desiree stepped out. "You will remain here. We will return."

She bowed her head, wrapping her robe around herself tighter. "You had better do so, Sarek."

"I have every intention of doing so."

******

She woke to the quietness of the house. She tried to move her arms, but managed only just so far. They were fastened down. She drew in a breath and attempted to move her legs, limited movement also.

"Finally awake are you?" Sybok placed the plate he had been eating from on the small table beside the bed then sat on the edge of the bed. "You would enjoy the situation a little more if you were not unconscious every time."

"Perhaps I wish to be unconscious." She felt the numbness in her shoulder and recalled the fight she began as he moved from her.

Sybok reached out and ran his hand along the outline of her body. "Even covered, you are desirable."

"You are insane."

"Perhaps." Sybok smiled slightly. He sat back against the footboard and settled himself beside her. "Now, concerning our agreement. As my bondmate..."

"Bondmate?...I do not believe so." She moved as far as she could away from him, which wasn't much but the gesture was there. "I would rather death."

Sybok considered the matter. "That could be arranged." He ran his hand up one leg, paused at her warmth, then ran down her other leg. "It will be regrettable but I would do it." He drew in a breath. "But then you would not have the finances to leave Sarek as you wish to do." He laughed. "Nor would I give your portion to your heir, Selek."

"He is on his way."

Sybok smiled. "If you choose to believe that... you may." He lifted a small case from under the bed. He pulled out a hypospray. He placed it against her neck then slowly administered the medication. "Funny thing this stuff, blocks the ability to center thoughts."

"Selek." She whispered hoping he had been close enough to know. Her thoughts were clear but would jump from one thing to another.

She closed her eyes and tried to think but couldn't. She knew that the touch on her leg was Sybok's, yet, she could not control her thoughts enough to tell him to stop. But, the thought was there... along with equations; and telling Sarek that he was due for a meeting, and with deciding what was to be done with Selek and her time alone.
 

*****

The two well-dressed Vulcans pulled their cloaks in tighter around them as they traveled further into the area of Shi'Kahr that not too many would speak of. This area had evolved slowly over time, as more aliens found their way here to make it their home, and more often than not, a less respectable trading center.

"You are certain that she is here?" Sarek looked to Selek noting that his colour was not good but attributed it to his missing bondmate and the strain on his bond link.

Selek nodded then suddenly held his breath. "He has given her a drug." He had received that much before the connection wavered. "He must have a residence here or at least be known to someone."

Sarek nodded. "Unfortunately, it is most likely true." Sarek had chided himself over and over about this supposed disposal of his older son. The one he had hired had assured him of Sybok's death, to disgrace the family as he had was not something he was willing to tolerate.

After a few discreet inquiries and credits changing hands, they were given three different locations to check.

Selek looked at the locations and then called up a map of the area on the aircar's screen. "This one can be discounted. The street is nonexistent." Selek sighed then rubbed his forehead to try to ease the sleepiness that was becoming a part of his day. He tapped in the secondary location. "This one is possible."

Sarek then noticed how tired Selek looked and acted. "You are not well."

Selek waved his concern away. "I will be better when she is back with me." He leaned back in the seat with a sigh. "This third location is also possible."

"We will head to the closer one. You may be able to tell if she is there once we get closer." Sarek started up the aircar. One of them had remained with the vehicle at all times, a wise decision as it turned out, two other vehicles were taken as they attended to business.

*******

She let the tears fall without regard now. She had enough. Her body was tired and so was her mind. She looked at the face that loomed over her. "Enough, Sybok."

Sybok kissed her mouth; there was no resistance this time. It was time to give her a break and for him to eat. He moved onto his knees then sat back. "For now."

"Yes fine. For now." Her eyes closed and she tried to sleep.

Sybok watched her for a few moments. He had pushed her to the limit. No, perhaps he would not need to do this again. Both knew how far the other would go. He would use every thing at his disposal and she would stop short of killing herself as long as Selek was alive.

Sybok began to move from the bed slipping on his pants as he did. He heard a noise from the other room then pulled his top on over his head quickly. He picked up the knife that lay on the table at the foot of the bed. He gave her a glance as he reached for the release for the door.

The door burst apart.

Selek entered phaser in hand. Sarek stood behind him with another phaser.

Sybok cleared his throat then bowed, keeping his eyes on both men. "I am honoured you have come to visit, Father."

Selek moved past him then to T'Aitlu's side. He noted the bindings on her arms and legs. He looked to the Vulcan but did not say a word. He felt sick about the way he had treated his Aitlu.

"Stand aside Sybok," Sarek stated calmly. "We are here for her. Nothing more."

"Father, if I were to believe that, then I would be a fool." He backed up towards the door keeping Sarek and Selek in front of him. "And I am many things... but not a fool."

Selek set the phaser and cut through the bindings. He brushed her hair back from her face then called to her.

Sarek glanced Selek's way. "Is she alive?"

"Yes, S'haile." Selek wrapped her in the blanket that had been half covering her. He gathered the bundle in his arms then walked passed Sarek. He was surprised that Sybok was allowing this.

Sarek had taken one step towards the door and then found Sybok blocking his way. This had been a consideration. He trusted that Desiree would forgive him if he did not return to her. Sybok's blade glittered in even this limited lighting. Sarek calculated the odds and they were not good.

"Do you not get tired of that?" Sybok tilted the blade towards the departing Vulcan.

Sarek considered all that he had acquired from having this position. "Do you not tire of all the fighting?"

"No." Sybok moved closer. "She is a most satisfying female... but you know that yourself... Father."

Sarek did not rise to the bait. He watched as Selek started through the outside door... then Selek collapsed. "Selek." Sarek started towards him but Sybok's blade stopped him. He aimed the phaser at his son and prepared to fire but it was knocked out of his hand by Sybok's right hand. The phaser skidded across the floor and slipped under the bed.

Sybok moved in and began the attack.

Selek rolled onto his back trying to breathe in all the air that he could. His body was not co-operating.

T'Aitlu moved slowly. She had been stiff and sore from both her treatment and her captivity. She moved the blanket from around her then looked to the body on the floor beside her. "Selek." Her fingers traced his lips then began to inspect him for injuries. The drug that she had been given was wearing off. She found the knife mark still in his side. "The poison. Why did you not see a healer?" She was speaking to him and not expecting an answer.

Sarek lunged at his son attempting to knock him down but Sybok was faster. He held Sarek tightly against his body with the blade close to his throat. "This time I will win, Sarek of Vulcan."

Her hand touched the phaser that Selek had tucked back into his pocket. She stood and aimed it carefully. She held her breath and fired. She closed her eyes at the scream and did not wish to see if she had struck Sarek or not. A sob took her, she dropped to her knees and then opened her eyes.

Sarek offered her his hand.

She slipped her hand into his, stood unsteady then looked down to Selek. "He has been poisoned." She frowned. "It must have happened when I was taken. I remember them fighting."

Sarek looked around the room. "Wait a moment." He went out into the aircar and returned with the outfit and travel cape for her. "Put these on. We will take him home. The antidote is there."

She nodded then dressed. Her movements were automatic and fast. She wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible and never to see this place or hear Sybok's name again.

She watched with relief as Sarek picked Selek up and carried him to the aircar. She climbed in with Selek, his head cradled in her lap. Her body began to shiver from the shock of all of this. There were times when she had been certain she would never see Selek again. She brushed her fingers through his hair, bit her bottom lip and prayed that he would understand her actions. She sighed, she was safe and on her way home. Amends would need to be made soon.

*****

Sarek looked up as Selek entered the office. He had more colour today but was still trying to do too much. He accepted the package that came from the Embassy and then indicated the chair for Selek. "I do not wish to find you on the floor passed out at any time. Sit."

"Yes, S'haile." Selek sat in the chair. "Your appointments have all been confirmed for the next few days. Time has been allotted for personal matters and your travel arrangements for the next conference to Earth are confirmed as well." He sat back in the chair.

"And your bondmate, how is she today?" Selek leaned back in the well-padded chair. He turned off the screen he had been staring at for some time.

"She is well. She will be in with your meal shortly." Selek stood, his head bowed. "I have a few more reports to see to and then I have an appointment with her." He smiled slightly.

Sarek nodded. He would speak to them later this evening. He watched as he left and wondered if he could ever replace what they had shared and perhaps he had taken some of this for granted. Others had mentioned to him over the years how he was too close to his aide but the closeness had given him a trust that served him. It had also saved his life many times. He would attempt to repair the damage he had done.

*****

T'Aitlu stepped out from the sleep area into the sitting room. She bowed her head and smiled slightly. Selek had arranged this elaborate meal to show his pleasure at her return and after a long discussion had understood her actions.

All would be forgotten and not spoken about past this night.

She moved to sit in the chair but Selek took her hand and pulled her into his arms.

"The meal will keep." He captured her mouth in a passionate kiss. He was relieved as her arms circled his waist and pulled him closer. He brushed back her hair. "Always and forever."

"Yes, Husband."

******

Sarek poured out the brandy then offered some to Desiree.

She shook her head then sat down on the sofa. She tapped the padded seat next to her. "Come sit."

Sarek smiled slightly. Her new gold embroidered gown clung to her voluptuous form. The deep rose hue complimented her lovely pale green complexion. At first she seemed uncomfortable in this opulence, but, this night, she seemed to enjoy this. This former Orion slave girl had brought a certain joy to his life that did not replace Amanda but it made the days less agonizing. As he looked down at her, his fingers drew to her chin. He was about to place the glass down on the low table, when, he was seized by a sudden pain. He gasped and then frowned and looked to Desiree.

"No." He shook his head. "No." He felt the darkness slip through his thoughts and he drew in a deep breath in order to stay conscious.

"What is it, Sarek?" Desiree's voice was filled with concern as she rose to stand with him, her hands clutching his arm. "Are you alright?"

Sarek pushed her away but held onto her hand. "Damn his loyalty," he seethed in a whispered tone.

Desiree frowned totally confused.

Sarek steadied himself. He clung to her hand as he walked quickly out of the house. His steps gathering speed quickly as he stepped out onto the balcony. 'Was he too late?' he thought to himself as he tried to calm his beating heart. His sense of urgency, increased as he moved down the stairs to the sand, two at a time.

Desiree followed without choice. Sarek was moving with an drive that was frightening. He swore to himself, something she had never heard him do. Her other hand held onto his arm to steady herself as she tried to match his stride going down the steps.

Vulcan had no moon, nothing to light their way but the dim lighting that had been placed around the garden and spilling onto the near-by dessert floor.

Desiree felt his hold on her hand tighten. She looked to his face and saw the pain and sorrow in his face then followed his line of sight. Her eyes grew wide and her hands flew to her face as she reeled from the shock. "Oh by the Powers,...." She felt suddenly sick.

Stunned by the sight of this most grievous tragedy, he could not move or even breath it seemed. His whole body had numbed, even his thoughts seemed to stop. This had been his doing. He was the catalyst for the actions taken here. A house of their own; the deed was sitting on his desk. A salary, something that was unheard of on Vulcan, to 'pay' bond-servants. Sarek continued to stare at what he had caused. Two of the most trusted servants, he had thought of Selek as more, but was uncertain as to what to call it, and was beginning to feel something for Aitlu.

Now they lay in the reddish sand. It almost appeared as if they had been talking, facing one another and merely fell asleep. T'Aitlu laying back, her hair in a pool of black silk. Selek across her legs with his right hand in place for a meld. A very calming scene, if not, for the growing pool of green blood. T'Aitlu's. Their hands wrapped around the ancient ahn-vahr, a portion of the blade glittering even in this limited light and still partially embedded in her side. Selek had been honourable to a fault. He had made the promise to Sarek that if she was found to have participated in this in any way...

Sarek jumped at Desiree's sob. He pulled her to him as he felt his stance waver. "I was going to give them their freedom." He laughed slightly. "A house. Salary." He tried to draw in a deep breath but could not. "An Ambassador's privilege to grant this to anyone." He held her tightly to him. How was he ever live with the pain of this guilt?

*********

The End...

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