It was dawn on Vulcan as long wedges of shadow cast themselves serenely against the dry, red land. Columns of stone illuminated the horizon and landscape as a lone, covered hovercraft sped across the desert to its destination. Inside the craft rode two figures.

"Amanda and I thank you for your prompt response, Spock," Sarek of Vulcan announced to his son.

The Federation officer turned from the wheel to look at his father. Spock still wore the Starfleet uniform, which depicted his rank as a captain, though he currently served under Captain Kirk aboard the new Enterprise. Spock’s face remained neutral to his father’s words and hidden concern.

"It is well that you have not told Mother your theory of the motivations behind the kidnapping of Saavik and Supan," Spock said. "The belief that my wife and son are being used by the Klingons and Romulans to lure Jim and me into entering their territory must be kept quiet. I alone shall go into Romulan space. Captain Kirk shall be informed of nothing."

"Your friend has shown his persistence and strength of will in the past, Spock. Can you blame your t’hyla if he demands to help you?"

"You must prevent him, Father." Spock’s voice deepened, betraying his own hidden concern. "That is what the Klingons want."

Sarek looked at his son. "I shall prevent Kirk, or at least delay him, from following you. However, I know few capable of combating his strength of will. But you have other concerns as well, Spock. The Lady Kamania, who informed us of the kidnaping, once wielded much power and influence within the Romulan Empire. Because you and Kirk stole the cloaking device from her, she has been disgraced. Logic indicates that her motive would one of revenge rather than friendship."

"Agreed." The Starfleet officer concurred, his indicating his own realization of the danger, yet what other choice was there. "The Lady Kamania has provided us with our only clue," Spock finished.

"And you will take it, though you suspect it to be a trap?"

"The matter does concern Saavik and Supan, not only of their welfare and preservation, but Saavik is part Romulan. What can be determined of what they might do to her, or what her reaction, stimulated by existent emotions from her past association with the Romulans, shall be. The Romulans are familiar with the importance of family to Vulcans. They have broken the sanctity of that knowledge for revenge. It is likely that the Klingons are in alliance with them in this matter. The destruction of Jim and myself would be of benefit to both the Klingons and the Romulans."

"But alone, Spock." Surely you did not deduce this action by using logic."

"I will not be alone. I wish to acquire the services of an old acquaintance of yours, Father. Your bond oath of years past is still applicable. Though Taylor is a Romulan, the fact you saved his life binds him to assist any who takes up the oath he has given you. As your son, I can by right, be that recipient. Do you agree?"

"Agreed. Upon your departure, I will give you the necessary information. It has been years since we have last communicated. I connot predict how firmly or to what extent he shall assist you."

"It is all I have."

"The Recompense is almost prepared. It is a small ship, but capable of warp four for short periods of time. It also contains a few other accessories."

"Thank you, Father." Spock’s father was about to respond that expressions of appreciation were not necessary when actions were done by logic, but decided against it.

An uncomfortable silence reigned between them for a moment, then Sarek spoke, finding himself nearly having to force the words out. He gazed out the window at the pillars of stone zooming past them. "It is regrettable that I wasted eighteen years not knowing you, Spock. Vulcans are fools if they can never admit to possessing emotion."

It required a moment for Spock to respond. "An ailment possessed by both of us, Father. Emotion is something that is difficult to acknowledge."

A memory of the marriage between Saavik and Spock recalled itself to the Vulcan Ambassador. The Vulcan/Romulan hybrid had been, for so many years, a protégé to Spock. At the wedding, she had been clothed in the ceremonial attire of betrothal. Spock had worn his dress uniform. The two had been bonded at the place of Koon-ut-kal-if-fee. Remembering the barely concealed happiness of the couple, the ambassador had to finally admit:

"The Klingons know you will come after your wife and son. Because of the known sacrifice and friendship evidenced between you and Kirk, they also know he will follow. I can find no advantage to your attempt to leave Kirk behind."

"I am what I am, Father, as Kirk is what he is. I must endeavor to protect my friend as opportunity presents. I will go after my wife and our child, but neither Saavik or I would risk any others."

Sarek nodded. "Yes, I know. And you and Kirk have both survived numerous conflicts and have remained victorious. You already know the extent of his willingness to sacrifice for another. It is my hope that that knowledge will work as an asset and not a hindrance."

The home of Sarek and Amanda, framed by a thick wall of stone, became visible as they threaded through the final maze of stone columns.

Sarek gave one final warning to his son as they approached through the outer gate to the inter of the complex. The aged lady of Earth was waiting expectantly under the stone canopied entrance of the house. "Careful of your words, Spock. I have found the Lady Amanda to be a very perceptive woman. She has enjoyed the status of grandmother and has become very attached to Saavik and Supan. If she were to learn of the implications of the kidnappings then she may be more of an aid than deterrent to Kirk’s insistence to intervene."

Spock nodded.

The two exited the parked craft to approach the lady of beauty. Even now Amanda possessed an aura of elegance, grace, and hidden strength. As Spock approached his mother, she looked up at him.

"Welcome home, son," she said quietly, leading the two within.