This is a sequel to the little story, "A Family Emergency," that I posted a while back.

Many thanks, hugs & kisses to Selek 'cause he's just THE best.

Standard disclaimer applies. Yadda yadda yadda. Feedback welcomed.

The Celebration of Surak

Chapter 1

"Oh, Spock," Amanda beamed, "it's so good to see you again." She held out her arms, crossed at the wrists, palms turned upward. Spock's mother looked as beautiful as ever, and very youthful in her casual clothing. She was wearing dark blue trousers of a soft, suede-like material ending just at her knees and a button-up blouse of the same material in a paler shade of blue.

Spock, without the slightest hesitation or embarrassment in front of his friends, crossed his arms in a similar manner and lightly laid his palms atop his mother's. "It is good to be home again. I hope we are not too late. Where is Father?"

Amanda smiled. Spock seemed relaxed, almost cheerful. "It's never too late to see you or your friends. Your father is where he always is, playing with Mandy before bedtime." Releasing Spock's hands, Amanda turned to greet her son's friends. "Welcome, Jim." She returned his warm smile. "Do come in. How long will you be staying?" she asked.

Jim Kirk answered. "We've got a week lay-over for minor repairs and upgrades." He grinned his most charming smile.

"That's perfect," she told him. "You're right on time for Day One of the Celebration."

Leonard McCoy stepped forward, following Jim and Spock into the home of Sarek of Vulcan, but in the manner of a true Southern gentleman, McCoy stopped before the lady of the house. Gently, he captured one of Amanda's slim hands between his own, and bowing most gallantly, he kissed the back of her slender, white hand. When he lifted his head, his blue eyes caught hers. "And what could be more cause for a celebration than spending time with you, ma'am?" he asked with an exaggerated drawl.

"Oh, my," Amanda exclaimed as her checks blushed a light rosy pink. She could handle Jim's flirtatious charm with ease, but McCoy's traditional, Rhett Butler-like manners reminded her too much of Sarek.

"Better not let Sarek catch you doing that," Jim teased lightly. In the past, Kirk had had the 'honor' of putting his Chief Medical officer to bed after a long night of drinking. He knew about McCoy's secret crush on Spock's mother.

McCoy's blue eyes released Amanda's just as he released her hand. He cleared his throat and gave them all a lopsided grin. "Well, now, I'd think it would be only logical to let a pretty woman know just how pretty she is," he replied, trying to cover his slip before Spock or Amanda could see through him.

Kirk decided to help out his friend. "I think you're right, Bones," he agreed, clapping McCoy lightly on the shoulder. Then, using a well-known diplomatic trick, Kirk changed the subject. "So, what kind of celebration is it?"

Amanda turned to her son as she closed the door behind them. "Spock, if you'll explain, I'll gather some refreshments and meet you on the patio. It's so nice and cool outside this time of year." Quickly, she hurried away.

As he led his companions through the house and outside towards the back gardens and patio area, Spock explained, "The Trials of Surak is a three-day Vulcan holiday. It is, in fact, Vulcan's only celebration. It attempts to re-create, albeit on a smaller scale, the actual Trials of Surak; specifically, it mimics those ancient days when Surak was formulating his revolutionary philosophy, which came to us just in time to resuscitate our world."

"What do you do for three days?" Jim asked.

"Oh, I expect they have all sorts of fun like re-programming their home computer," McCoy commented dryly. "Or maybe they gather together with friends and spend those three days holding philosophical filibusters."

Spock stopped to hold open the patio door. He allowed Kirk to pass through but stopped McCoy. Eyebrow raised and head cocked, Spock proceeded to shock the doctor. "Not at all, Doctor," he answered evenly. "We do, indeed, gather together with friends, but only to hold a three-day orgy."

"Spock," Sarek's velvety voice came from the shadows of the garden patio, "do not tease your friends so." There was a degree of chastisement in Sarek's deep voice and a degree of humor, too. "Come, Leonard, James, please be seated," he welcomed them and offered them seats around the garden table. "Your mother will be providing refreshments?" he asked.

Spock seated himself. "Yes, Father," he replied with a nod. He lowered his head momentarily, and upon raising it, he apologized. "I ask forgiveness, Father, for embarrassing your house," he stated simply and quietly.

Sarek gave the distinct impression that he was grinning broadly, but as his face was hidden in the deep shadows of the garden, it was quite difficult to tell. "There is nothing to forgive, my son," he said. "You are a direct descendant of Surak," he added almost proudly. "It is good that you keep the traditions of his celebration alive, even if it does call for poor humor."

When Sarek stepped forward, there was no trace of humor about him. Even his speckled tunic, cut in a very casual fashion, and his trousers, which looked suspiciously like denim, spoke only of solemnity. "Please excuse me. Mandy left a few of her toys here on the patio that should be put away. I will be back. In the meantime, I trust you will inform your friends of the true nature of this celebration." Sarek held up a hand. "No, gentlemen, do not rise. I will be but a minute." And so saying, Sarek, with no less than a dozen playthings in hand, dismissed himself.

"And forgive me, Leonard, for 'teasing' you."

Jim laughed loudly as Bones grunted. "Well, there's no real harm done, and I guess I did deserve it." He scratched his throat. "So, how do you celebrate the Trials of Surak?"

"On the first day, families and friends gather together to renew ties. The second day is spent partaking of an activity to which one is not usually inclined. In fact, it is considered best if one spends the day doing the exact opposite of what one generally does."

Kirk frowned. "I don't understand," he said, puzzled.

Spock steepled his hands in thought and placed his elbows on the table. A second later he tried another tack. "Surak did the exact opposite of his contemporaries. He refused to fight for any reason, embracing a belief in non-violence. He willingly shared valuable assets such as water and food with everyone, rather than horde them for himself or charge others an exorbitant fee for their use. And because he acted in an opposite fashion, trying something completely different from the ordinary way of life, he saved our people and our world from utter chaos and ultimate destruction."

"I get it," McCoy exclaimed brightly. "So, in his honor, all of Vulcan goes out and tries something different hoping they will find something that will benefit them."

Spock nodded. "If the new activity proves beneficial, then the person will continue it for his own good or will report it to the news services for the greater good of society."

"Well, that makes sense," Kirk agreed. "What about Day Three?"

"Day Three is spent meditating upon the events of the past two days. That is, traditionally, the time when one makes the decision of whether or not the new activity bears repeating."

"Do you have any special plans for a new activity?" Jim asked.

"Lemonade and cookies," Amanda announced as she entered the garden.

Following behind her was Sarek, carrying Spock's daughter. He handed the year-old child, Mandy, to her father. After helping Amanda serve the refreshments and then holding out a seat for her, Sarek drew up a chair and sat down between his wife and son.

"Mmm-mmm! The last time I had homemade lemonade and ginger snaps was years ago when I spent a summer with my grandmother in Iowa," Jim spoke up. "They're wonderful."

"I'll second that," McCoy managed to say around his mouthful of cookie.

"They are good, Mother," Spock added.

"Thank you," Amanda said with a pleased smile. "What about you, Sarek?" she asked with twinkling eyes. "How do you like the refreshments?"

"Fishing for compliments again, my wife?"

Amanda knew he was teasing her. That bland expression didn't fool her one bit. "Oh, how foolish of me," she remarked in a light tone. "I should have known better than to ask you that. The crumbs on your tunic attest to the fact that you must like my ginger snaps." She leaned forward to inspect him closely. "A lot."

All eyes turned towards Sarek. Suddenly, it became apparent that the eminent ambassador, usually impeccably dressed, was nothing less than disheveled in appearance. What had, at first, appeared to be a speckled pattern to the fabric of his tunic was now revealed to be nothing less than a myriad of crumbs and stains. No wonder Sarek had relegated himself to the shadowy areas of the garden!

With infinite care and patience, Sarek examined the front of his tunic. "You are mistaken, my wife," he replied nonchalantly. "These are not my crumbs, but those of my granddaughter."

He took the child from Spock and handed her one of the cookies. Mandy stood on her grandfather's lap with one chubby little fist clutched in Sarek's graying curls and the other greedily holding one of the cookies. Seeing the two of them, it was quite obvious how Sarek's tunic had become stained and how little Mandy had become so chubby.

"Your granddaughter, however, is most-" Sarek began, but was stopped in mid-sentence when Mandy jammed her half-eaten cookie into his open mouth.

"Tookie," the little girl mumbled. Then she leaned forward and gave Sarek a very loud and messy kiss on the nose.

Jim Kirk and Leonard McCoy burst out laughing. Amanda, too, couldn't help but laugh aloud. Spock stared in open-mouthed amazement.

"So that's what happened to my first batch of cookies!" Amanda exclaimed. "And I had blamed I'Chiya."

Sarek swallowed and handed Mandy another cookie. This time, though, he was careful to dodge her generosity. "The cookies are delicious, my wife," he admitted. "However, I can state quite accurately that Mandy and I ate no more than a single dozen, did we, my little t'an? I'Chiya ate the rest."

"Father," Spock spoke insistently, "you did not allow her to eat a dozen cookies at one time?" Although phrased politely, it was more an accusation than a question. Then an afterthought struck. "And who or what is this I'Chiya?"

As Sarek was too busy playing with Mandy to explain, it was Amanda who answered. "Yesterday, your father bought Mandy a sehlat cub." Then seeing the expression on her son's face, she held out her hands in a gesture of surrender and continued, "There's no use arguing with him, Spock. When it comes to that child, your father can find the most elaborately logical 'reason' for doing whatever he wants, and he wanted his te'resh'kah to have a sehlat."

"And what is wrong with that?" Sarek asked mildly. "Mandy saw some cubs on the vid-unit, and she wanted one." Noting his son's displeasure, he sighed and added, "It was an educational video, and I was watching with her."

"And if she had wanted a lematya, would you have purchased her one of those as well?" Spock asked emphatically.

"Of course not, Spock," Sarek replied just as emphatically. "A sehlat is not only a loyal companion but also a devoted guard animal. I was very careful in choosing a cub for my little t'an. I'Chiya has quite an impressive pedigree. Besides, you had a sehlat when you were a child."

Spock was at a loss as to how to respond. Respect for one's elders, particularly family, was ingrained in the Vulcan culture, yet something in him desired to rail at his father.

He exhaled loudly. "Father, I greatly appreciate all that you have done to help raise Mandy, but the fact does remain that I am her father. It should have been I who purchased her a pet, and at a more appropriate time."

"Well," Sarek answered smoothly, "what's done is done. It is illogical to berate the past. However, if it will ease your frustration, you may reimburse me for the cub."

All of this talk about her new pet did not escape the child. Young Mandy bounced more eagerly on her grandfather's lap, her blonde curls whipping about. "Chiya!" she cried and hastily climbed down as the cub ambled into sight. "Chiya!" she called out, and soon the two were playing happily on the stone floor.

Spock and Sarek locked eyes. Neither spoke a word, and yet many things were said. An uncomfortable silence grew from the tension between the two Vulcans, and, like a python, it rose up and wrapped itself around all of those at the table.

Jim Kirk hid his face in his glass, nursing the lemonade and wondering if he would soon have to play referee. He remembered very well the fights he'd had with his old man. There had been some doozies! But he also knew that his fights with Pop could never hold a candle to any Spock might have had with Sarek. Spock was too damned stubborn for his own good, and knowing Sarek's reputation, he was pretty sure the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree. So, he pushed his face in his glass, pretending to drink.

Leonard McCoy bit his bottom lip to keep from piping up. Poor Spock! McCoy remembered well how his own once-upon-a-time sensible father had turned into a complete blathering idiot when Joanna was born. Looked like Sarek was doing the same. At least old Spock didn't have to contend with Lelia's parents too. You might be able to handle one rabid grandfather, but two of 'em, each trying to out-gramps the other, was pure hell. Amanda, at least, seemed to have retained some sense.

As always when her men were at odds, Amanda stepped in to bridge the gap. With exaggerated animation, she turned to Jim. "Oh, how rude of me, you were asking something when I interrupted with the refreshments. What was it, Jim?"

Jumping at the chance to cut the tension, Jim swallowed with a gulp and set the glass down. "Umm, yes," he answered. "I was asking whether or not you had made any plans for Day Two of the Celebration." He flicked his eyes at Spock and Sarek, but there was no change. The standoff between the two was as tense as ever.

Amanda, too, had seen that Spock and Sarek were still locked in a silent battle of wills. She knew she had to break it and quickly. "As a matter of fact, yes, I do," she answered a little more loudly than necessary. "I was thinking I might have my hair cut. You know, to a shorter, more manageable style. It gets so hot with all this long, thick hair that-"

"No!" Sarek spoke, his voice overly loud. "Do not cut your hair."

"Excuse me?" Amanda asked politely. She smiled, knowing that she had succeeded in breaking the staring match between Sarek and Spock. Now she would fix him good for starting this fuss. "Did you say 'no'?" She raised an eyebrow expressively.

Sarek breathed evenly twice before replying. "I do not wish you to cut your hair, Aduna," he answered her softly.

"In that case," she paused, "I won't. But Jim has still posed a very interesting question. What will we do for the celebration this year?"

"I propose we host a party, a Terran-style party, for the officers of the Enterprise," Sarek replied.

"Now, that is wonderful idea!" exclaimed Amanda. She clapped her hands in delight.

"But how is that an opposite? McCoy asked.

"Vulcans do not 'party'," Sarek explained.

"And it's high time we met all of Spock's friends, even if they are in Starfleet," Amanda added, giving Sarek a knowing nod.

He returned her nod and turned back to eye his son, this time without animosity. "It has been brought to my attention..." he paused briefly to glance at Amanda, and there could be no doubt as to who had brought the subject to his attention, "…that perhaps I may have been too judgmental in my initial assessment of Starfleet and its personnel."

Spock raised an eyebrow at his father's apology and admission of making a mistake. Jim Kirk nearly fell out of his seat with shock, but McCoy dared to harrumph.

"It's been years since I threw a real party," Amanda said, "and on such short notice. I'm going to need some help. Jim, do you think any of your officers would be willing to help out?"

Grinning broadly, Jim nodded eagerly. "Nyota Uhura," he stated. "She's our shipboard party officer. I'll send her down first thing in the morning."

McCoy added, "Yep, there's none better, but you'd better send Pavel, too. She always has him do the leg work."

"Christine Chapel would make another suitable helper," Spock stated.

"Oh, yeah, the 'Terrific Trio', " Jim laughed. "That's what we call them on the ship. I'll send all three down first thing in the morning and anyone else they might need." He stood. "Thank you both very much for your hospitality and the cookies. They were wonderful. C'mon, Bones, we need to get back to the ship, and let the 'Trio' know what's going on."

Slowly the doctor stood, eyes riveted to Spock's face. "Uh, yeah, Jim," he muttered. Something was definitely up with Spock. He'd been acting funny all week, and now McCoy had seen him blush. There was no doubt about it. The tips of Spock's ears had turned the palest shade of kelly green when he spoke Christine's name aloud. Christine's name! Sonuvagun! So that was what he was up to.

Just as McCoy's face burst out in a wide grin, Sarek uttered a loud, "Ah!" Both men stared at one another, McCoy grinning like a Georgia jackass eating briars and Sarek's eyebrows hidden somewhere beneath his bangs. Apparently both men had come to the same conclusion simultaneously.

"Sir?" Jim asked quickly.

Amanda followed with, "Did you need something, dear?"

"Doctor, you seem more distracted than usual. Perhaps you should see a physician," Spock needled McCoy.

Sarek was the first to answer. "No, nothing my wife."

McCoy chuckled. "C'mon, Jim. I think we're all gonna need a bit of rest tonight. Yessiree."

Jim, perplexed and fully intending to get an explanation as soon as he could get McCoy alone, turned to Spock. "Coming, Spock?"

Spock stooped and picked up his daughter, "No, Jim, I will stay tonight and care for my daughter." Together, the Vulcan family, direct descendants of Surak, ushered their guests to the door and said their goodbyes.