He held her close, in the human fashion, though neither of them wept. He would not allow himself to lose control like that, and for his sake, neither would she. She would have plenty of time to grieve, alone ... after he left for Earth.

"I will speak to Kirk, my wife. If there is a way ... I will return our son's katra to its rightful place among our ancestors." And with these words, he stood, and took his leave of her.

She sat, unmoving, for some time ... she had never dreamt that her son would die before her. Vulcans were a long-lived race ... the thought of Sarek or Spock predeceasing her was something she just could not get a grip on.

But word had come from Starfleet Command just this morning. Spock had sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his crew ... a crew that was mostly cadets ... his students. Later, another message had come ... this one from James. He, too, had been aboard the ENTERPRISE ... and the death of Spock had left its mark on him, as well. Amanda could see the signs of a severed bond ... a bond that he and Spock had not acknowledged publicly.

She knew that Sarek had also seen the signs ... and that the severance of their bond at this time would indicate that Spock had not left his katra with Kirk ... but he had to go to Earth to make sure. And she had to let him go.

**********

Silence descended upon the room, as the door buzzer sounded. At first, no one moved, except to look around, trying to see if anyone was missing from our small group. But all who could be there were present and accounted for ... and those who weren't ... well, they were not about to come ringing the bell.

Jim stood, and went to open the door ... anger in his eyes at the interruption of this very private wake. As the door opened, a gasp of surprise escaped his throat, causing the rest of us to worry for his safety. When the person standing there lifted the hood from his head, revealing his identity, the tension in Jim's shoulders eased a bit ... and that was when I finally realized just how much Spock had looked like his father.

It was also when I noticed that the Ambassador was not quite himself ... understandable, yet still a bit of a shock to see the signs of his bereavement so clearly in his countenance. He looked tired and worn ... as if his will to go on were being dampened by his grief ... and all he had left was anger at the loss of the son he was just getting to know once again.

His appearance was much the same as Jim's. Since Spock's death, he had looked almost haunted, as if they had been far more than just colleagues and friends. Rumor had it that they were lovers ... but I had never seen evidence of it. Nevertheless, Spock's death had hit him hard ... far harder than the rest of us ... yet at this moment, facing Sarek, he did an admirable job of concealing his wounded spirit.

Sarek, appeared to be unaware that there were others in the room ... he stated that he needed to speak to Kirk, and it was clear to all that he meant alone. We stood, and prepared to take our leave. As I hugged my friend, I said, "if there is anything you need ... don't hesitate to ask."

He hugged me back, briefly, and said, "Thank you, Nyota ... I appreciate it." I was the last to leave, and as the door closed, I heard Sarek's accusations ... his demands to know why Kirk had left Spock behind ... denying him his future. It made no sense to me, but I was sure that Jim would fill us all in, if he deemed it necessary.

**********

A few hours later, Jim had called us all together ... he explained that, had McCoy not reacted badly to the mind meld, and the deposit of Spock's katra in his memories, he would have understood that Spock's body could not be left on Genesis ... it was now up to them to retrieve the body, and return it to Vulcan. Only there would Spock be able to find peace ... and McCoy, sanity.

Jim had tried the official routes to secure the ENTERPRISE for this undertaking, with no luck, so we spent the next few hours devising our plan. Steal the ENTERPRISE, and head to Genesis ... risking our lives and careers for the benefit of our friends. Some would call it fool-hardy, but to me, it was just one more sign of our loyalty and friendship.

**********

I had no sooner returned to my quarters when the door buzzer sounded. For an instant, I feared that it was Starfleet Security, with a warrant for my arrest. The charges: conspiracy to steal a Federation Starship. Then I shook myself, chiding myself for my paranoia.

I opened the door, and found myself facing Sarek. Luckily for my state of mind, he had not worn the hood this time ... perhaps he realized just how disconcerting it had been to see him like that. In any case, I did my best to hide my surprise at seeing him here, and stepped back, saying, "Ambassador ... come in, please."

As he stepped in, he inclined his head in a slight bow, saying, "Forgive the intrusion ... but I have a favor to ask of you."

"If it is within my abilities, by all means, I will do my best to oblige." I said, perhaps a bit more formally than the situation called for, but it seemed to bring a feeling of 'normalcy' to the situation.

"I believe it is." he said, as he crossed the room to the window, and looked out at the view. "I have been told by Kirk that you will be 'running interference' while he and Mister Scott and the others steal the ENTERPRISE. Is this correct?"

"Yes, it is ... someone has to stay behind to 'confuse' things a bit, I'm afraid. Why do you ask?"

He seemed lost in thought for a moment ... once again, I was struck by the similarity to his son. Spock had a habit of looking off into space ... sometimes literally, sometimes only figuratively ... whenever he had a difficult request to make of someone, as if he were gathering strength or perfecting what he had to say.

After a few seconds, Sarek once again focused his attention on me, and asked, "once you have 'confused' things here, to allow them to escape ... what do you suppose will happen to you?"

"Oh ... if I'm lucky, I'll get away. I know a few people who will help me." I was a bit wistful ... I knew there were only so many places I could hide ... Starfleet Security would catch up with me, eventually.

"Ms. Uhura ... you know as well as I do that your prospects of escape are quite slim. I offer you sanctuary in the Vulcan Embassy, as a member of the house of Surak." He held out his hand to me, in the paired-finger gesture of familial greeting. I joined my fingers to his as he continued, "I will see that you leave Earth by diplomatic shuttle ... in exchange, I ask you to go to my wife. She is in need of solace. As you have helped her in the past, I ask you to help her now."

"Of course, Sarek ... I will do what I can to ease her pain at this most difficult time."

"I thank you for your assistance in her time of need ... I fear I am woefully inadequate when it comes to easing her pain, for I have too much of my own to deal with, and little practice at compassion."

This admission from Sarek rendered me speechless. I nodded in acknowledgment of his words, and knew that the meeting was over. As he made his way to the door, he handed me a small device. "It is a beacon ... when you have completed your tasks, and the ENTERPRISE is on its way to Genesis, activate this by pushing these two buttons simultaneously, and you will be beamed directly to the Embassy. I will be waiting for you."

"Thank you, Sarek," I said, as I lifted my hand in salute, "Diftor heh smusma, Sarek."

"Sochya eh difan, Ms. Uhura." and he left my apartment.

Tomorrow would be a very long day, and I needed to get some sleep if I was to be of any use to anyone. I made my way into my bedroom, stripped out of my clothing and fell into bed ... my sleep was uneasy, as I dreamt of Amanda, and the torment she was going through with the death of her only son.

**********

Everything seemed to go as planned ... with only minimal complications. I didn't particularly like locking the ensign in the closet, but in the end, I know he'll thank me for it ... he did not need to be involved in this little operation.

The ENTERPRISE was away ... and the call just came in from the EXCELSIOR .... Scotty's sabotage was apparently successful, as they are 'dead in the water' and need a tow back to the space dock. I've effectively rerouted communications to the point where it will be several hours before their message reaches anyone who can help them ... and as for contacting any other ships in order to intercept the ENTERPRISE, forget about it.

The only ship that could even begin to offer any resistance was the GRISSOM, but there was no way of telling if Esteban would help Jim and the others, or not. Considering the situation, I was betting on Esteban 'turning his back' on the situation ... after all, the GRISSOM was no match for the ENTERPRISE, when it came to firepower ... and Esteban knows that.

It was now time to depart. After quietly unlocking the closet door, I pushed the buttons on the beacon that Sarek had given me. Instantly, the slight tingling sensation of a transporter swept over me, and I found myself face to face with Ambassador Sarek.

"Are they safely away, Ms. Uhura?" he asked, as I stepped off of the platform.

"As safely as can be expected. They should be on Genesis before Starfleet gets its communications straightened out." I followed the Ambassador down the hallway, as I explained, "the only concern I have is whether the ENTERPRISE gets to Genesis before the GRISSOM is notified of the situation ... I cannot imagine Captain Esteban firing on Jim, but stranger things have been known to happen."

"Kirk is resourceful ... he will persevere. We have done all that we can from here ... it is now up to them to bring Spock's body, and his katra, to Vulcan." We had reached a doorway at the end of the hall, Sarek opened the door, and gestured for me to enter, saying, "Come ... the Diplomatic Shuttle is prepared and ready to leave. We will be on Vulcan in less than three hours."

I climbed the ramp to the shuttle, and made my way to the passenger compartment. I stifled a yawn as I sat, but Sarek, of course, had seen it. "There are bunks in the back, if you wish to rest." he said, as he indicated the door at the back of the cabin.

"Thank you ... it has been a long night, hasn't it?" and I made my way to the back, hoping to get an hour or two of sleep before I would see Amanda once again.

**********

I had not been on Vulcan in years ... I had forgotten just how much the heat would hit you as you took your first step outside the spaceport. Luckily for me, it was nearing dusk, and the temperature would soon drop to a more reasonable level.

A car from the Embassy was awaiting us, and drove us through the streets of ShiKahr to the home of Sarek and Amanda. Word had come from one of Sarek's aides that the Lady Amanda had not left her bedchamber since he had gone to Earth.

This pronouncement troubled me, and I was determined to lift her spirits ... not only for her sake, but for Sarek, as well. He would not admit it, but his grief over Spock's death was weighing heavily on him, also. His emotional state was far to precarious at the moment to lose Amanda ... and at her age, the loss of the 'will to live' could be devastating.

At least Amanda had not been alone during Sarek's visit to Earth ... several of his aides had been staying at the house, which was actually quite common ... after all, they had several spare rooms, and Sarek preferred to work out of his home whenever possible.

As we made our way up the walk, the front door opened, and a distinguished Vulcan, around the same age as Sarek, stepped out. Sarek greeted him with a familial gesture, saying "na'shaya, Sokel ... how is the Lady Amanda today?"

"Na'shaya, Sarek," he returned the gesture, making me wonder if he was family. He stepped aside, allowing Sarek to preceded him into the house, as he continued, "she is unchanged. Perhaps your return will lift her spirits," and with these words, he looked directly at me, silently asking who I was.

"Perhaps." Sarek replied, obviously unsure of the truth of his answer. Seeing where Sokel had directed his attention, he realized that he had not introduced us. "Forgive me ... Ms. Uhura, may I introduce my personal aide, Sokel. Sokel, this is Nyota Uhura ... a very dear friend of my wife, and my late son."

"Diftor heh smusma, Nyota Uhura." he said, as he raised his hand in formal salute.

I did likewise, replying in the proper Vulcan form, "sochya eh difan, Sokel." His raised eyebrow was the only indication of his surprise of my speaking Vulcan. I smiled at the familiar gesture ... I had always assumed it was something unique to Spock ... but apparently it was more a Vulcan trait than a Spockian trait ... or perhaps, Spock had acquired the habit from years of observing his father's aide.

I shook myself out of my musing ...I was here to see Amanda, and offer her solace in her time of need ... I could daydream about Spock on my own time. As I looked up to ask Sarek if I could go and see Amanda, he spoke quietly to Sokel, then said, "I must let my wife know I have returned. Sokel, please show Ms. Uhura to the green bedroom ... I think she would appreciate the view of the garden." He then turned to me, adding, "when you have settled in and refreshed yourself ... say, in about ten minutes or so ... come to Amanda's room. It is the room just before your own room."

"Ten minutes would be fine." Picking up my single bag, I followed Sokel to the green bedroom. Sarek was correct in his assumption that I would enjoy the view ... not to mention the fact that the room was adjacent to Amanda's, with access to the garden from both our rooms. It may be too late tonight to get her outside, but tomorrow morning was another matter entirely. I know how much she loves this garden ... I will see to it that she spends time in it every day that I am here.

**********

While Sarek was in the room, she put on a brave face. I could see that it was taking a toll on her emotionally, but she kept it up for his sake. The look of concern in Sarek's eyes told me that he was not being fooled, and that he had every confidence in my abilities to bring her out of herself.

I was relieved as he left us alone. I sat on the side of the bed, and took Amanda in my arms ... I was shocked to feel how insubstantial she appeared. She had always been a rather petite woman, but at this moment, she seemed so fragile! As I held her, she started to shake ... I rocked her, and hummed, as she cried for her lost son.

Holding Amanda in my arms as she cried brought back memories. In all the years we had known each other ... as friends and lovers ... I had never seen her so emotionally drained as I did today. Not even that very first time, on the journey to the Babel conference, when I found her in the observation lounge. She had come close to losing both Sarek and Spock that day, and had been on the verge of an emotional breakdown. But together, we staved off the despair and loneliness that a life of emotional suppression can lead to.

Sarek had been very understanding, and did not rebuke her for her infidelity. As a matter of fact, he had encouraged her to seek out my friendship and companionship whenever the need arose. He obviously understood that, as a human, there were needs and desires that could not be denied. Amanda had always been grateful to him for his comprehension of the situation ... as had I.

Amanda's sobbing appeared to be subsiding, yet she still clung to me as if I were a lifeline. We were in a rather awkward position, and my leg was falling asleep, so I gently disengaged myself from her grasp. When apparent panic set in, I soothed her as best I could, saying, "Amanda ... may I join you in bed? It would be so much nicer to hold you close as I lie next to you."

"Yes, please ... hold me close." She snuffled, as I stood to remove my shoes. As I undressed, she blew her nose. I gave her a moment to compose herself before I returned to the bed, dressed only in a teddy and panties. I pulled back the covers, and lay next to her ... pulling her into my embrace, as her head rested on my shoulder. I started to sing softly to her, as I brushed the hair from her eyes.

**********

I awoke the next morning to find her gone ... as I looked around, I noticed that the door to the garden was open. I rose, and donned the robe that had been left draped over the foot of the bed as I made my way outside.

Amanda was there, kneeling in front of a small bush of yellow roses, tears on her face. She must have heard me, for she looked up as I approached. I could see that, although she had been crying, she was no longer despondent. Last nights release of pent up emotions had apparently been cathartic.

She made to stand up as I came to stand next to her, and I offered her a hand. "I want to thank you for coming, Nyota," she said, as she took my hand, then hugged me before stepping away.

We walked side by side through the garden, as I told her, "to be honest with you, I was grateful that Sarek asked me to come ... I would most likely be in prison right now if he hadn't gotten me off of Earth."

"Yes ... he sent a message about what you and your friends have done for Spock ... for that, too, I am grateful. I just hope that when they arrive here, the masters at Gol can help Leonard, and set Spock's katra to rest." She led us to a small bench, overlooking what appeared to be a Japanese Zen garden that was incongruously surrounded by flowering plants. Such a strange juxtaposition of cultures ... just like the occupants of the house.

"Yes, poor Leonard." I said, as we sat on the bench. Amanda held my hand, as if it were a lifeline ... I had no objections, as I continued, "of all people, this must be hardest on him. he may have teased Spock relentlessly, but deep down, I think he loved him in his own inimitable way."

"But what of Jim ... how is he holding up in light of his severed bond?"

"Bond?" I asked, in surprise ... apparently the rumors had been true.

Seeing my surprise, Amanda squeezed my hand, saying, "I thought you knew ..."

"No ... they never told us." I shook my head slightly, as I continued, "although, I'm not really surprised. After all, there had been rumors ... and they were always so close."

I turned slightly, so that I was sitting on the bench sideways, facing Amanda. I took both of her hands in mine, as I continued, "I remember missions when it was as if they could read each others minds ..." and I shrugged, "I guess they could."

Amanda smiled ever so slightly at the thought ... "probably not quite like 'reading minds', but I have the feeling that Jim's mind is far stronger than my own ... and I know Spock's was much more powerful than his fathers. Judging by my own experience, and my observation of them together, I would say that the rapport they shared was very strong, indeed."

"So tell me ... how did Jim seem when you saw him last?" Amanda inquired ... knowing how devastating the loss of a bond could be, she was concerned for his well being.

I realized that this was a good sign of her own recovery from abject misery. "Determined ... consumed ... driven ... willing to sacrifice everything to retrieve Spock's body and return his katra to Vulcan. As a matter of fact, he appeared much more like his old self after Sarek arrived. Before that, he was haunted ... lost ... tormented ... wondering what he could have done differently to save everyone ... or how it should have been him, instead of Spock."

"They were very much alike, in that regard," Amanda said, as tears welled once more in her eyes.

I pulled her to me, as the new wave of grief overwhelmed her. "Sh ... it's all right," I whispered, as I held her once again in my arms. We sat this way for some time, but eventually, Amanda regained control of her emotions once again. It was getting quite warm out here as the sun rose in the sky. Knowing that it would soon become unbearable for me, I said, "I'm famished ... if you don't mind, I think I'm going to go in and make myself some breakfast. Can I get you anything?"

"I'll join you," she said, as she wiped the last of the tears away with the sash of her robe. We stood, and made our way back into her bedroom. There was a mirror on the wall, and Amanda caught a glimpse of herself as she passed it, exclaiming, "My lord ... I look quite a fright, don't I?" as she ran her fingers through her hair. In the days since Spock's death, she had done little beside sleep.

I put my arm around her thin shoulders, and kissed her lightly on the forehead, as I told her, "well, you do look a bit rumpled ... but I must admit, it's nice to see you smile." I bent down t kiss her lips, then added, "I'm going to my room to get washed up and dressed ... I'll meet you in the kitchen in fifteen minutes, and I'll make you breakfast."

Amanda looked once again in the mirror, and smiled, "make it twenty ... and it's a date."

"Twenty it is ... do you have any coffee? Or would you prefer tea?"

"Yes, we have coffee, and I would love some. If you have any trouble finding anything, don't hesitate to ask Sokel ... he'll be happy to lend a hand." She kissed me, the swatted my rump as she said, "now off with you, so I can make myself presentable."

I smiled, as I saw the old Amanda returning. It would be a long, uphill battle, but one that she would survive now. I could only hope that her improved emotional state will help ease Sarek's burden a bit.

**********

Sokel was in the kitchen as I emerged from my room. He politely inquired as to the Lady Amanda's condition, and once again graced me with a raised brow when I told him that she would be joining me for breakfast. He offered to prepare it for us, but I declined, asking only that he show me where everything was ... I so seldom had the opportunity to cook.

Sarek had apparently stocked the larder with a few Earth foods ... for my benefit, or Amanda's, I was unsure. Nonetheless, I was able to prepare mushroom omelettes with cheddar cheese home fries and whole wheat toast. And of course, fresh coffee ... lots of fresh coffee.

I was pleased to see Amanda eating so well ... I had a feeling that she had eaten very little over the past few days ... a feeling that was confirmed by Sokel, when he came in to get himself a cup of tea.

"My Lady ... you are looking much improved. Your husband will be pleased."

"Thank you, Sokel." she said, as she sipped her coffee, then asked, "by the way, where is Sarek this morning? I expected to see him in the garden, as is his custom upon waking."

"He had a call very early ... he did not elaborate, other than to say that he had to go to the Embassy."

"How unlike him ..." she said, wondering what could be so important that he did not even tell his aide. "Sokel, Nyota and I will be in the library. Would you please have Sarek join us there when he returns?"

"Of course, my Lady." Sokel inclined his head, as he took his leave of us.

**********

Amanda and I had spent most of the day in the library. She told me many stories of Spock's youth, and how he had to cope with being 'merely human' in the eyes of his contemporaries. It had been a difficult life ... made more so by a father who could not embrace his 'human traits'.

I, in turn, told of his exploits aboard the ENTERPRISE, and how he had finally found a home among the stars.

Time passed, and tears were shed ... but I believe we both gained strength from the telling of the tales. Spock would be missed, of course, but never forgotten ... we would make sure of that.

We had been silent for some time ... sitting together, holding each other close, as we listened to a recording that Spock had made. The music was quite sublime ... he was actually quite accomplished. I found myself humming along quietly, as the haunting theme modulated from key to key.

When the door opened, revealing Sarek, I was instantly alerted to a change in his demeanor. The haunted look I had noticed before was no longer apparent ... he actually appeared energized, as if he had gotten a recent boost of adrenaline or some such.

Apparently, Amanda noticed it too, as she asked, "What has happened, my husband?"

"I have received word from James ... they have found Spock," and here, he hesitated, taking his wife by the hands to focus her attention on him, as he continued, "Beloved ... Spock's body lives still ... I have asked for the 'fal-tor-pan' ... I have spoken with T'Lar, and she has agreed to try."

Amanda looked at Sarek as if he had just sprouted a second head ... his words did not register at all. After a moment, she asked, "what did you say?"

"Spock lives ... there is a chance that he may be restored." Sarek was nearly overcome with the emotions of the moment. Seeing her confusion, he explained as best he could, "apparently, his burial tube was caught in the flux of the expanding genesis wave ... the unstable nature of the Genesis planet regenerated him. James says they will arrive here in approximately six hours." And with this announcement, he turned to me, adding, "Nyota ... I am sorry to inform you of the demise of the USS ENTERPRISE ... James said he would explain fully when he arrived. In the mean time, we are to prepare for the arrival of a Klingon Bird of Prey. He said it would be fully cloaked while in transit, for you all know just how much of a reception such a ship would get here, unannounced."

"Of course ..." I said, as I prepared to leave the library for the solace of my private chambers. I needed time to absorb the news of Spock's apparent resurrections, and the demise of the ship. Had Jim once again beaten the odds? Could it be that he had found 'another solution' yet again? Of course, I would have to wait and talk to Jim for the answers to all my questions ... suffice it to say, I was slightly in shock over the news.

I turned to Sarek, asking, "what is 'fal-tor-pan'?" The term was not a familiar one to me.

He was still holding Amanda's hands as he turned to face me, saying, "it is a very ancient ritual ... the 're-fusion' ..." his words trailed off, as uncertainty clouded his thoughts. Finally, he went on, "however illogical it may be, I have asked T'Lar to attempt to return to Spock's body what is rightfully his ... and restoring Leonard to mental health, in the process."

"Can this really be done, my husband?" Amanda seemed almost afraid to believe it, and I could see Sarek's attempt to hide his uncertainty from her, even as he tried to hide it from himself.

"Amanda ... we must have hope," I said, as I placed my arm over her shoulder. She leaned back into me, as she still held her husbands hands. I looked directly into Sarek's eyes, as I continued, "we must all believe this will work ... and all will be restored. If T'Lar has doubts, find another who will be confidant in her abilities to perform the ritual."

He could sense my resolve in this, and nearly smiled at me, as he said, "T'Lar questions my motivation, and my logic, but she is the only choice for such an undertaking. And although my logic is uncertain where my son is concerned, I am determined to see this through ... not just for Spock's sake, but Leonard's as well.

"Amanda, Nyota ... Spock will be restored ... I promise you," he said, as he lightly kissed Amanda, then stood and placed his hand on mine, where it rested on his wife's shoulder. "I have much to prepare before they arrive. I take my leave of you for the moment. We will leave here in slightly over an hour, so we can be at the temple when they arrive. As we will be staying there for the duration of the re-fusion process, which could take several days, I suggest you pack a few things."

"Yes ... of course. We'll be ready when you are, Sarek." I assured him, as he left the library. When he was gone, Amanda turned in my arms, once again seeking the solace of my embrace. I could still see the uncertainty in her eyes ... the fear of having to once again accept his loss, if the 'fal-tor-pan' was not successful. "Come, we have to pack, if we are to be ready when Sarek wishes to leave."

"I will not be going, Nyota. I ..." she trailed off, as tears filled her eyes. She dashed them away with the back of her hand, as she continued, "I do not wish to be there ... seeing him as he must be right now." She stopped, and thought for a minute, then added, "there is far too much uncertainty in my thoughts ... my presence would no be beneficial to the outcome."

"I don't understand ... you said it yourself that your mental abilities were not very strong ... how could your uncertainties have any affect on anyone other than Sarek?"

"There is a bond between mother and son ... it is tenuous, at best, but is strengthened by proximity, and the level of emotion ... I fear that, in my current state, I could hinder the re-fusion process by projecting my fears into him."

Her argument was perfectly logical, and I knew I had to respect her wishes. "I understand ... I will go with Sarek, and once the fal-tor-pan is successfully completed, I will return for you, so that you may see your son once again."

"Thank you, Nyota ... for everything. Now go ... pack your things ... Sarek does not like to be kept waiting." and she kissed me before letting me go.

**********

Two days passed, but it was over. Spock's katra had been restored, and McCoy seemed to be his old self once again. I approached Sarek, and he knew instantly what I was about to ask. He motioned to one of the attendants, who had been serving our needs while we were here. "Sapan will take you to Amanda ... bring her here, for her son needs to see her," he said, as he placed his hand on my shoulder ... the rather intimate gesture was not lost on me. I had, at that moment, become his link to his wife. Spock was not the only one who needed to see her.

"We will return as quickly as possible." and I followed Sapan to the waiting aircar.

The journey to ShiKahr was longer than I remembered ... or perhaps it just seemed so. When we arrived, Sokel was there to greet me, but there was no sign of Amanda. When I inquired about her whereabouts, he informed me that she was sleeping. I hastily made my way to her room, and let myself in.

Once again, I was struck by how fragile she looked. She had apparently come in for a brief nap, and was lying, fully dressed, on top of her bed. She looked so peacful in sleep, I did not wish to disturb her ... yet I knew she would wish to know that her son was restored.

I lay down next to her, lightly stroking the hair from her face, as I whispered her name. She smiled at my touch ... whether fully aware of my presence, or in a dream-state, I did not know. "Amanda ... it worked," I whispered, trying to gently wake her.

It took a moment, but my words seemed to register finally, as she rolled onto her back to look into my face. "Nyota ... you *are* here. I thought I was dreaming."

"No dream ... I have come to bring you to Selaya ..."

There were tears in both our eyes once again, but this time, they were tears of joy. I knew that all would be well from this time forward ...

~ The End ~