Water & Sand

By Starfleetdream

"Dehydration."

"Drowning."

"Heatstroke."

"Hypothermia."

"Large predators."

"Large predators."

"Sandstorms."

"Tsunamis and hurricanes."

"Carnivorous plants."

"Poisonous fauna."

"Suffocating." She added, "under a collapsing sand dune."

Sarek raised a skeptical brow at that. "I find that implausible."

"It could happen!" Amanda insisted. "Well, anyway, you have to admit that deserts are at least as dangerous as oceans."

Adopting his most serious negotiating pose, Sarek responded, "I will concede that a cursory and incomplete survey of hazards may suggest such, but further contend that an analysis of actual per capita casualties will yield a more informative result."

"Oh, pfft." Amanda replied dismissively.

Sarek's brows rose into his hair. "That is hardly a valid response."

"You're just afraid to come out on the bay with me in an actual boat," Amanda declared, challenging him.

"I reject such an emotional characterization. Very well. I will accompany you on said 'boating' expedition on the condition that you agree to a comparable desert trek."

"I've been out in the desert before, though – the Mojave and the Sahara!"

It was Sarek's turn to appear dismissive. "They pale in comparison to the Forge. You must experience a Vulcan desert."

"So you're going to whisk me off to Vulcan, then?" she asked slyly, her mouth curving in a mischievous smile.

"That can be arranged."

She was pretty sure he was teasing.