Tangled Destinies

Cover Art by FanArts Series
Spock convinces his father to move to Earth after refusing to
bond with T’Pring. The consequences of this change the
dynamics of his family and sets him on the path that will lead
him directly to James Kirk.
Together they will forge a legendary bond that will change the
paths of their families in ways that no one could have ever
anticipated.
Tangled Destinies:
Volume One
By
Keira Marcos
Author’s Note
This series is a labor of love. I adore Star Trek and have since I was a kid. In fact, the first fan
fiction I ever wrote was basically a tween love letter to Wesley Crusher. We can all thank Thor
I outgrew that!
This isn’t just a labor of love for me but honestly for my betas as well. It wouldn’t be half it is
without Ladyholder and Chris King who totally kept me in line, carefully prodded me over
that same line when needed and casually reminded me that canon isn’t always a suggestion.
They also, very gracefully, let me kick canon in the dick when ever I felt the need. That kind of
support is absolutlely priceless.
Be sure to check out all of the awesome the fan art for this series on my site:
http://keiramarcos.com/fan-art/tangled-destinies-art/
Genesis
He did not want any part of it and the sound of his mother crying when his father had refused
to relent on the matter had left Spock bereft and so furious that his sixteen year old body could
barely contain it. His parents had vehemently discussed his bonding for years and now—now
it was upon him.
T’Pring. He knew her from school—knew her to be a petty, vicious creature with a placid face
and a cruel mind. Suddenly, he realized he could not go through with the bethrothal. He could
not imagine having her be in his mind permanently. It was horrific. The healer reached out to
them both, and Spock was instantly repelled. He pulled away before T’Pau could place her
hand on his meld points. “No.”
T’Pring glanced him over, her eyes clear and cool. “Your Human mother has lost this fight. Do
you plan to take up her mantel?”
She said ‘Human’ as if it were a vulgar word and in that moment Spock decided that he would
rather die in the fires of his first Pon Farr than touch T’Pring. “I would rather burn and die
than have a creature so corrupt as you in my mind.”
The insult of it was so unexpected that T’Pring blinked in complete surprise. Her gaze
snapped to her parents, who were standing to her left, silently demanding the method of
answering the insult and found only barely concealed shock. Her hands tightened into fists.
“You? You would reject me? You are fortunate that I agreed to this situation—fortunate that I
saw the logic of binding our two clans.”
“It is your clan that needed this union, not mine.” Spock took another step back from the
healer and turned to his father. “I wish to leave.”
Sarek’s nostrils flared briefly but he inclined his head towards the door. “Our apologies,
T’Pau, for the waste of your time. My son is clearly unprepared to undertake this joining at
this time.”
*****
The silence in the transport wasn’t overwhelming, if anything Spock appreciated the silence
for the thirty minutes it took for them to return to their home. He said nothing until the air car
stopped and he cleared his throat. “I seek permission to speak my mind freely on this matter.”
Sarek huffed, the sound as close to outright laughter as Spock had ever heard from his father.
“It seems that you have had no problems with speaking your mind on this day.”
“T’Pring is of little consequence. She is a petty, malicious girl who has the all the appearance of
propriety but none of the dignity or discretion she outwardly projects. The casual intimacy she
has with one of our classmates makes me question her ability to value the sanctity of her mind
and body. I would not wish such a situation on my worst enemy.” Spock looked out the
window and cleared his throat. “Do you love my mother?”
“It was logical that I marry her due to my position as Ambassador.”
“Do you love my mother?” Spock questioned again. “Am I to believe that I am a product of
love or a monument to a vanity you fail to acknowledge?”
Sarek cleared his throat. “Making the choice to create a child together was a difficult. The
process was a source of pain for your mother which is why we never chose to try again after
you were born. We were unsuccessful twice before a viable pregnancy was achieved.” He
paused. “It was done in love, Spock. Your mother… she is… everything. I found her beautiful
and enchanting from our first meeting. Her laughter and joy of life is precious to me.”
The silence stretched between them and they both turned to find Amanda lingering in the
front doorway of their home. Spock almost smiled at the sight of her. He wanted to smile for
her, laugh the way he had when he’d been very young but it was no longer natural for him to
do so. “Then why do you force her to live on a world where she is ignored on most days and
barely tolerated on others? She would be far more comfortable and happy on Earth.”
“We came here for you,” Sarek admitted. “We thought you would be best served here.”
“You were mistaken,” Spock returned evenly, a slight bitterness tingeing his voice. “At least
on Earth they attempt to teach their children tolerance.”
“You would not be content on Earth. It is nothing like Vulcan,” Sarek began.
“I am not content on Vulcan,” Spock said before his father continued. “I wish my mother’s
happiness more than my own. I never wish to hear her cry as she did this morning when we
left. I never wish to see or hear such despair in her ever again. She gives us everything of her
and it is time. I believe that it is time for us both to honor that gift and see the woman we love
comfortable and happy.”
Sarek focused on his wife and found she’d moved out of the entry way and onto the shaded
porch she’d insisted on being built onto the house they had purchased all those years ago. A
small frown played on her generous mouth and her eyes—her beautiful eyes were bright with
tears yet to be shed. “I find logic in your position, Spock.”
*****
Two Months Later
“It will be fine mother.”
Amanda crossed her arms and frowned. “I know the hair cut…”
“No, you were right.” Spock paused. “It is important that I attempt to blend in and while this
is something to get used to… I will adapt. It is a trait that I inherited from both of my parents.”
He touched the short hair to which he’d begrudgingly applied a small amount of product. “I
will try to fit in as much as I am able.” He glanced at her. “You need not worry that I will start
fights with Humans—I realize that I could hurt them far more than I ever could my peers on
Vulcan.”
Amanda smirked. “I think you did an admirable job on Stavar’s face. He’s never quite looked
the same.”
Spock flushed, a slight green tint brushing across his cheek bones and the tips of his ears. “His
words were illogical. I educated him.” He paused. “And he learned from his mistake.”
She laughed softly and picked up the jacket she’d bought for him. Spock had layered on two
shirts and the light weight jacket would help him fight back the chill that he would live with
on Earth. There were very few places he would be comfortable on her world. “Your father has
yet to provide me with a satisfactory answer for our abrupt move to Earth.”
Spock took the jacket, frowning at the leather. He really had no desire to wear the flesh of an
animal, unwittingly that thought made him think of the sturdy leather hiking boots he’d
already put on and he sighed. “The leather…”
“It’s the best for regulating your temperature,” Amanda assured. “It’ll breathe well and it’s
quite fashionable. The animal was used for food Spock, it would be illogical to waste the hide.”
Spock spared her a glance and took the jacket with a neutral expression. He pulled it on and
glanced at his reflection. It was nothing like he wore when he went to school on Vulcan but a
Human high school—even an upscale private one that the Humans referred to as a ‘magnet
school’ wasn’t anything like his learning experience on Vulcan. Apparently, he wouldn’t even
be taught by a computer. He picked up the satchel that he’d placed his PADDS in—a personal
one and one used for educational purposes.
He shouldered the satchel. “When I could not bring myself to bond with T’Pring… I realized
that I was just as uncomfortable on Vulcan as you were. In our home, it was easy to be content
but… things were not the same once we left the privacy of the sanctuary you made for us.” He
glanced at her as he fiddled with the zipper of his jacket. “Since you were only on Vulcan
because you believed it best for me—it behooved me to explain that to Father.”
Amanda touched his face with careful fingers and he stilled himself against the love and pride
that poured off of her. “I love you so much. I know I need not say it—but the words are
important to me.”
“I…” He took a deep breath. “I love you as well, Mother. Your happiness is very important to
me.” Spock leaned into her touch briefly before stepping back. “Father has decided to escort
me to school this morning.”
Amanda smiled. “Yes, it should be an experience for you both. I found my tour…
satisfactory.”
*****
It was chaos. Spock’s fingers tightened around the strap of his satchel as he followed his father
into the headmaster’s office. His inclusion in the exclusive Human school had been easily
achieved through the Vulcan Embassy and his mother had toured it before agreeing to Spock’s
placement. Neither Spock nor his father had felt inclined to visit before the day he was to
begin classes. He regretted it most intensely—as he would have much preferred the private
tutors his father had first suggested to the insanity he was now in the midst of.
The headmaster had a wide open face and bright green eyes. Spock was relieved when the
man did not offer his hand in greeting; at least he had bothered to learn a little about what
how to treat his first Vulcan student.
“Ambassador Sarek, Spock. I am Dr. William Hill.” He motioned them both to sit. “As I’m sure
Dr. Grayson explained, we have a small student population—just 195 students. Our maximum
capacity is 200 and that is why it was relatively easy to fit Spock into our current school year.”
Hill glanced briefly at Spock before focusing on Sarek entirely. “A little over half of our
population are residents on the campus and we have a note that there may be times when
Spock will board here.”
“Yes, as you know, as an Ambassador I am often required to travel. I prefer my wife to travel
with me and while Spock is more than capable of taking care of himself in our home—we
would prefer that he stay here during our trips off world. He is very new to Earth.”
“We actually have a pretty ideal situation for that circumstance. We have another student
whose father is often off planet due to his responsibilities with Starfleet. When Captain Pike is
on missions, his son boards with the school. Due to his own uniqueness, we find it best to
house him alone so there is a suite of rooms in one of the dorms set aside for Mr. Kirk.”
Sarek lifted an eyebrow. “George Kirk’s son?”
“Yes, of course. Captain Pike adopted him some years ago; it was a big deal at the time but the
details were rather hushed. Mr. Kirk is a brilliant young man but due to empathic gifts he
received from a parent we are required to house him separately from the rest of our
population. I believe that your Spock will not have a problem shielding his mind and therefore
would make the ideal suite mate for Mr. Kirk.” Hill offered them a friendly smile.
“Fortunately, Mr. Kirk is on campus this morning early and we can introduce you. He’s due to
arrive in a few minutes. He’s agreed to get Spock settled into classes as they have an identical
schedule.”
Sarek nodded abruptly and Spock relaxed. Humans, he thought, were very interesting. It
appeared that Dr. Hill was doing everything within his power to make Spock feel welcome and
that was a new experience. Before anyone could say anything else, there was a sharp knock on
the door and Hill rose from his desk to answer it. The young Human male that entered the
room was… very aesthetically pleasing. Spock flushed in disbelief even as his stomach
clenched in anticipation; he could not ever remember noting someone’s physical attractiveness
first.
The boy was wearing jeans and a t-shirt that stretched over broad shoulders. He had on Terran
athletic shoes which Spock had agreed to buy but so far refused to wear. His face was full, not
at all like the slender faces of his people and his eyes the brightest blue he had ever seen.
Spock said nothing as Hill introduced them formally and was relieved when Kirk made no
move to offer his hand to either of them in greeting.
Kirk’s too blue gaze settled on him and he smiled—flashing even white teeth. “I imagine this is
a bit of a culture shock?”
“I have had the appropriate period of time to adjust to my new environment,” Spock
responded, his gaze narrowed. “Why do you need to be sequestered from the other students to
sleep? Do you not have proper shields?”
“I have limited shields when I sleep and have a difficult time achieving the right level of sleep
to achieve REM. For a psi-null species, Humans are quite noisy empathically. They are worse
when they are asleep.”
Spock understood this. He often had to push his own mother’s dreams away from him when
he slept because of the small telepathic link that he had with her since his birth. He couldn’t
imagine having to do that for two hundred plus people. “The distance helps?”
“Yeah, but only because I have a small psionic field generator that my grandmother sent me. It
covers most of the suite. My grandmother insists that I will gain more control over my
sleeping mind when I’m older or when I bond,” Jim flushed at that and averted his gaze. “I
wasn’t bonded as a child because I’m only 1/4 Betazoid. We can talk about all of that stuff later
if you want.” He looked toward Dr. Hill. “We have a half-hour before Xenolinguistics begins. I
could show Spock and the Ambassador around before class begins?”
*****
Spock had never met a Betazoid before. He’d heard stories about them but… he hadn’t
honestly believed some of things he’d heard. Surely they didn’t hold entire wedding
ceremonies naked. It made no sense for everyone to be naked. Well, it hardly made any sense
for anyone to be naked in public but that was beside the point. James Kirk guided them
around the facility quickly and without touching either of them.
“Betazoids have black eyes.” Spock flushed when his father cleared his throat. He really hadn’t
meant to say something so rude but Kirk just seemed to invite conversation.
“Yeah, my father was half-Betazoid but inherited very few of his mother’s physical traits. He
was a gifted empath with a low score on telepathy. My brother Sam… he’s psi-null but he has
the black eyes. Genetics are a tricky thing.” Kirk shot him a sly look. “But, then you would
know.”
Spock nodded. His status as the first Vulcan/Human hybrid was hardly a secret. “I would,
indeed.”
*****
“I met your son.”
Christopher Pike started in surprise but collected himself quickly and nodded. “How did you
come about meeting Jim?”
“I have enrolled my son Spock in the Horizon Academy and Jim was our…” Sarek inclined his
head. “Welcome wagon?”
Pike grinned. “I see. Well, I’m sure you had a very colorful tour of the place. He’s a brilliant
kid but kind of exuberant like his biological father. Did you ever meet George?”
“No, I did not have that honor.” Sarek tucked his hands behind his back as he walked beside
the Human. They were heading into a fairly large mission brief. “Spock will share quarters
with James during our time off Earth. Dr. Hill believes that the situation will work well.”
Pike lifted an eyebrow. “A Betazoid and a Vulcan sharing space?”
“Spock has adequate mental shields and is a gifted telepath—gifted far beyond even some full
Vulcans. He will not cause harm to your son.”
“I worry for Spock,” Pike said with a wry grin. “Jim isn’t exactly conducive to a quite night of
meditation.”
“He was… spirited,” Sarek offered.
“Ever the diplomat,” Pike said with a laugh.
“May I ask how you came to adopt George Kirk’s son?”
Pike’s smile faded away abruptly. “It is a long story and a difficult one. Let’s just say, I took
him because no one else wanted him at the time. I’ve never regretted it.”
“He seems bright and well-adjusted,” Sarek offered after a few moments of silence. “That is all
that any parent may wish for their child.”
*****
Spock wasn’t quite certain that James T. Kirk was sane. His exposures to Humans were
limited, of course, but this boy—this loud boy who insisted on being called Jim was like
nothing and no one Spock had ever met before in his life. He was both intrigued and gravely
concerned. Their first four classes had passed in a blur and he’d been very relieved to discover
that his lessons had been tailored to meet his intellectual needs. It seemed that each student at
the school was treated slightly different when it came to their ability to learn and process
information. His teachers had proved to be eager to interact with him yet competent in their
various fields.
Privately, he had thought his formal education would suffer on Earth but he was relieved to be
mistaken. His every request had been granted or arranged for so far—his physics teacher had
gone so far as to point him towards several seminars that he could attend in the city and
promised to arrange enrollment for him. Jim had immediately offered his assistance in getting
around town and to attend the seminars as well though he seemed to have no pressing interest
in physics.
He had been dreading lunch—immediately prepared for Jim to abandon him in favor of
established friendships but Kirk had stuck to him throughout the process of standing in line at
replicators. They had gone through the menu together and he learned that Kirk had already
made a sub-menu for Spock full of all of the vegetarian options available. He’d blushed as he’d
explained that Dr. Hill had told him about Spock the week prior so Jim had plenty of time to
think of things to make the change of schools easier.
Spock had agreed that it was a logical and thoughtful thing to do. He’d paid for both of their
lunches as a ‘thank you’ – something his father had always said was unnecessary but his
mother had encouraged out of simple good manners. Jim directed them to a small two-person
table and settled in without a single hesitation.
“You do not …” Spock trailed off. How exactly was he supposed to ask someone if they have
friends? “Do you normally sit with…” He glanced around the room. “A certain group of
people?”
Jim offered him a smile, but it was a little strained. “Who should I sit with, Spock? The ‘fleet
brats who all want to talk about what a big damn hero my biological dad was? Or there are the
really smart kids who get pissed when I blow the grading curve—which I hope to thoroughly
decimate with your help for the remainder of our time at this fine institution.” He leaned back
in his chair. “There is the chess club—but they think I cheat so they won’t play with me. Then
there are the normal kids—bussed in from around the city because of their potential and
political reasons. To them, I’m a creepy alien they have to be nice to or they’ll get kicked out of
school for being xenophobic. Then you know there are the aliens but I’m mostly Human so
they don’t dig that so much. Everyone kind of sticks with their own around here and I don’t
have anyone like me.”
“You have me,” Spock offered and the flushed when Jim grinned. He focused on his food
momentarily and then inclined his head. “It must be difficult to make friends when the
motivations of others are so clear to you.”
“You’d know that as well as I do,” Jim offered. “I don’t imagine those Vulcan kids were
exactly tactful in the delivery of their opinions on your hybrid status.”
“No, tact is not achievement many Vulcans seek,” Spock concentrated on his food. “I play
chess. Three dimensional chess. I believe myself a challenging player if you are interested.”
Jim smiled. “I’ve got a board in our quarters. We can check it out after classes and set up your
access for the door. Then I’ll make sure you get on the right transport to go home.”
*****
Dinner on Vulcan had been formal and often silent. In the weeks since they’d arrived on Earth
and settled in the house that his mother had picked out—that had changed. Often, there was
music playing somewhere in the house and his father had relaxed ever so slightly in his
dealings with both his wife and Spock. He really didn’t know what to make of his father’s
behavior except to think that perhaps on Vulcan he’d forced himself to be as Vulcan as
possible to make up for the fact that he’d married a Human woman and created what a great
many people on Vulcan considered an abberation.
“How was school?”
“Interesting,” Spock answered and then pursed his lips. “It was different, less organized
perhaps as we moved around the campus to other buildings for each class. I did not know
what to expect from the teachers because—the proctors on Vulcan were never really interested
in interacting with the students. I found the experience organic in comparison.”
His mother smiled and his father’s facial expression twitched just slightly. A sign that Spock
had learned over the years meant neither displeasure nor happiness—but curiousity. As
always, his mother anticipated her bondmate’s needs by prodding Spock. “Which do you
prefer?”
“I must withhold judgement until I have had proper time to observe the differences. I do find
the self-directed educational path that I was able to design for each of my classes rewarding
and logical. I have requested several outside seminars on mathematics, physics, and
mechanical engineering—so I will need credits transferred into my account to cover
admission.” He paused. “Since Mr. Kirk offered to help me attend these and go with me,
should I offer to pay his admission as well?”
Amanda paused and then shook her head. “No, if he could not attend due to financial
difficulties he wouldn’t have offered. There is a fine line between gratitude and what some
would consider charity. Pride is a Human failing I’m afraid.”
Spock nodded and returned his attention to his meal. His father who had yet to speak a word
since sitting down at the table put down his utensils precisely and focused on him. “You spent
a great deal of time with James Kirk today. Do you believe you will have a difficult time
sharing quarters with him when your mother and I are off world?”
Spock considered that and after drinking from his water glass responded, “I am not quite sure
he is sane but he is fascinating.”
Both of his parents stared at in silence at him for several seconds and then Amanda laughed
softly. “Oh, Spock.”
“What?” He turned to her with a raised eyebrow.
“That’s almost word for word what you’re father said about me the day we met,” Amanda
admitted with a soft blush and propped her chin on her hand with a grin. “I’ve not seen any
pictures of him. Is he… aesthetically pleasing?”
Spock spared a glance in his father’s direction and was relieved that he seemed relaxed, even
amused by the turn of the conversation. “I believe you told me when I was quite small that I
should not consider physical attractiveness an important issue when choosing a friend.”
*****
Chris Pike slid a plate full of steak and potatoes Jim’s way as they settled at the kitchen bar to
eat. “Ambassador Sarek is going on my mission next week so we met today. He mentioned
meeting you.”
Jim looked up from his plate and raised an eyebrow in a fair imiatation of a Vulcan. “His son is
gorgeous. All pale, lean, with pretty little pointed ears and spiky black hair. His mom must
have talked him into a Earth haircut ‘cause I’ve never seen a Vulcan look that stylish before.”
Pike groaned softly and sat back on the stool. “Jim.”
“Relax,” Jim winked. “I know Vulcans take intimacy and pair bonds very seriously—I
wouldn’t play with someone’s heart that way. That does not change the fact that the guy is hot
and really smart. He also plays chess and we’re kind of in the same boat—academically and
socially. People are going to be pretty leery of making friends with a touch telepath. The
teachers were cool with him though and I made sure last week that the cafeteria had enough
vegetarian items for him to chose from.”
“That’s pretty nice of you since you’d never met the kid,” Pike pointed out.
“He bought me lunch to say thanks,” Jim admitted but he frowned. “I know what it’s like to
come somewhere new and to have little or no help with just the little stuff that can make life
really frustrating.”
Pike nodded. “So it’s your birthday next week. Sorry I won’t be here for it.”
Jim shrugged. “You know I don’t like to celebrate it. I mean—who’d want to celebrate the day
their father was murdered by a Romulan?”
“I wish you wouldn’t view it like that but you’re entitled to consider your dad’s sacrifice in
any way you chose,” Chris said and then tackled his steak. “There is going to be a
remembrance service at Starfleet but you know that. Your mother will be there.”
“Father. He was my Father and you’re my Dad.”
Pike smiled, thoroughly pleased. “Most people don’t see a distinction between those two
words.”
“Most people have never had to even think about it.” Jim responded. “Too bad school is in
session or I’d beg to go on the mission.”
Pike laughed. He rarely if ever took Jim on missions but when he did the crew always enjoyed
the hell out of him. “When we get back we can go to Iowa and check out the Enterprise
construction. I know you’re pretty interested in that.”
“Can we take Spock with us?”
Christ inclined his head in surprise and drank from his beer. “If his parents don’t mind. His
father knows me professionally and by reputation so it shouldn’t be too difficult to get
permission if Spock is interested.” He paused and then pushed on. “So your mother asked to
see you. Asked me to bring you to the memorial. I told her I won’t be on Earth.”
“I don’t want to see her,” Jim said, his jaw tightening. “I make her miserable. Just looking at
me makes her miserable and I shouldn’t have to feel that from the woman who gave birth to
me. It’s not my fault I look like his fucking ghost.”
“Language,” Pike muttered and thumped Jim in the back of the head gently. “I understand,
kiddo, and my custody agreement is very clear. I don’t have to let her see you at all—so I’ll tell
her no. If she calls or tries to see you while I’m gone—let me know and I’ll report her to our
attorney.”
“I don’t blame her for what Frank did to me—not any more. I mean I did for a long time but I
know she had no idea what he was like when she wasn’t on Earth.” Jim paused and shrugged.
“I was just lucky that day—lucky that I’d put you on my emergency contact and that you were
on Earth. If the hospital hadn’t called you—it would’ve been the same as all the other times he
kicked the shit out of me.”
Pike didn’t bother to correct his language that time. “Let’s discuss something else—I have to
talk to your mother in the morning and I’d rather not have this stew in my gut all night.”
Jim smiled. “Can I talk about how truly hot Spock is? I mean—he’s so hot I hope I have dirty
dreams about him.”
Pike choked on his beer.
*****
Lt. Commander Winona Kirk was beautiful—she always had been but Chris Pike hadn’t been
able to see her as anything more than a selfish bitch in nearly five years. The five years since
he’d stood over the very still form of an eleven year old Jim Kirk while it was explained to him
that his godson might have brain damage due to a “car accident”.
The bruises on the kid’s body hadn’t looked like a car accident and Chris hadn’t hesitated to
call the police. Hadn’t hesitated to file emergency custody papers for his godson. Hadn’t
hesitated one damn bit in sueing Winona Kirk for custody of her eleven year old son when she
categorically denied the abuse and tried to return Jim to the home where he’d nearly been
murdered.
Pike hadn’t had a hard time finding a lawyer that would work to defend George Kirk’s baby
boy pro bono but he would have wiped out his retirement if he’d had to. He’d have filed for
custody of Sam Kirk too if the kid had been around but Sam had run away the year before and
hadn’t been heard from since. Pike was on every Federation database in creation as Sam’s
emergency contact should he ever surface. Chris didn’t think he would—at least not under the
name he was given when he was born.
“Jim doesn’t want to see you.”
Winona flinched and glared. “He’s my son, Captain. I’ve seen him twice in five years. You
can’t think the court would agree with you if I pressed this matter.”
“Jim will be sixteen years old in a week, Commander. If you tried to take me to court—he’d
probably file for custody of himself and just disappear. You must know I’ve been in contact
with George’s mother.”
“She mentioned it,” Winona admitted. “She said that Jim had developed an empathy.”
“An empathy?” Chris laughed bitterly. “He’s a full blown telepath, Winona, with all the bells
and whistles that comes with it. The healer I took him to on Betazed could hardly believe he
wasn’t a full blooded Betazoid. They did DNA tests on him—that’s how much they couldn’t
believe me.” He turned his chair slightly and looked out the window. “He hid it from me for a
while because they figure he manifested at the onset of puberty—but he blew the last time he
agreed to meet with you. All of your resentment and grief and anger at him—just poured all
over him. He doesn’t deserve it. Jim has spent the last two years building himself back up—
learning to deal with his gifts and getting training from a teaher at the Betazed Embassy here
on Earth. I’m doing the best I can for him in that respect and he’ll probably spend the summer
on Betazoid getting some more in depth training if I can talk him into it.”
“How is that even possible?”
“They think it was a circumstance of his birth—exposure during the destruction of the Kelvin.
The loss of his father who was half-Betazoid. They theorize that George reached out for his son
and poured all of his love and psionic energy into him in the moment he died. The Betazoid are
a romantic people but nothing else makes much sense. If he was touched with that much
empathic emotion in the instant he was born… his brain developed away to deal with it and
process it.”
“He didn’t…” Winona flushed. “I was his wife—why didn’t he reach out for me?”
“His last words were of his love for you but it was my understanding that you refused to bond
with him mentally,” Pike returned evenly. “George’s mother is still quite angry over that—
even more angry that she didn’t have access to her grandchildren after his death. If she had—
she would’ve known Jim was gifted and could have protected him from the worst of his gifts
when he first manifested. She also would’ve known your ex-husband was a monster.”
“And that’s my fault as well?” Winona demanded.
“Yes,” Chris returned plainly. “Jim doesn’t want to see you and I won’t force him. End of
discussion.”
*****
There was a ‘substitute teacher’ for their Theoretical Mathematics class and from the onset Jim
had vibrated with irritation so much so that the students around them were getting agitated as
well. Spock didn’t know why the woman had Jim on edge so much but it was distracting and
irritating. Concentrating on his PADD was taking a serious amount of effort on his part—so
much so that he was considering elbowing Kirk fairly hard in the side.
“Mr. Spock!”
Before he could lift his head Ms. Brandt reached out and grabbed his hand. He hissed in
horrified shock but was so overwhelmed he couldn’t even breathe.
“Let him go!” Jim shouted and smacked her arm sharply. “He’s a touch telepath. You’re
hurting him.”
She released him just as quickly as she’d grabbed him but the damage was done. He hadn’t
been prepared to be touched and his mind was reeling in shock and revulsion. Her disdain,
her hatred for aliens had bled all over him. Jim must have picked it up the moment she entered
the room. In the future, Spock thought, as he lost his battle with consciousness—he would
trust Kirk’s first impressions and pay attention when he pouted.
“Spock?” Jim caught his friend and they both tumbled out of their chairs under the weight of
Vulcan. He fumbled his communicator out of his pocket and hit the emergency button without
even thinking about it. It was a direct line to his Dad.
“Jim? Jim are you hurt?”
“Dad, fuck, hurry. It’s Spock—we’re at the school and this woman she grabbed his hand—he
passed out.”
*****
Sarek did not run into the school building but he walked just as swiftly as Captain Pike was
allowing himself. Amanda was across town but through their bond he could feel her worry.
He knew she was on his way. The classroom was emptied out—Dr. Hill had told them that
much and that Jim hadn’t let anyone, not even the medics, touch Spock since the incident.
James Kirk was braced against a wall at the back of the room, one arm wrapped around Spock
and while his free hand flexed around the still active communicator. Sarek, who prided
himself on not panicking when it came to his child, rushed forward—pushing aside the
medical staff and the headmaster of the school with the kind of strength he rarely allowed
himself to demonstrate.
“James.”
Kirk’s eyes were glittering with fury, as dark and turbulent as the ocean during a storm. “She
grabbed his hand. Just for no good reason at all—she came into the room with all of this
negative emotion pouring off of her. She was mad because Dr. Hill assigned her classes today
in the advanced subjects—where all the alien kids are. She touched him before I could stop
her—I’m sorry.”
Sarek paused at the apology and reached out for his son. He ran his hand over the short mess
of Spock’s hair and wondered yet again what his wife had been thinking. “You need not
apologize for the ignorance of others. Can you hold him a little while longer? How are your
shields?”
“Strong. I’d never hurt him.” Jim glanced at Pike and shifted. “I can hold him.”
Sarek sought out the meld points on his son’s face with practiced ease. He hadn’t melded with
Spock in several years—out of respect for his son’s privacy and growing abilities. He relaxed
and took a deep breath as he released him. “I will take him now, James. He will be well.”
Jim nodded and released Spock to his father without hesitation.
*****
Ambassador Sarek may be a cool customer but his wife was a volcano and completely badass.
Amanda Grayson had swept into the school like a hurricane and rounded on Dr. Hill with the
fury only a mother who cared was capable of. Jim envied Spock his mother—it was a thing to
behold and he had a ring side seat.
“I trusted you with the safety of my son and the second day he attends your school he is
attacked by a member of your staff!” Amanda shouted. She turned and glared at Ms. Brandt,
her whole body trembling. “On Vulcan, I could have you charged with the sexual assault of a
minor.”
Jim glared at Brandt and Pike’s mouth dropped open.
Susan Brandt shook her head in denial. “I did no such thing! I grabbed his hand because he
was ignoring me.”
“He was doing his work,” Jim protested. “You never even said his name until you were
seconds from grabbing him. You just wanted to hurt someone in that room and he was an easy
target because he’s a touch telepath.”
“Shut up, you don’t know what you’re talking about,” Brandt snapped.
“Be careful,” Pike shifted closer to where Jim was slouched in a chair. “I won’t tolerate you
abusing my kid either.”
“Mr. Kirk slapped me,” Brandt returned and lifted her arm. There was a hand print across her
lower arm stretching over her wrist. “I want him discplined for it, Dr. Hill.”
Hill stared at her for a second and then laughed hysterically. “Are you insane? I’m not going
to discipline a Starfleet Captain’s son for protecting a fellow student from an assault. Had he
not forced you to let go of Spock there is no telling what kind of damage you might have done
to him.”
Jim stared at his the headmaster for a few seconds and then got up. He went to the replicator
and ordered the man some tea. It appeared and he carried it over to the desk. “Here, Dr. Hill.
This will help you calm down. It does you no good to get this worked up—not with your heart
condition.” He spared Amanda Grayson and his Dad a look as he pulled open a drawer and
rummaged out a hypo. “Here take your blood pressure medicine, I think you missed a dose.”
Hill nodded numbly and checked the hypo. “Yes, I did. How did you…” He trailed off and
shook his head. “I thought you agreed you wouldn’t go rummaging around my brain, Mr.
Kirk.”
Jim offered him a warm smile. “Only in emergencies and trust me—you don’t laugh at all. You
have no sense of humor. This is an emergency.”
Amanda waited until the hypo had been administered and cleared her throat. “This woman
will be fired and I will discuss with my husband as to whether or not we’ll pursue criminal
charges. Your entire staff will be educated on how they may physically interact with Vulcans
and other alien species with empathic or telepathic abilities. Since very few on this planet are
qualified to teach such a class—I will do it myself. You will notify me within the next three
days on when this can be accomplished. Spock will not stay on this campus over night until
I’m assured you all understand his boundaries. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Dr. Grayson, you are understood.”
*****
The Ambassador’s home was nice but not as homey as the one he shared with Pike. Still, Jim
thought it was pretty cool with all of the Vulcan stuff in it. One of the Ambassador’s assistants
had lead him and Pike to a small sitting room and offered them refreshments before departing
at their negative reply.
Only a few minutes passed before Sarek himself came into the room followed closely by Dr.
Grayson. Jim lifted Spock’s satchel off his shoulder and cleared his throat. “I thought he might
want his things. His personal PADD is in here and I… well that’s personal stuff.”
Amanda took the satchel with a smile. “Thank you, Jim. I appreciate you doing this.”
“I went around to his professors and got his assignments for today and tomorrow in case he
can’t make it in,” Jim paused. “Unless you plan to take him out of Horizon and then I guess it
won’t matter.”
“No, he wishes to return,” Amanda touched his face with gentle fingers like she often did her
own son. “Thank you for your help today—he would’ve suffered more so if you hadn’t been
there.”
Jim blushed and Pike laughed softly. “It’s you know… no one should be allowed to do
something like that. She was a new substitute teacher—I usually report the bad ones that get
past the hiring board to Dr. Hill as soon as I meet them. I can’t believe that she passed a mental
evaluation with that level of xenophobia.”
Amanda frowned. “You scan the people around you all the time, Jim?”
“I don’t know if it’s because of my gifts or because of my experiences but I really don’t have
much of a choice. I have to know where the threats are. It’s a compulsion that I’ve worked on
in training to correct. My teacher doesn’t think I’ll ever be to fully control the urge to do it. I
really didn’t think she’d get physical. It was so weird, really, because Spock is sort of famous—
because of his Dad and you know…”
“The first hybrid,” Amanda murmured. “It’s always been a burden for him but I can’t regret
giving him life.”
Jim grinned then. “Nah, I can’t see how you could. He’s great.”
Amanda bit down on her lower lip, completely taken with Jim’s smile. “Spock’s room is on the
third level, second door to the left.” She passed him back the satchel. “Perhaps he’d like to get
this back from you personally.”
“Cool. I won’t stay long.”
Sarek cleared his throat as Jim closed the door behind him. “Well?”
Amanda shot her husband a knowing look. “He’s very aesthetically pleasing.” She looked
toward Pike. “Why does he have to look for threats?”
Pike sighed and ran his fingers through his hair in a rare show of frustration. “The first eleven
years of his life were very difficult. I adopted him after his stepfather nearly beat him to death.
It’s not something I like to talk about and he’d prefer it be discussed as little as humanly
possible. I nearly caused a diplomatic incident to get custody of that kid—fought his mother
and eventually the Betazed government in two different trials. I do everything in my power to
make him feel safe.”
“It’s all that you can do,” Amanda murmured. “His mother?”
“Isn’t allowed to come near him without my permission.”
*****
“So, then your Dad comes in and shoves people aside like they are weightless.” Jim grinned at
Spock’s eyebrow of incredulity. “I couldn’t make that up, man. Then my Dad takes me to the
headmaster’s office and your mother comes in like a force of nature and yells at practically
everyone but me.”
“My mother does not yell,” Spock responded with a small frown drifting over his mouth.
“Oh yes she does,” Jim countered. “And with a great deal of skill and coherency. Some
people—when they get that mad they don’t even make sense. Your mom could shout down a
Klingon. It was fantastic.”
Spock inclined his head. “It takes a strong personality to bond with a Vulcan.”
Jim turned his head from his place on Spock’s bed and grinned. “I bet.” He sat up abruptly. “I
should go. I promised I wouldn’t stay long and you need to meditate all of that woman’s crap
out of your head.”
“My father took care of it,” Spock admitted at a near whisper. “She is an unpleasant woman,
Jim.”
“Your mom got her fired,” Jim offered.
*****
“So apparently you’re very aesthetically pleasing,” Chris explained as Jim got settled in the
passenger seat of the air car.
Jim laughed. “That’s Vulcan for gorgeous.”
Chris rolled his eyes. “Your ego has never been a concern for me.” They eased out into traffic
easily. “How was Spock?”
“He looked tired,” Jim admitted. “I mean, you know—like if I’d stayed up for three days
straight playing video games or something.”
“How about you? Are you tired? You used your own shields to protect him until his father got
there, right?” Chris glanced his way and wasn’t surprised to see his son blushing. “Jim?”
“Yeah, I mean—Vulcans are touch telepaths but Spock has a strong telepathic gift. I think he
gets a small bleed off of me and people who get close to him. I could feel his shields shatter. It
was horrible. No one has touched him like that in years—not even his mother has held his
hand since he was very small. That is the most sensitive part of a Vulcan when it comes to
their telepathy.”
“So the sexual assault thing?”
“Well, let’s put it this way,” Jim started with a small smile. “If Spock ever lets me hold his
hand—I’ll consider that second base.”
Pike sighed and shook his head. “James.”
Jim laughed briefly and then sobered. “I… hit a woman today. You told me to never do that.
I’m sorry.”
“She had it coming,” Pike muttered. “And you have nothing to feel guilty about.” He paused
and the continued. “I was surprised that Dr. Grayson didn’t just punch her in the face.”
“I was waiting for it,” Jim confided. “Because she definitely wanted to.”
*****
Spock watched Jim through the multilayered glass chess board thoughtfully. The Human’s
playing style was chaotic and frustrating if he were going to be at all honest about it. They’d
gotten lunch about half way through the game. Jim had shown up at his house when school
had been cancelled for an “in service” day. Jim had explained that Spock’s mother was up at
the academy teaching “How Not To Be An Asshat and Make Alien Friends 101”. Spock
desperately wanted to forget the definition of ‘asshat’ and he silently cursed his eidetic
memory.
“So why did you decide not to press charges against Ms. Brandt?” Jim questioned. “I mean—I
can’t see your parents deciding against it so it had to be you.”
“I did not wish to be involved in a criminal process over such a private matter,” Spock
admitted. “It would have required explaining how sensitive my hands are and what that
means… and why it is considered sexual in some situations. The process would have been
more of a violation than what she did.”
“Well, she got fired and she’ll probably lose her license to teach,” Jim said as he munched on a
sandwich. “It’s not a jail cell which she totally deserves but at least she won’t be in a position
to teach kids anymore.”
“That is more than satisfactory to me,” Spock admitted and made his next move. “My mother
did not tell me what she was doing today.”
“Were you in here being all Vulcany when she left?”
“My father insisted I spend the morning in meditation and he helped me achieve that state
before he left for work,” Spock admitted. “It was… relieving to have him with me. I have
never lost my shielding in such a way before.”
“I haven’t since I was taught how to really build one. I hid my manifestation for a while and
tried to train myself. It was a bad idea. I just didn’t want one more thing to set me apart from
everyone else.”
“May I ask a personal question?”
“Sure,” Jim shrugged. “I had my mind wrapped around yours yesterday so I guess we’re kind
of like impossibly close now. Sorry in advance if you get twitchy with me. I’m pretty sure it
will fade if there were any side effects.”
“My father said you were very gifted and your shielding was adequate to the task,” Spock
explained. “As to the question, your mother is alive and you do not live with her. May I know
why?”
Jim picked up one of the pawns he’d already pulled from the board and rolled it in his fingers.
“You know about my Dad right?”
“Yes, of course. My father was on the Kelvin that day—it took several days for my mother to
find out if he was one of the survivors,” Spock admitted. “I was six standard months old.”
“Right. Wow, I didn’t know he was on board. Okay, my mom never really recovered from
that—giving birth in an evacuation, listening to my father sacrifice himself so that his crew
could live. It doesn’t help that I look like a clone of him—it’s ridiculous how much I look like
him.” Jim frowned. “I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of him.”
Spock nodded. “Yes, you resemble one another superficially.”
“At any rate, mom couldn’t handle being at home with me and my brother Sam so she marries
this sorry bastard named Frank who just wanted my Dad’s land in Iowa. Dad had inherited
land from his father’s side of the family. A lot of land. I sold it to Starfleet a few years back and
put the money in a trust fund for education and stuff. I didn’t want my Dad to sacrifice his
pension to raise me.”
“That is commendable,” Spock reasoned. “And logical.”
“High praise,” Jim murmured and then leaned forward to make his next move. “Check in
four.”
Spock’s gaze swept over the board, but he managed to keep his frown to himself. “So Frank
was…”
“Horrible. Really horrible,” Jim cleared his throat. “My father had this old car—the kind with
wheels, a real antique. Apparently George Kirk really liked old cars. Frank decided he was
going to sell it. I was eleven.”
“It was not his to sell.”
“No, but my mother was off-planet and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do to stop him
legally from selling the car.” Jim smirked. “So I stole it and drove it off a cliff.”
Spock’s eyes widened in alarm. “Jim.”
“I know—it wasn’t the brightest idea ever but it ruined Frank’s plans to sell my father’s car.”
Jim sighed. “He refused to press charges and they let me go home with him.”
“He hurt you?”
“He beat me up so badly he got scared and called for medical services. He said I’d been in a
car accident. It wasn’t the first time I’d been so clumsy. The year my mother went to Vega IV I
fell out of the barn loft and broke my arm.” Jim frowned. “At any rate, unbeknownest to dear
Frank I’d fixed my records so when I was admitted to the hospital it notified my mother off
planet immediately and my godfather, Christopher Pike. He came to Iowa immediately—took
one look at me and called the authorities.”
“Good.”
“My mother didn’t even call and didn’t even try to come home until Chris Pike filed
emergency custody papers to keep me from being sent home with Frank. Then she came back
to Earth and took Frank’s side. She told them I was a liar and all of that jazz. So, the lawyer
Chris hired found all of my medical records and presented them in court.” Jim shrugged.
“Chris got custody and now my mother only has to pretend to want to see me on the
anniversary of my father’s death.”
“I am very sorry, Jim.”
“As your father would say—you need not apologize for the ignorance of others.” Jim made his
next move and shrugged. “Dad is the best thing that could’ve happened to me—I just wish it
could’ve happened before Sam ran away. We tried to find him but it was no use. Frank was
twice as twisted with Sam until he just couldn’t take it anymore and he ran. He would give
Sam a choice of taking a beating or letting me get beat in his place.”
“Is this man in jail?”
“Yeah, for several more years at least. He got ten for criminal child abuse but since he called
for medical help they couldn’t charge him with attempted murder. He obviously had no
intentions of outright killing me.” Jim shrugged. “Starfleet turned the land into a big ship
yard—they are building the new Enterprise there. Dad said he’d take me after his mission, did
you want to come along?”
“He would not mind?”
“Nah, he said it was cool if your parents agreed.”
Spock nodded and came to the uncomfortable realization that he really was going to lose the
game. It was unexpected. “It is no wonder the chess club at school thinks you cheat—you play
phenomenally well.”
“They just suck at it,” Jim offered with a grin. “So you’ll ask your parents? It’ll be on a
Saturday—so we’d stay overnight and then come back on Monday.”
“I will,” Spock assured. “Vulcans do not celebrate birthdays but my mother has always
prepared me a special meal on the date of my birthday. I am aware that your birthday is next
week.”
“Everyone is aware that my birthday is next week,” Jim responded dryly. “I don’t celebrate it.”
“I can not imagine how you would ever want to,” Spock agreed. “That being said—since our
fathers will be on a mission—I thought perhaps you could come have dinner here. I know you
will not want to eat at the school cafeteria for the evening meal. The students will be less
supervised and more likely to bother you about the events surrounding your father’s
sacrifice.”
Jim grinned. “Did you just offer to make me a birthday dinner, Spock?”
“No, I had assumed I would ask my mother to program the meal.” Spock blushed slightly and
stared hard at the chess board. “She has decided to stay here due to my problem from
Monday.”
“It sounds great and you’re right—the kids at school always get extra nosy on my birthday.”
*****
Jim really didn’t hate his birthday but he hadn’t appreciated celebrating it since Frank had told
him about his father and the Kelvin. He wondered if his mother even knew Frank was the one
who’d told him. Jim had been talking about his birthday party and wanting a cake—his fifth
birthday. Frank had called him a ‘sick little fuck’ for wanting to celebrate the day his Daddy
died.
The Kelvin Memorial was gated and part of Starfleet Academy but there was a security guard
waiting at the big gates to let Jim in. He’d been coming in the early morning hours of his
birthday since Pike had brought him to San Francisco. The first time—he’d tried to climb the
fence and security had come running. One look at his face, however, had told them all exactly
who he was and they’d let him in without a word.
The memorial was tempered glass and beautifully constructed. Each crew member lost on the
Kelvin had a holographic picture embedded in the glass in a latinum frame. Jim sat down on
the ground in front of his father’s picture and sighed. “So, things are good with Pike. Even
when I do fucked up things he doesn’t lose it on me like Frank did. He loves me like I’m his
kid—like he fathered me which I think you would appreciate since you can’t be here to do
that. He does good work with Starfleet and received a commendation a few months back for
bravery. I know you know how brave and honest he is—he wouldn’t have been your best
friend if he weren’t pretty damn great in his own right.”
Jim shifted on his back and let his hand fall to his stomach as he sighed. “There is a new kid at
school—his name is Spock. He’s a hybrid, half Vulcan. His Dad is iced and is the Vulcan
Ambassador for Earth. His mom is beautiful and warm and kind. I like her a lot but also I kind
of resent her for being so amazing which makes me feel like a complete and total asshole. She
made peanut butter cookies—like on her own without the replicator. It was bizarre but they
tasted awesome. She sent me home with a dozen for Dad and he was just as stunned as I was
when I told him she actually baked them in an oven. We don’t even have an oven in our house.
I think there used to be one but Chris replaced it with a replicator/recycle unit before I came to
live with him.”
Jim let his hand drift up the glass and the tips of his fingers curled around the edge of the
frame that held his father’s hologram. “Sixteen years. Last year I was pretty pissy with you so
I’m sorry about that but mom had left a message on my personal comm at the house and
seeing her brought up all this anger. Coming over here to vent on you wasn’t all that cool but I
couldn’t spew on Chris, he doesn’t deserve it.” He offered his father’s picture a sly grin. “And
you took it like a Kirk—right on the chin.”
He let his hand slide down the glass and rest on the cool concrete he was sprawled on. “I like
Spock a lot. I’ve only known him for a week but he’s brilliant and vivid—like a star. Don’t get
me wrong—he’s physically hot as hell. I noticed that right up front but he’s also smart and
strong. His control over his mental gifts is probably the most attractive thing I’ve ever
encountered in my life. I feel safe when I’m with him and that’s pretty rare. Obviously, I
should’ve started hanging out at the Vulcan Embassy when my telepathy manifested. His Dad
is really comfortable to be around—it’s like he has this big mental shield that he envelopes his
entire family in and when I’m there he includes me in it. Spock says it’s a ‘family imperative’
that is natural to Vulcans and he was surprised when I felt it but wasn’t repelled by it. It’s
pretty cool that his Dad trusts me.”
Jim sat up and sighed. “Well, it’s almost time for school and they’re going to open this place
up to the bloody tourists any minute.” He rolled to his feet and touched his George Kirk’s face.
The image blurred and shifted where his fingers touched. “I have a good life. Thank you for
giving me the chance to live it. I won’t ever let someone say you did it in vain.”
He shouldered his back pack and headed towards the gate. There was a large crowd already
gathered and he winced at the news cameras. Thankfully a security guard started his way.
“Hey, Tom.”
“Hey, kiddo, they caught us by surprise. The front gates of the academy opened early because
of the…” Tom trailed off and sighed. “We’ll take you out the side entrance.”
*****
Chris Pike’s hand tightened into a fist as the news-vid footage of Jim at George Kirk’s
memorial. It was just maybe a minute of video. Jim reaching out to touch the holograph and
saying something. Thankfully, there was no audio but the damage was done as far as Pike was
concerned. It was a clusterfuck but some people in Starfleet were viewing it as a sweet piece of
PR and he wanted to chew someone a new asshole.
Unfortunately, he was hell and gone from Earth and wouldn’t be there for a week or more. His
call into headquarters hadn’t been returned and the officers he’d ordered to locate Jim hadn’t
reported since they’d failed to locate him at school. The door chimes rang on his private office
and he swallowed back a fair amount of temper. “Enter.”
Ambassador Sarek glided into the room. “I wished to inform you that my Amanda has
confiscated your son from the academy where the entire school was apparently under siege.
She has taken him and Spock to the Vulcan Embassy where Human reporters know better
than to go uninvited.”
Pike chuckled and relaxed. “That’s good to know. I had a team searching for him but he
wasn’t at the school and the headmaster refused to answer their questions concerning his
whereabouts.” He frowned. “Did you see the footage?”
Sarek shook her head. “Amanda did not forward me anything beyond a brief message with
her location and what she had already done to harbor James.”
Chris restarted the video he’d received from Admiral Archer without a word and shifted the
screen so the Vulcan could see it. The distaste that filtered across Sarek’s face was so obvious
that Pike blinked in surprise. “Security reported he was there for almost a half-hour so we’re
fortunate they only got this small bit of footage.”
“It is poor taste to intrude on such a private and emotional moment,” Sarek said finally. “He
does very well not to let the grief over his father’s death plague him regularly though it is
obvious he carries a burden for it.” The Vulcan walked away from the desk and went to stand
beside the window. The warp field provided a brilliant light show but Sarek didn’t spare it a
glance. “It is not so different than the burden that everyone who survived the Kelvin carries—
to live on when that brilliant, young, and courageous man died for us. Died for his child.”
“A father could do less,” Pike said and lifted an eyebrow in a fair imitation of the man he
hoped to become friends with when Sarek looked his way.
“I agree,” Sarek nodded. “I will work hard when we arrive on Beta Corius III to conclude
negotiations quickly so we may return to our families quickly.” He paused and glanced
around the office. “It is good that Amanda stayed on Earth to monitor Spock’s recovery so she
was there to shelter young James from this distasteful attention.”
“It certainly makes me feel better.”
*****
“Has he said anything to you?”
Spock shook his head. “Not since he arrived at the school—he was late for our first class but
the professor did not question him. I was unaware that the school campus was full of reporters
until you arrived to retrieve us.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “Why would they
intrude on such a private thing, Mother?”
Amanda paused and took a deep breath. “You’ll find that the Humans involved in the media
on Earth do not value the privacy of the individual as they should. The news broadcasts are
often a source of entertainment as well as a source of information so they seek special interest
stories like… the son of a dead hero visiting his memorial on the anniversary of his death.”
“It is barbaric and distasteful,” Spock muttered in return. “I will get him some tea but the
replicators here are not programmed with Terran food. He must be hungry as well.”
“I will have something delivered for him. There is a security team from Starfleet downstairs on
standby on orders from Captain Pike. They arrived a few minutes ago.” Amanda patted
Spock’s arm. “Something sweet—Jim won’t like that bitter Vulcan tea you prefer.”
*****
“Your mom is badass.”
Spock paused, a genuine frown spreading over his face. “I beg your pardon?”
Jim’s gaze widened and he laughed. “It’s a good thing. It means she’s strong and brave. A
force to be reckoned with.”
Spock settled the tray of tea on the table in front of Jim. “Very well, I would agree. My mother
is indeed badass.” He poured the tea carefully and lifted an eyebrow until Jim gamely picked
up his cup. “She once went before the Vulcan High Council and scolded them as if they were
all children concerning the lack of humanitarian aid to a desert settlement that was suffering
contagion. The virus had killed many and the government on Vulcan had quarantined the area
but offered little medical services.”
Jim grimaced. “Did they do what she wanted?”
“They sent medical supplies, food, and equipment out immediately after she finished berating
them and implying that they were of a poorer moral fiber than even the Ferengi,” Spock
admitted. “Nearly seventy percent of the settlement survived due to her efforts, among them
the Chieftain’s wife—she bore a female child later that year and she was named T’Amana after
my mother.”
“That’s great,” Jim said with a smile. “So yeah—she’s badass.”
“Today has been a trial for you,” Spock began. “It must have been difficult having your time
with your father’s memorial disturbed by the press.”
“I didn’t realize they were there until I was getting ready to leave,” Jim admitted and blushed.
“I’m pretty pissed that I didn’t notice they were there and that I let them catch me in such a
position. That was between me and my father—it wasn’t mean to be fodder for the news
networks ratings.”
“You go every year?”
“Yeah, I have in the past.” Jim grimaced. “I guess I’ll have to do something different next
year.”
“Next year I will go with you and monitor the situation myself so you will have the privacy
you are entitled to,” Spock offered seriously.
“You’re a great friend, Spock.”
“I’ve never… had a friend.”
Jim glanced at him, surprised and sad at the same time. “I had a few in Iowa—kids that really
didn’t care who I was because they all knew I was getting my ass kicked at home. It’s different
here between being adopted by Pike and being a survivor of the Kelvin Massacre—I get a lot
of attention but I wouldn’t say it’s positive. I guess I’m a little jaded when it comes to other
kids because the first school I was put in after I recovered enough to go to school wasn’t great.
Chris didn’t know a lot about how things worked on that front so it was trial and error. I was
bored as hell and still pissed about my life. I wasn’t convinced he wasn’t going to just throw
me away at the first opportunity.”
“He cares for you a great deal.”
“Yeah,” Jim smiled into his tea cup. “I was telling George that this morning and I told him
about you.”
Spock was silent for a minute. “What did you… I do not understand the custom of talking to a
picture, Jim.”
“It’s not something… being at the memorial at Starfleet Academy is about as close as I will
ever come to actually touching my dad. He went to school there, he trained to be an officer
there and he died on a Starfleet ship. So I go there and talk to him on my birthday. I tell him
about my life and what’s going on it.”
Spock nodded and wondered if it offered the comfort that Jim was trying to project. He
couldn’t imagine an object taking the place of one of his parents; being all he had of his
parents. “What did you tell him about me?”
“That you’re smart and hot,” Jim said with an unrepentant grin.
“My body temperature is several degrees higher than yours…” Spock trailed off and frowned.
“Why would you tell him that?”
Jim laughed and glanced up at the sound of female laughter. Amanda Grayson was standing
near their chairs with a tray of food. “Ma’am.”
“I had Ensign Collins bring you some food from a local restaurant because as Spock pointed
out—the replicators in the embassy aren’t ideal for the Terran diet.” She settled the tray on the
table and with another soft laugh walked away. “Do not leave my son in the dark on the
matter of his ‘hotness’, James.”
“No, ma’am, I wouldn’t dream of it!” Jim called after her and snagged a chicken finger off his
plate. “I see she got your food from the replicators.”
“Yes.” Spock settled back in his chair with his bowl of soup and regarded Jim with one raised
eyebrow. “I believe you promised to educate me.”
“Oh,” Jim chuckled. “Smart and hot.”
“Yes.”
“In that context the word ‘hot’ refers to your physical attractiveness.”
“And ‘hot’ is good?”
“Hot is great,” Jim assured.
Spock flushed slightly and concentrated on his food. “Did you flirt with me in front of my
mother?”
“I believe I did but not entirely on purpose,” Jim admitted with a smirk. “I hardly meant to do
it in front of your mother.”
*****
“Ma’am, if it’s alright, embassy security has given us permission to stay here and monitor the
Captain’s son.”
Amanda nodded as she closed the door. “There is only one entrance leading into this room
and the windows are glazed so no one can see into the building from the outside. My son is
with him and Jim seems at ease. I have a few meetings to take care of and then I’d like to take
the boys to my home. You are welcome to stay on guard there if you chose.”
Collins nodded. “We do. Captain Pike is very concerned and Admiral Archer made it clear
that we weren’t to let the press harass the kid. They hope the interest will die down in a few
days.”
“Good. I’ll be gone several hours but I’m wearing a communicator that both boys have the
access codes to contact.” Amanda checked her wrist chronometer and sighed. “I’ll check back
with you gentlemen as I can.”
“Thank you.”
Amanda hurried down the hall but slowed to a sedate walk as she rounded the corner. She
made it a point to never rush in front of Vulcans. Most saw it as a weakness of her Human
condition and she’d always figured they had enough ammunition on that front without
adding to it with her behavior. She couldn’t control the emotions she put out all the time—
didn’t even want to if she was going to be honest but she could control her physical body to a
great degree.
Elder T’Pol was already seated at the table with a pot of tea when Amanda entered the room.
T’Pol was one of the few Vulcan females that Amanda had ever met that she could consider a
friend. T’Pol had the unique experience of having lived among Humans for most of her life. It
was rumored that she’d even been bonded to a Human male when she was younger.
“How is the boy?”
“Irritated, resigned.” Amanda offered as she settled and accepted the tea that was offered.
“Teenage boys try to hide far more than they should.”
“Yes,” T’Pol agreed. “I found the boys far more disagreeable than my daughter in that respect.
My T’Char was quite reasonable from a very early age.”
“A credit to her mother,” Amanda offered with a smile.
“Certainly not to her namesake,” T’Pol offered her eyes darkening slightly as she spoke. “I
have been in touch with the Betazed Embassy—they are concerned about James. I’m not sure if
you are aware but he is a citizen of Betazed. They are disturbed by Starfleet’s disregard for his
welfare.”
“Is this because Captain Pike is on a mission this week?”
“Yes.” T’Pol set aside her tea. “I tried to explain to Ambassador Deloia that Starfleet operations
cannot be altered to cater to a single person—even if that person is George Kirk’s son. Admiral
Archer could hardly afford to put off a diplomatic mission that served both Earth and the
Federation to a great degree because of the anniversary of the Kelvin Massacre.”
“I don’t disagree,” Amanda admitted. “I do believe James would’ve better served if
Christopher Pike was here to relieve some of the burden of the press and in that regard—I
acted as soon as I saw the problem.”
“You are credit to your husband and our people, Amanda,” T’Pol returned. “Though it was
hardly your intention, your decision to retrieve young James and sequester him here as done
much to soften our relationship with the Betazoid. There have been some concerns of late
between our two peoples. Your protection of one of their citizens—a favored citizen as I’ve
learned—has earned you quite a personal boon from their government and facilitated a more
friendly dialogue between our two governments.”
Amanda blinked in surprise. “That is unexpected. Sarek hadn’t mentioned tensions between
Vulcan and Betazed.”
“It is not one of the matters that is necessary for him to be overly concerned about,” T’Pol
responded. “His workload has always been quite heavy and his return to Earth has only
increased that. The more he is available to the Federation—the more they demand of him as
you know.”
“Yes,” Amanda admitted. “It is one reason why we’ve made the decision that I will travel with
him as much as we are able. Spock is at an age now where we feel he can be left with limited
supervision. The school he’s enrolled in has helped in that regard. It is how our family came to
know James Kirk. He’s shares quarters with Spock on the campus when his own father
travels.”
T’Pol nodded. “I was already made aware of that situation. I trust Spock has recovered from
the unfortunate acts of the Human woman at his school?”
“Yes.” Amanda took a deep breath. “Spock declined to press charges. He was distressed by the
intimacy of the attack and did not wish to call attention to that in criminal proceedings—even
when we promised it would be private and sealed to public scrutiny.” She paused. “I did get
her fired and her license to teach removed. She won’t be granted another on any Federation
planet.”
A small barely noticeable smile drifted over T’Pol’s mouth and disappeared just as swiftly. “I
once told T’Pau that no mother on Vulcan could compare to you when it came to the
protection of their child. She agreed that you are formidable.”
“I see no higher purpose in my life than the protection of my son,” Amanda murmured.
“Perhaps I’ve been unreasonable in the past but I can’t regret it.”
“There is much polite speculation on the matter of Spock’s bond with T’Pring.”
Amanda snorted and then blushed. “My apologies.”
T’Pol quirked an eyebrow and sat aside her tea. “Some blame you and others have said that
Spock rejected her at the moment when they would have been joined. T’Pau has not spoken of
the event to me.”
“I did not attend the ceremony because I was furious with Sarek,” Amanda admitted. “But
when they returned—Spock was unbonded and Sarek informed me that we would returning
to Earth for an undetermined amount of time.”
“Men,” T’Pol began coolly. “Are the source of much…”
“Irritation?” Amanda supplied and just smiled when T’Pol nodded abruptly. “I’m not sure
what happened exactly but Sarek did tell me that Spock made it clear to everyone that he
would not tolerate being bonded to T’Pring.”
“She’s a petulant and ambitious child,” T’Pol began. “Our clan is not particularly served by
bonding Spock to her. T’Pau and I have spoken at length about it because she felt it her duty to
change Spock’s mind. Fortunately, I’ve made her realize the error of bonding someone as
gifted as Spock against his better judgment. I believe the circumstances would have been
disastrous if he had allowed the bond with someone he found so contemptible.”
Amanda’s gaze widened. “I don’t… what did he say?”
T’Pol all but smirked. “He told T’Pring he would rather burn and die than have her. I was not
there to witness it but that is what her parents said when they lodged their complaint with the
Council.”
Amanda bit down on her lip. “That is… Spock is normally so much more gentle with females.”
“T’Pring made the mistake of bringing you up after he stopped the ceremony,” T’Pol
continued. “As much as you have always protected your son—your son has defended your
honor vigorously whenever it was called for.”
“To his detriment as far as many Vulcans are concerned,” Amanda murmured. “I’ve told him
more than once that he need not do it… that what they say does not bother me.”
“He is a child of two worlds and it is unfair to him that he has not been allowed to fully
explore that,” T’Pol said in return. “He is half-Human and I have met very few Human males
that would not lay waste to an entire continent for their mother.” Amanda inclined her head in
acknowledgement—T’Pol lips shifted slightly at the very Vulcan gesture. “There is a problem
you should be aware of.”
“Concerning?”
“Winona Kirk.”
Amanda’s gaze narrowed. “As far as I know, T’Pol, she doesn’t have the right to see James
without permission from Captain Pike.”
“Yes, that was pressed upon her by the admiralty when she lodged a complaint with them this
morning over James being sequestered here after the press followed him to school,” T’Pol
explained. “Admiral Archer did not, as Humans would say, pull his punches when he
explained the heinous circumstances of Captain Pike’s adoption of James Kirk.”
“Admiral Archer hasn’t pulled his punches on any matter since he turned tripped over the
century mark,” Amanda said with a laugh. “If I reach that age I do hope I’m afforded the same
privilege.”
T’Pol lifted one eyebrow. “I was always under the impression that you say exactly what you
want whenever you want. Though T’Pau would hardly admit it aloud, she finds your intensity
and compassion quite refreshing.”
Amanda’s mouth dropped open.
*****
Collins tossed down his cards with a sigh. “I’m taking you two to Vegas.”
Jim laughed and gathered up the small round plastic chips Spock had gotten the replicator to
spit out at his request. “I’m not allowed in casinos and I doubt they’d let a Vulcan play either.
They have the ultimate poker face and the ability to count cards must be unparalleled. You
know they put PSI scanners in at the door to keep empaths out.”
Spock lifted an eyebrow at him and began to shuffle the cards expertly. Jim had taught him
how to do it in about five minutes. They’d played a game called gin rummy for an hour before
inviting the Starfleet security team in to play “poker”.
“What is in Vegas?” Spock questioned.
“Places where you can play these kinds of game for money,” Jim explained. “I could clean up
in a poker tournament.”
“Your trust fund is quite adequate, is it not?” Spock questioned. “I doubt Captain Pike would
approve gambling.”
Jim grinned. “No, he’d have my hide.”
“What do kids do on Vulcan for fun?” Collins asked sharing a glance with his partner Mark
Phillips.
“Nothing,” Spock returned, his tone dry. He lifted one eyebrow when they all laughed. “There
is little time for play after education starts.”
“No sports?” Jim questioned.
“Not as such, no. There was a time in our past when the Vulcan people engaged in blood
sports. In modern society, Vulcans are dedicated to scientific research and continued
education almost exclusively.”
“That’s…” Jim trailed off. “Don’t be offended but that sounds boring as hell.”
Spock inclined his head. “From what I know of the concept of hell in Terran society—that is
where all the truly interesting people go. I doubt it is boring. Dangerous perhaps, but not
boring.”
Collins choked on his drink and Jim burst out laughing.
*****
Amanda had settled on a small settee to wait for Winona Kirk to be brought to her. She wasn’t
exactly surprised that the woman had shown up at the embassy. It had been a bit startling that
T’Pol had authorized her entry and arranged for the two of them to meet. She busied herself
with a few pieces of correspondence on her PADD and started making notes on one of the
speeches Sarek intended to give at the next quarterly meeting of the Federation Council. It had
become her habit to soften the blunt edges of her husband’s personality early on in their
marriage and he allowed it without complaint. His ideas and concerns had been better
received since they’d reached the arrangement.
She glanced up when the door was opened and a woman her age entered the room in a
Starfleet uniform. “Lt. Commander Kirk.”
“Please, call me Winona, Lady Amanda.”
Amanda nodded and gestured her to sit. “Just Amanda will do. The title is largely ceremonial
and honorary due to my husband’s position on Vulcan. James is upstairs with my son and a
Starfleet security detail so he is quite safe from the press.”
“I’d like to see him.”
“You must realize that I don’t have the legal authority to allow that and if James wanted to see
you he would’ve responded to one of your messages from this morning. Right now, we have
him an empathically shielded room—one of the private rooms in the embassy for Vulcans who
require sequestering during physical illness. The attention he received this morning from the
press was upsetting to him and the healer that examined him on our arrival prescribed that he
relax in the shielded room for the remainder of the afternoon with as little interference as was
possible.”
“I’m his mother—surely you understand that I have a right to see him.”
Amanda sat aside her PADD and clasped her hands together. “It is not my place to determine
such a thing. The Federation courts have ruled on this matter more than once I believe—both
times in favor of Christopher Pike. They decided that neither you nor his grandmother on
Betazed had the legal right to custody of James. Captain Pike sent me a communication several
hours ago granting me temporary physical custody of his son until he returns to Earth. He told
me explicitly that you were not allowed contact with James because you are a threat to his
emotional well being.”
Winona’s cheeks darkened with embarrassment and anger. “I love my son.”
“I don’t doubt that. I also don’t doubt that being around you hurts your son. As the mother of
a sensitive child, I spent years learning to shield my emotions and thoughts from him. I’m not
always successful but I do try. James has no defense against you, Commander Kirk, because
you are his mother and he will always desperately want your love and approval. Neither of
which you can give him unconditionally—if you could you wouldn’t have spent so many
years running away from him and he wouldn’t have been left in the care of a man currently
serving a jail term for child abuse.”
*****
The security team from Starfleet had been changed out for another pair of men by the time the
boys were settling into the meditation room. Amanda hadn’t been overly surprised to find that
one of the new team was a Napean. They were a partially empathic race—Admiral Archer had
probably requested a mental health status check done on James when the Vulcan Embassy had
outright refused to discuss his medical condition with Starfleet officials. Amanda had sent an
encrypted report to Captain Pike because she’d felt it her duty but at no point had she felt like
Starfleet had a right to know the state of James’ mental health.
She eyed the young man for several seconds before shifting away from the door to allow them
entry into her home. “Ensign Knowles, I’m afraid you’ll have to let the admiralty that you
were unsuccessful in scanning James while you’re here this evening.”
“Ma’am, I have orders…”
“The Vulcan healers at the embassy helped him with his shields and right now he’s in
meditation with my son. I assure you—you’d have better luck banging your head on a wall
than you do getting a read on his mental status.”
Knowles offered her a rueful and relieved smile. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you. I did tell Admiral
Archer that it would be difficult to reach him if he were in a good place. I doubt he’d have the
ability to maintain his shield or meditate at his young age if he were not in good shape.”
“I’m apt to agree,” Amanda closed the door firmly and set the security. “So far we haven’t had
any problems—the security forces at the embassy managed to scare everyone away but that
doesn’t mean they aren’t lying in wait for him to leave the house.”
*****
Jim shifted out of the lotus position and stretched his body leisurely as he watched Spock put
out the fire pot. “That was cool. I don’t normally use a focus object.”
“How do you normally focus?” Spock questioned.
Jim flushed. “When Chris is at home—I use him as my focal point. He has an orderly mind
and consistant feel. I think I was doing it even before I realized I’d manifested empathy. The
scientists on Betazed theorize that my paracortex was flooded with my father’s emotions at the
moment of my birth. His gifts were somewhat limited by because he was half-Human but the
situation was obviously very intense. That my gifts lay dormant until I entered puberty was a
big surprise for everyone.”
Spock stilled. “You said you manifested at twelve. You began puberty at twelve?”
Jim’s gaze widened at the shock in the Vulcan’s voice. “Umm, actually my doctor thinks I’m
nearly done with it.” He blushed when Spock raised an eyebrow.
“And the age? Is that common for Betazoids?”
“Actually pretty common for Humans—I’m not sure about Betazoid males since I’m mostly
Human it never really came up in my doctor visits. I’m fairly normal outside of my psionic
abilities.”
“I see.” Spock put away the fire pot carefully and said nothing else as they tidied the room.
“Did you wish to shower? I can provide some clothes to sleep in.”
“Sure that would be great,” Jim said with a soft smile. “Hmmm, you aren’t in puberty?”
Spock flushed and averted his gaze. “I have just begun that process. It is a source of concern
because of my hybrid physiology.”
“Well, I’m here if you want to talk about it.”
*****
Amanda sat aside her PADD at the abrupt knock on her office door. Despite his attempts to be
as Vulcan as possible, Spock had always had an impatient knock. “Enter.” Spock came in
quickly and shut the door tightly. She shifted in her chair at look on her son’s face. “Is
something wrong?”
Spock sat down in the chair in front of her stiffly and said, “I am completely abnormal,
Mother.”
Amanda blinked and took a deep breath. “Now, Spock…”
“Jim has nearly finished puberty and I have only begun. Vulcans and Humans obviously have
a similar development period—why did I begin so late and what does that mean for…” He
blushed dark and averted his gaze.
“Your Pon Farr?”
“Do not…” Spock hissed and trailed off. “I can not discuss that with you, Mother.”
Amanda laughed sadly. “No, I’m sorry, of course not. I’m sure the documents your father
provided you on the subject were most educational.”
“They were sufficient,” Spock returned evenly. “Is something wrong with me?”
“No, of course, not Spock and you’re not abnormal at all. Puberty has no definite schedule and
each man—Vulcan and Human—develops in their own way. You’re perfectly normal and
there is some hope that you’ll be spared…well that thing you don’t wish to talk about.”
“Father does not think I will be spared,” Spock murmured. “If he had—he would not have
fought so long with you about my bonding with T’Pring.”
“Why are you upset really?” Amanda questioned.
“Jim is sexually mature,” Spock muttered. “He is likely to seek romantic partners long before I
am physically interested in such relationships.”
“You fear he’ll leave you behind for a romantic relationship?” Amanda questioned. “You’ve
become very close in just a few short days so that must be difficult for you to consider.”
“I have never had a friend before,” Spock admitted frankly. “I did not know what it meant to
have one until Jim.”
Amanda blinked back tears and took a deep breath. “Spock.”
“Do not be upset,” Spock said quickly. “My situation on Vulcan was not your fault. Our
friendship did form fast—perhaps because he shielded my mind with his when my own
mental shields failed…” Spock flushed. “It was like being wrapped in a very warm blanket.”
“Oh.” Amanda took a deep breath. “That must have been comforting.”
“It was extraordinary. His mind is beautiful.”
*****
Jim despite the outward appearance of arrogance wasn’t all that vain about his appearance. He
realized people found him attractive and that wasn’t always to his benefit. In recent years he’d
encountered plenty of people—some his father’s age who found him interesting in ways that
were seriously very inappropriate. So, he wasn’t vain and he didn’t spend a lot of time looking
in the mirror—all he ever saw was his father’s face staring back at him anyway.
Still he did take care with brushing his hair, teeth, and might have spent more time than was
strictly necessary trying to decide if he should just wear the bottom part of the PJs Spock had
provided. He decided that he would leave the top off because the house was very hot
compared to his own. He knew that was because even Lady Amanda was used to an elevated
temperature on Vulcan. The Vulcan Embassy had been like an oven, too.
The bedroom he’d been given for the night was richly appointed and far more comforting than
he’d expected in a Vulcan house hold. The rest of the house was rather spartan—so the super
comfortable bed with all of the pillows had been a very pleasant surprise. He left the bathroom
and paused at the sight of Spock standing near the end of the bed. He was dressed in black PJs,
his hands tucked behind his back.
“Hey.”
Spock glanced up, his gaze widened slightly, and he lowered it quickly. “I wanted to make
sure you were settled for the night. Mother said she would contact Dr. Hill in the morning to
determine whether or not you can return to school for a normal schedule.”
“Well, one good thing is that the school is private property so they can get the police to clear
the campus if it becomes a madhouse again.” Jim hopped up on the bed and swung his feet.
“Did you want to hang out for a while? I’m not really tired.”
“No, you should sleep—Humans require at least seven hours of sleep every twenty-four for
optimal performance.”
Jim laughed. “Whatever you say, man.”
Spock cleared his throat. “I do not know how to wish you a ‘happy birthday’ because that
doesn’t seem appropriate considering other factors.”
Jim turned on the bed and looked at him with a small, sad smile playing on his generous
mouth. “I met a Klingon once—on a space station when I was travelling with my Dad for a
shore leave. We had a great time—regardless—this Klingon recognized me and he came up to
me and pointed his finger at me. His hand was huge!” Jim laughed when Spock finally lifted
his gaze and looked at him. “Anyways, I’m thirteen years old and he was like a giant
compared—you know how big Klingons are. Anyway, he pointed his finger at me and he
said—your father was a hero and you should live your life like a hero’s son.”
“What did you say?”
“Well, I was taught not to argue with a Klingon if it could be avoided so I said ‘yes, sir’.” Jim
grinned and then he grew serious. “Then he said that had he been in my father’s place he
would’ve considered it a good day to die. That it was an honorable death and that there is no
better fate for a man of integrity.”
“That’s surprising coming from a Klingon in reference to a human.”
“Pike was stunned,” Jim agreed. “I guess the point I’m making is that while I don’t think my
birthday is anything to celebrate—I do believe in acknowledging what my father did on this
day sixteen years ago.”
“So we should say, ‘it was a good day to die’?” Spock questioned.
Jim nodded. “Yeah, absolutely. It was a good day to die.”
*****
Thursdays were normally great because Jim loved his mechanical engineering class and it was
two hours long. Unfortunately, after being seen on the vid talking to his dead father—things
were slightly different in his most unstructured class. Jim had been without a partner for the
‘lab’ section of the class for the entire school year until Spock came along. The class had been
uneven in number due to a student leaving the school and Jim had specifically asked not to
receive a partner. In the past, he’d always ended up doing all the work anyway. Spock had
gravitated to Jim’s station naturally the first Thursday he was at the school and the teacher had
accepted the situation with a small, relieved smile.
None of the students at Horizon were below average but the roughest ones were the ones with
a mechanical engineering focus. Jim had a multifocus program as he adored many subjects and
could hardly bare to part with any of them long term. Horizon was the perfect learning
environment for him in that respect even if he did think most of the guys in his engineering
classes were one step out of the cave.
The biggest caveman in the class was a guy named Rob David who made it his business to ask
Jim as many personal questions as he could get away with in front as many people as possible.
It was a petty revenge from when Jim had refused to scan the teacher’s mind for a schedule on
the ‘surprise’ tests she gave on a supposed random basis. It wasn’t random at all. It had taken
Jim one quarter to confirm her pattern and he hadn’t taken a dive in her head to do it.
“So, Kirk, did Starfleet set up your little spot on the news as a promo stunt or do you go
around talking dead people all the time?”
Jim sighed and glanced up from the tricorder he had in pieces. But before he could respond,
Spock cleared his throat and said, “Vulcans are three times stronger than the average human
male.” Spock looked Rob over with the kind of casual almost disdain that only Vulcans were
capable of. “Would you consider yourself average?”
Rob flushed. “I—what the hell are you talking about?”
Jeff Marty, Rob’s usual partner in crime, laughed. “I think he just threatened you, Rob.”
“Is that right? Did you threaten me?”
Spock glanced him over again and dismissed him. “Vulcans do not make threats.” He picked
up a tool and started working on the circuit board Jim had wordlessly passed his way.
“However, it would be a disservice to you if I did not point out that on Vulcan I was schooled
in martial arts starting when I was five years old and I know more about the frailty of the
Human body than you will ever know in your life time.”
“Still not threatening me, huh?” Rob questioned his eyes starting to light up with the first
genuine amusement Jim had ever seen.
“Vulcans do not make threats,” Spock continued without bothering to look at the boy. He
picked up small screw driver. “I am, of course, only half-Vulcan.” He fixed the loose chipset
and returned it to Jim before focusing on Rob. “On Vulcan, it is the height of poor taste to
disparage the dead or to make light of those who grieve a loss of life. You will forgive me if I
misunderstood your words when you approached our workstation. Was it actually your
intention to insult Jim by discussing his father’s sacrifice as if it were something to laugh
about?”
Jim blinked when Rob paled and averted his gaze. “Spock, it’s okay. I know he was just
messing around.”
“He should find another topic on which to ‘mess around’.” Spock responded. “For instance, I
do not think you attended your hair this morning.”
Jim laughed and ran his fingers through the short dark blond mess on his head which he had
forgotten to pull a comb through. “Jerk.”
“Kirk always looks a mess; he thinks it’s gonna get him a girl.” Rob turned back to his own
station with a little grin in their direction. “Like having a bed head is sexy or something.”
“I know you want me, Rob,” Jim called after him. “Don’t hide from your feelings. Everyone
wants me, right Spock?”
Spock didn’t roll his eyes but Jim knew he wanted to. He reached into their work box and
pulled out a ‘broken’ scanner. “Of course, Jim, you are very aesthetically pleasing.”
“That was very sarcastic, Mr. Spock.”
“Vulcans do not participate in acts of sarcasm.”
Jim laughed and everyone around them joined in as well. “Right.”
*****
Amanda was sitting at her desk waiting for Sarek’s communication to be routed to her from
Starfleet command—she’d been waiting for fifteen minutes so it was hardly her fault she’d
zoned out reading an article on her PADD when his face finally appeared. She screamed a
little when he cleared his throat loudly, almost tossing the PADD in the process.
She offered her clearly amused husband a practiced glare before smiling. “Sarek.”
“Wife.” Sarek lifted an eyebrow. “How do you fair?”
“I am well.”
“I received a communication from T’Pol praising your handling of the press yesterday.
Everyone is quite impressed with you—apparently you have improved our diplomatic
relationship with Betazed with your compassion and good grace.”
Amanda flushed. “I was just being a mother, Sarek.”
“It is a role at which you have always excelled. How are Spock and James?”
“We arranged for them to go to school today. Starfleet helped the school get an injunction
barring the press from the school grounds and Admiral Archer released a statement
requesting that the press leave James alone out of respect. It seemed to have cooled down
some of the interest. I sent a note to Captain Pike last night—I met Jim’s mother yesterday.”
“He informed me over the morning meal,” Sarek admitted. “Since I did not get any
communication from you last night—I have contacted you to confirm that I am, in fact, still
your husband.”
She offered him a saucy grin. “Captain Pike is quite attractive.”
“Yes, he is.” Sarek agreed lifting one dark eyebrow when his wife gasped. “I do take note of
such things.”
“Hmm, I bet you do.” Amanda relaxed in her chair and set aside the PADD. “How is your
bromance with the Captain going? Did you engage him in any of male bonding rituals you
researched for the trip?”
“I fail to understand why you insist on calling the professional relationship I wish to develop
with Captain Pike a bromance.” Sarek responded, just short of snotty which his wife took to
mean he was amused. “We watched a football game. He is fond of the San Francisco 49ers. He
mentioned taking James and Spock to a game later in the year.”
“That sounds good—because their bromance is coming along great.”
Sarek’s mouth quirked. “Amanda.”
“Oh, Spock came to me last night a perfect wreck over the fact that Jim is apparently at the end
of puberty and might seek romantic partners soon.” Amanda curled a piece of hair around her
finger and bit down on her lip at her husband’s stoic expression. She could see the shock and
alarm working under the muscles of his face. “I, yet again, assured him that his own
development was not abnormal and he need not be overly concerned about his own level of
sexual maturity. He was most mortified to bring it up to me.”
“I am most mortified to hear about it,” Sarek responded dryly.
“I live in hope that he comes directly to you with questions about his first morning erection,”
Amanda offered with a smirk.
“You are a cruel and vicious creature, Wife.”
“You married me.”
Sarek eyed her as if she were an experiment. “At the time it was the most logical of my
options. It seemed unreasonable that I should spend the rest of my life walking around
missing a piece of myself.”
*****
Jim shouldered his back pack as he got out of the air car that Starfleet security had sent for him
and turned to Spock. “You don’t have to come.”
“I would not mind watching unless it would make you uncomfortable.”
“No, not at all.” Jim inclined his head and they headed up the narrow sidewalk to the gates of
the Betazed Embassy. “My teacher’s name is Jaret and he’s pretty cool. Right now I’m learning
to screen out the thoughts of others when I open a window in my shields. It’s a self-defense
measure of sorts and something I have to learn if I’m going to function in Starfleet as a
telepath.”
“You intend on joining Starfleet?”
“Yeah.” Jim shrugged. “I really can’t imagine another career I’d rather have. I know my Dad
wants me to join—wants me to carry on the family tradition in my biological father’s name.”
He paused as they got close to the doors. “This place is kind of noisy mentally. Are your
shields good?”
“Yes, I shored them up on the way here.”
“Good. No one in here would intentionally hurt you but there are quite a few Betazoids living
on Earth with their families. Often the embassy is nearly over run with the children of
diplomats and staff. They like to keep their little ones close and the smaller kids don’t have a
lot of control. This whole building is shielded to protect both them and their surrounding
neighbors from empathic bleed-off as a result.”
“Your psionic strength is high,” Spock started and then paused as they approached the
guards. The two men opened the doors without saying a word and Jim motioned him to
follow. “Is it dangerous for you?”
“It would’ve been if it hadn’t lain dormant when I was a baby,” Jim admitted. “I’m getting the
training I need and my Dad has mentioned taking me to Betazoid for the summer. I would
receive intensive instruction there.”
“You do not want to do it?”
Jim grimaced. “My grandmother would probably try to arrange my marriage while I’m there
and I’m so not interested in that.”
“You can say no, correct?”
“Yeah, of course, and if need be I could totally hide behind Pike. I’m not legally allowed to
make my own decisions about things until I’m eighteen per Federation law and Betazed is a
Federation planet.”
“And would you be willing to hide behind Captain Pike?” Spock questioned as they entered a
lift.
Jim picked the destination and threw Spock a grin. “Yeah, absolutely—I wouldn’t even
hesitate.”
*****
Spock had hoped to simply observe Jim’s lesson with Jaret but the older Betazoid man had
included him in the lesson immediately. The difference in mind organization that Jaret was
leading Jim in was so fascinating that Spock surrendered himself to the lesson almost
immediately. The man was meticulous in his explanation of the technique he was teaching—
and in his own control. Spock never once felt either him or Jim brush up his own mental
shields.
When he finally managed to open the small window in his shields for sensory input he was so
stunned that it closed immediately. “Oh.”
Jaret laughed. “Is that a good ‘oh’, Spock?”
Spock nodded. “This is a most unusual experience for me. Am I permitted to share it with my
father at a later date?”
“Of course,” Jaret said with a small smile. “I would be interested to know what he thinks of it.
Vulcans have such unique and interesting gifts. I once met a priestess with telekinsis. I’m to
understand that you are very gifted—do you believe you are capable of telekinsis?”
Spock inclined his head as he considered it. “When I was created—the genectist who saw to
the blending of my DNA purposefully made my mental gifts as strong as was possible, to off
set the Human genes. He believed it logical to do so. As a result, I am far more powerful than
even my father in regards to my psionic abilities. It is believed with practice and dedication
that I am capable of telekinsis.”
“Fascinating,” Jaret said with a quirked eyebrow and merriment twinkling in his black eyes. “I
do hope you’ll attend more of Jim’s lessons. I believe today is the first time he’s fallen so easily
into his lesson.”
“I meditated with Spock last night,” Jim said as he shifted his body around. “With a Vulcan
fire pot—it was very relaxing to have a inanimate focal point.”
Jaret paused and inclined his head. “What have you used in the past?”
“Normally, my Dad.”
“You use your human adoptive father as your focal point for meditation,” Jaret repeated
obviously stunned. “Why have I never asked this question?”
Jim shrugged. “I don’t know. Is that bad or wrong?”
“No, Jim, it’s just highly unusual to pick a sentient being for a focal point. How was the
experience different for you last night?”
“Well, normally, meditation serves to center me and build up my shields. My Dad has an
orderly mind and a very hardy personality. I don’t have to worry that he’s going to fly off the
handle and get ill tempered while he’s watching the vid or working in his office.”
“So, often you aren’t even in the same room with him?”
Jim flushed. “He doesn’t even have to be at home. As long as he’s in San Francisco it’s pretty
easy to focus on him. I even managed it once when he was in orbit. I didn’t realize he’d
beamed up to the space station or I would’ve never thought to try it.”
It was Spock’s turn to look at him with undisguised surprise. “Fascinating.”
“Why did you pick him as your focal point to begin with?” Jaret questioned.
“Because he’s first thing in my life to be constant, unmoving,” Jim admitted, a blush stealing
across his cheek bones. “He doesn’t yield or surrender to anything or anyone.”
“And last night, with the fire pot? How was it different?”
“I felt relaxed and very mellow at the end. I’m not sure if it’s because of the change in focal
point or because of Spock himself.” Jim paused and seemed to consider his next words. “My
mind relaxes when I’m with him. Does that make sense?”
Jaret glanced at Spock and then tilted his head carefully as he studied him. “I do find him
quite relaxing to be around myself. His shields are very strong for such a young Vulcan.
Spock, how does your mind respond to Jim’s presence?”
“I find him easy to be around but I attribute that to the close mental contact we had the second
day we knew each other. My primary mental shield failed due to an incident—a human
grabbed my hand.” He paused when Jaret’s eyes widened. “It was stressful. Jim wrapped his
own mental shields around me until my father could come for me. Since that time I have
found Jim’s presence a source of comfort.”
Jaret glanced between them. “Have you melded?”
“No,” they responded in unison.
“I would be careful if you chose to do so,” Jaret admitted. “You might find your mental
compatibility so strong that a bond could form. Though it is rare—spontaneous bonds
between Betazoids have happened. I know little of Vulcan bonds so I can’t say what fail safes
might be in place for you Spock to prevent an accidental bond.”
Spock was pretty there weren’t any precautions he could take. Spontaneous bonds between
Vulcans could happen with a simple touch. For one selfish moment, he wished for it because
such a bond would tie his friend to him for life. Horrified by his thoughts, he pushed it deep
and cleared his throat. “I will discuss it with my father.”
*****
They were in the lobby of the embassy waiting for the car his mother had sent for them to
arrive when she made an appearance. The girl was their age, maybe slightly older and she had
her eyes set on Jim. Spock thought she looked like a hunter and if that was so, his friend was
definitely the prey.
“Spock, this is Casina—she’s a friend of the family,” Jim offered and moved closer to Spock.
Spock wasn’t surprised when a strong presense brushed up against his shields and he stared
at her without a flicker of emotion, he made certain. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
She smiled, utterly fake and oddly threatening. “I’ve never met a Vulcan before. Your mind
is… rigid.”
“His mind is private,” Jim snapped. “You know better than to try that—you’re lucky he has
more discipline than you.”
She flushed and crossed her arms over her breasts. “You’re no fun at all, Jimmy.”
Jim glanced out the door and saw the Vulcan Embassy car at the gates. “Our ride is here,
Spock.”
Spock said nothing until they were getting settled in the back of the car with his mother.
Amanda was settled in with a series of PADDS to occupy herself. Spock noticed that she was
much more involved in his father’s work than she ever had been on Earth. He wondered at the
change and if she enjoyed it for herself or because it was part of Sarek’s world.
“She upset you?”
“She’s potential wife number six,” Jim muttered. “My grandmother has been throwing pretty,
vapid girls at me for a year now. Six months ago, I told her that I thought I preferred men and
I was introduced to three different guys at a embassy party the next week. She has no shame.”
Amanda chuckled. “Yes, well, I’ve always found the Betazoid people to be oddly refreshing in
their blunt honesty. It’s caused problems in diplomacy, of course, as they have even less tact
than Vulcans. Putting a Vulcan diplomat in a room with a Betazoid diplomat is asking for
scandal and/or incident of epic proportions.” She put her PADDs in a small case clearly
designed for storing the slim computers and focused on them. “How was school?”
“Spock made nice with the biggest bully in the school,” Jim offered with a sunny grin which
made Spock outright glare at him. “It was practically flirting through death threats.”
“Vulcans do not flirt. Therefore, I did not flirt with that disagreeable boy.”
“Oh, maybe not in your mind,” Jim inclined his head. “But guys like that—they enjoy being
told they could be snapped like a twig. I bet he invites you to his next party and then you can
tell him something great like ‘Vulcans do not party’ in your best snotty Vulcany tone. You can
say party like it’s a profanity.”
Amanda laughed at the look of pure indignation that crossed Spock’s face which lasted all of
two seconds before he schooled his features completely. “I have a dinner appointment so
you’ll both be on your own for most of the evening. The car is going to drop me off and then
take Jim home to gather some clothes for your stay with us.”
“I could stay on campus,” Jim murmured.
“No, your father would prefer that you stay with me until the situation is more controllable.”
“Translation, Winona hasn’t left the planet yet,” Jim said with a small laugh. “It’s an
interesting experience… being mothered… I don’t think I’ve ever had it.”
Amanda called on years of experience and for once was relieved that though she didn’t like to
do it she was perfectly capable of concealing her horror at his words. She shared a glance with
Spock who seemed distinctly unsettled by Jim’s words. “When I return home—I expect all of
your lessons completed and a full hour of meditation achieved. No excuses allowed.”
Spock said nothing until the car had stopped and his mother had quickly exited. He turned to
Jim when the transport started moving again. “Do you really prefer men romantically?”
“I’m open. I don’t think it’s a good idea to limit yourself to one half of a population. It’s kind of
boring, don’t you think?” Jim popped over into the seat Amanda had abandoned and spread
out. “Traffic is a crap shoot this time of day it could be an hour before we get home.” He
rubbed his head with both hands with a sigh. “What about you? Are same-sex pairings taboo
on Vulcan?”
“Not at all, Vulcans place a high priority on the compatibility of two minds—the gender of a
bondmate is secondary. Most betrothal bonds are created at a very young age but they can be
broken if one in the pair finds themselves drawn mentally to another.”
“Do you have a betrothed?” Jim asked with a frown.
“No, I declined the bonding arranged by my clan on the grounds that she was… difficult.”
“Wow, is that Vulcan for ‘horrible bitch’?” Jim asked with a laugh.
“Yes,” Spock confirmed without hesitation.
*****
6 Weeks Later
“I’ve had a communication from Jim’s grandmother.” Chris notched back in his chair and
sighed. “She says that his relationship with Spock is detrimental to him finding a bondmate
and wants me to separate them.”
Sarek lifted an eyebrow. “And your response?”
“That James is too damn young to think about a bondmate and I wasn’t going to tell him who
he can be friends with. Personally, I think Spock has been a good influence on him and the
challenge of having a really smart friend can only serve him in his life.” Chris sighed. “Jim is
probably going to lose it when he gets his version of this communication because I know she
sent him one, too.”
“While I understand her concern when it comes to securing a proper bondmate for her
grandson, I do harbor some reservation on her ability to determine what would be proper for
Jim,” Sarek admitted. “Despite his mental abilities—he is decidedly Human. It would be a
mistake for her to treat him as if he is entirely Betazoid.”
Chris frowned. “You understand the bondmate thing?”
“Yes, Jim is a very talented and powerful telepath—in bonding he would gain the strength of
his partner and it would help him settle. It is why I tried in vain to arrange a betrothal bond for
Spock.” Sarek watched worry replace disbelief on Pike’s face.
“Does Jim need a bondmate? Are his abilities hurting him?”
“He guards himself well,” Sarek allowed. “I believe that if he were in distress that he would be
compelled to seek out a bondmate. You need not worry that he would suffer in silence. At that
point, especially since he is basically an adult physically—he would be unable to deny the
drive to seek out a bondmate if it were necessary.” He paused and then shifted slightly in his
chair. “Granted, I have no experience with Betazoid bonds but from what I have read they are
not nearly as integral to sanity as what takes place between Vulcans.”
“Then why is his grandmother pushing this?”
“Jim’s gifts are extreme and rare,” Sarek began. “It is entirely likely she wants him to
propagate for the continuation of her family line. The Betazoids have artificial womb
technology so she need not concern herself with luring him with a breeding female.”
“That seriously pisses me off. He’s just sixteen years old.”
“At this point she probably seeks to betroth him,” Sarek offered in an effort to soothe.
“Not helping,” Chris muttered. “Not helping at all. I don’t even know if he wants kids.
Frankly, considering his childhood I don’t know that he would.”
“There is one matter we should consider.”
“I’m listening,” Chris responded ruefully.
“She is entirely accurate that Spock is a detriment to Jim seeking out or accepting a bondmate
at this time. They are entirely preoccupied with one another and orbit around each other as
much as they are physically able. It is obvious to me that their near instant affinity for each
other is growing into something tangible. If we allow it to continue, they will likely form a
bond link with each other based on proximity and compatibility alone.”
Chris’ expression went entirely neutral. “Is that a problem for you? Your son being bonded to
a Human male?”
Sarek stared at him for several seconds and then cleared his throat. “Of course not, same sex
pairings are considered honorable on Vulcan. There is no preference given to gender and we
also have artificial methods of reproduction for such couples. Even when we did not have
those options—warrior bondmates were coveted by clans. It was a sign of good fortune and
strength to have such a pair in the family.”
Chris relaxed. “Well, okay.” He frowned. “They are way too young for it though.”
“Spock is in the first stage of the adult development, Captain. Their bond, if it happens, will
remain platonic for several more years at least.” Sarek flushed and averted his gaze. “I have
taught my son to respect the sanctity of his mind and body.”
Chris smirked. “I just begged Jim not to get anyone pregnant.”
*****
“That bitch!”
Chris winced and pulled ordered a beer from the replicator. He was settled on the couch by
the time Jim stormed out of his bedroom. “Hey, kiddo.”
“She sent you a letter, too?”
“Yep.” Chris watched Jim pace back and forth across their living room silently. His first lesson
in fatherhood had been to let Jim talk when he was ready and mostly keep his mouth shut
until the kid was done. Because when the kid got going nothing short of a phaser set on stun
really put a dent in his temper.
“She has met me twice my whole life!” Jim exploded. “When you took me to Betazoid for
treatment, she visited me once for an hour in the hospital! I didn’t see her again until she tried
to sue you for custody and then it was only for ten minutes while she tried to convince me to
choose her because having her grandson raised by a human was distasteful.”
Pike winced but resolutely took a long drink of his beer.
“She didn’t even give a flying fuck about me until I manifested this stupid uber telepathy and
then all of a sudden I had something valuable to add to her goddamned family gene pool.
Who the hell is she to just tell me who I can be friends with? Who is she to tell me who I’m
going to fucking marry? She sent me a picture of him and I have to say he looks like an
asshole.”
“Whoa, whoa, back up. She sent you what?”
Jim paused and frowned at him. “She didn’t send you a profile and a picture of the guy she
picked out for me to marry and bond with?”
“Huh, no.” Chris blew out a breath in frustration. “You know I won’t allow her to force you
into such a thing.”
“What if she sends him here?” Jim demanded. “I’m not sure I’ve had enough training to fight
him off if he tried to bond with me without my permission.”
“Well, kid, you’d have a bondmate for as long as it took for me to hunt him down and kill
him,” Pike responded darkly. “No one is ever going to force you into something you don’t
want. Understood?”
“Yeah.” Jim nodded and went to the replicator. “Can I have a beer?”
“Absolutely not. I don’t want you to get in the habit of drowning your temper in alcohol. Get
junk food like a normal teenager.”
Jim ordered up a bag of chips and a soda. “Want anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
Jim brought his loot over to the couch and dropped down beside him. “It’s bullshit.”
“Yeah.”
“I’ve never had a friend like Spock. I’ve never had a friend I could trust as much as I trust you.
I won’t let her ruin that for me because she has some petty agenda. I may look like her son but
I can’t take his place and I sure as hell won’t jack off in a cup so she can fill artificial wombs
with man-love babies.”
Chris snorted and then laughed abruptly. “Kid.”
“She’s insane,” Jim responded. “Someone at the embassy told her about Spock. He’s been
coming with me to my classes there, you know. He finds the process fascinating and Jaret
pretty much creams his pants over Spock’s abilities. I think he has a crush on him or
something.”
Pike snorted. “Well, he wouldn’t be the only with a crush on Spock, would he?”
Jim frowned and stared at his foot. He shoved a handful of chips in his mouth and chewed
loudly. “No. There are couple of stupid girls at school who follow us around ask Spock all
kinds of ridiculous questions about Vulcan and tell him how cute his ears are.”
Chris laughed softly. “I mean you, Jim.”
“Oh.” Jim blushed and then huffed dramatically. “Well, I saw him first so I’m entitled to have a
crush on him. Those stupid girls… they should just leave us alone. They don’t even seem to
care that all of that attention makes him uncomfortable and freaks him out.”
*****
“Your psilosynine levels are elevated,” Dr. Leonard McCoy muttered and offered Jim a
practiced glare as he continued to scan him with a tricorder. “And you haven’t been keeping
up the records after your training sessions at the embassy like I ordered you to.”
“Oh, come on Bones,” Jim rubbed the back of his neck when he was jabbed without warning
with a hypospray. “What was that?”
“Vitamins,” McCoy muttered. He glanced towards the Vulcan kid who had accompanied the
Captain’s son on board the ship. “What’s up with your pointed eared shadow?”
Jim poked him with a frown. “Don’t talk about Spock like that. We just beamed back from
Iowa. The ship yard is awesome.”
“Only you would find that interesting,” McCoy muttered.
Spock moved closer. “Dr. McCoy, if you will make a list of diagnostic readings Jim is required
to document after his training sessions with Jaret I will make sure they are done properly.”
McCoy smirked at Jim’s groan. “Now that sounds promising.”
“Psilosynine is the neurotransmitter responsible for the psionic activity in the Betazoid brain. I
will review research on the matter if you will make it available so I can make a detailed study
of his responses to the training.” Spock tucked his hands behind his back and offered Jim a
single elevated eyebrow when he huffed dramatically. “Your mental health is important,
James, do not be an infant about it.”
Jim shot McCoy a wry look. “He only calls me James when my Humanness surpasses his
ability to tolerate it.”
McCoy turned to Spock. “I’ll get you a PADD for the study.”
Jim sighed as McCoy walked away and turned to Spock. “I’m not a science experiment, ya
know.”
“No, I would never presume to think you were.”
*****
Sarek did a double take at the sight of his son coming down the central staircase of their home.
He was wearing a pair of jeans, a dark blue undershirt, and a San Francisco 49ers football
jersey—the leather jacket his mother insisted he needed for the cool temperatures of Earth
folded over one arm. His hair was still incredible short and sticking up in a variety of
directions. He took a deep breath and for once in a very long time said the first thing he
thought. “If you get your body pierced in any fashion, Spock, I will be very concerned.”
Spock paused in his efforts to put on his coat. “I would never mutilate my person in such a
way, Father. It would be illogical.” He went to the hall closet and pulled out a motorcycle
helmet. “Jim will be here shortly—we are going to meet Captain Pike for a game. Did you wish
to attend?”
“I had to decline the offer already with the Captain—I have a comm conference that I can not
postpone.” Sarek opened his mouth and then closed it abruptly.
“Is something wrong?” Spock questioned as the checked the communication system in the
helmet.
“Why do you have a motorcycle helmet?”
“Captain Pike gave it to me when he gave Jim a motorcycle for an un-birthday present last
week. I am not allowed to ride with Jim without it and today Jim finished his safety class for
the motorcycle and received his license,” Spock explained patiently. “It has a parental
reporting system built in and Captain Pike informed me that you will receive reports on where
the vehicle goes and at what speeds it travels whenever I ride with Jim. Although both Jim and
I both could alter the computer system to prevent that—we have both promised Captain Pike
that we will not.”
“Un-birthday present,” Sarek repeated. “I fail to...” He trailed off, clearly at a loss.
“Jim does not celebrate his birthday. Captain Pike usually gives him a gift on the day the
adoption became official which is today. It is Jim’s “un-birthday”. I do not understand it but
there was an explanation involving something called a tea party, a mad hatter, and an
unfortunate female child who took all manner of drugs in a place called Wonderland.”
Amanda’s startled laughter from the top of the stairs caught both of their attention. She came
down, big smile on her face and amusement all but dancing in her eyes. “It’s a children’s story.
I’ll send the text to your personal PADDs so you’ll both be thoroughly educated on the matter
of ‘un-birthdays’.”
Sarek nodded abruptly. “That would be satisfactory, Wife.” He offered her his fingers and
relaxed minutely when she accepted them. Her amusement and genuine happiness rolled over
him in a wave of contentment. It was being on Earth—being around people who respected her
that had given her this and he felt cruel for the years he’d allowed her to wither on Vulcan.
They both watched Spock pull a communicator out of the basket Amanda kept on a table near
the front door and check its power cell. “I will be home directly after the game unless Jim
decides he must eat again.”
Sarek merely nodded and his son exited the house. He started in surprise as Amanda moved
close to him and wrapped her arms around him. “His hair.”
“Is fashionable for Earth.”
“His clothes.”
“Helps him blend in and be more part of the environment he lives in. I wore Vulcan clothes
without exception for sixteen years. I still wear the more formal attire for my visits to the
embassy and when we travel for your work. He’ll work out what is comfortable for him as he
grows up.”
“His bromance.”
She snickered. “They are so adorable.” Amanda hummed a little under her breath. “You’d
look great in a pair of jeans… I could get…”
“Absolutely not,” Sarek said without a hint of hesitation and touched her face. He let his
thumb rub over a meld point and she shivered in his embrace. “I have 87.62 minutes before I
must attend a comm conference with the Andorian Ambassador.”
She pretended to frown and then sighed dramatically. “Well, if I can’t convince you to wear a
pair of jeans the least you can do is get naked for me.”
“I believe I was required to promise you something called ‘naked time’ no less than three
times a week when you agreed to marry me.”
*****
Spock paused at the bottom of the stone steps that lead up to the front entry way of his home
and lifted one eyebrow at his friend. Jim was sitting astride the motorcycle his father had given
him, his helmet off and in his lap. The boy offered him a smile that could only be called breezy
and winked. “Hey there, you look worried.”
“I do not,” Spock returned evenly. “Vulcans do not look worried.”
Jim laughed and took a deep breath as Spock gracefully slid astride the back of the motorcycle
and moved closer. “You’ll have to hold onto my waist.”
“I read the manual you sent,” Spock declared and secured his helmet. He activated the comm
link on the side and it synced with the helmet that Jim pulled on. “We have 22.54 minutes
before the game starts.”
“Plenty of time,” Jim assured and offered him a pair of leather gloves over his shoulder. “Extra
layer of protection for your touch and it’ll help keep your fingers warm.”
Spock pulled the supple leather gloves on without complaint and then wrapped his arms
around Jim’s waist. His gloved hands settling on his stomach just above his belt buckle. It was
entirely intimate but he found he liked it a lot. The machine rumbled to life beneath him and
his stomach lurched slightly. Jim reached back and patted his thigh which Spock was sure he
meant to soothe but it hardly did anything of the kind.
“Just move with me and let your body relax against mine. I’ll take care of everything.”
“I understand.” Inwardly, Spock wondered if he’d just been flirted with again because Jim’s
instructions had been oddly exciting.
*****
Spock adored his mother but for the most part he found Human women strangely threatening
and predatory. Starfleet had what Jim called a ‘box’ at the stadium so they had a large semiprivate space at the top of the stadium where they could watch the game. It was preferable to
being out in the crowd which seemed unspeakably horrible to Spock. Captain Pike had
arranged for them to have tickets to sit in the box but they weren’t the only people in the room.
Spock had found himself introduced to three Admirals, two Admiral’s wives, and one
Admiral’s daughter who had briefly tried to attach herself to Jim before he’d feigned an
exuberant amount of interest in Admiral Archer’s little dog. The dog, which he been informed
was a beagle, adored Jim back and had followed them to their seats. Spock had learned the
rules of North American football and he’d watched several games so that he could see the
more practical application of the game. He found it barbaric but fascinating as it said
something about Humans that they still indulged in ‘gladiator’ type sports.
Captain Pike sat down beside them and passed them both bottled drinks. “Sorry about that—I
didn’t realize Admiral Boyle had tickets to this box or I’d have gotten us tickets for the other
Starfleet box.”
“It’s okay,” Jim muttered. “I don’t even know why Jenna likes me so much. I never return her
comms, I only went on that one date with her so she would realize how little we have in
common, and I already lied and told her I was completely, utterly gay.”
Pike snorted. “I don’t think she believes you.” He glanced towards Spock. “Though she might
now—with all the glaring Spock was doing at her.”
“I did not glare at the silly girl,” Spock returned evenly and resolutely focused on the game.
“You know I spent a lot of time with your Dad,” Chris offered with a small smile.
“I am aware of your association with my father.”
“So I’m learning what a Vulcan looks like when he glares,” Pike explained and lifted one
eyebrow when Spock opened his mouth to respond. Spock promptly shut his mouth.
Jim laughed softly. “He can not-Vulcan glare at her all he wants.”
*****
It’s nearly eight weeks to the day from the first time they met that Spock purposely brushed
his fingers against Jim’s when they are playing a game of chess in their quarters at school. His
parents have been on a mission for a few days and Captain Pike had gone on a two week
diplomatic mission they weren’t authorized to know the details of.
“You just kissed me,” Jim said casually as he made his next move. “On purpose.”
“Perhaps,” Spock responded neutrally. “It might have been an accident.”
“Hmm,” Jim murmured. “An accident you say?”
“Perhaps.” Spock felt amusement and relief settle around him. He thought some of it might be
Jim’s.
“You’re my best friend,” Jim said seriously. He reached out and carefully laid his hand on top
of Spock’s. Slowly, he tangled their fingers together loosely—it was the most intimate physical
thing Spock had ever known. “You were like my instant best friend and I won’t sacrifice that
friendship with you for anyone or anything—not even for a romantic connection between us.
Don’t get me wrong—I want it and I’m more than willing to wait out your entirely glacial
courtship ritual but I can live without it if there is a single chance that if things go wrong
between us that I’ll lose your friendship.”
Spock swallowed hard and looked down at their linked fingers. He flexed his hand slightly
and shivered at the way Jim’s cooler skin brushed over his. Finally, he lifted his head and
focused on those too blue eyes. “I am and always will be your friend.”
Jim reached out with his free hand and made his final move of the evening with a small smirk.
“Check mate.”
“Even if you cheat at chess,” Spock continued.
Jim laughed and rubbed the top of Spock’s hand with his thumb. “It’s epic.”
“What is?”
“Our friendship,” Jim responded. “I knew the minute I met you that I’d have something life
changing with you. I know Vulcan’s don’t believe in fate but I feel like my destiny is…” He
trailed off and looked down at their hands. “Tangled with yours.”
A
Taken
Jim stored his helmet in the closet near the front door as the Ambassador’s aide disappeared.
The young Vulcan woman never spoke to him and rarely did more than raise an eyebrow at
him when she answered the door. He joked once to Spock that she was just stunned silent by
his grandness—the look on his face still made Jim laugh a little when he thought about it.
Ambassador Sarek was taking him and Spock both to the embassy with him for an intellectual
lecture that was being presented. He had informed them they would attend it earlier in the
week and though Jim had absolutely no interest in ‘black hole dynamics’, it didn’t even cross
his mind to tell Spock’s father that.
He checked his reflection and frowned at his hair. A haircut was due but he’d been putting off
because he’d rather spend his time with Spock than fight his way downtown to the salon he
preferred for haircuts. He’d dug his best suit out of the closet which had amused his father a
little but Jim couldn’t imagine going to the Vulcan Embassy in jeans. The suit was cut in a
Euro-Asian style that buttoned up to a narrow collar. He’d bought it because the style was the
exact opposite of anything involving a tie and he knew he looked great in it.
“You’re very beautiful,” Amanda said dryly and grinned when he looked her way. “I know
women who’d cheerfully murder for your eyelashes.”
Jim grinned and blushed at the same time. He wondered if Amanda Grayson had always been
so blunt or if that was something she’d picked up from her Vulcan husband. “Is this okay? I
have time to go home and change if…”
“It’s fine.” She walked to him and brushed her hands over her shoulders, tugged gently at his
collar to straighten the line of buttons, and stepped back. “Vulcans are a formal people both in
their mannerisms and their form of dress. They downplay their physical appearance, shroud
their bodies as completely as possible, and make every effort not to stand out in any way.” She
looked him over. “In that respect, you will never fit in among them. Your eyes, the color of
your hair, and the pleasure you take in your physical body will draw their unwilling attention
and in some extreme cases their ire.”
“And if someone gets hostile with me in a Vulcan way?” Jim questioned softly.
“You are Sarek’s guest and you will be accorded a certain level of respect for that alone. That
being said, not everyone attending the conference works for the embassy. Vulcans run the
spectrum when it comes to personalities. Some can be quite judgmental and cruel in their own
way. I find it best not to respond to such cruelty when it is directed at me and it often has been
in the past based solely on the fact that I’m Human.”
“You just take it?” Jim questioned with a frown.
“I have always endeavored not to embarrass my husband. As a diplomat’s wife I’m required
more often than not to keep my mouth shut when I would be perfectly content to kick
someone in the neck.”
Kirk laughed before he could help himself but reached out and touched her arm. “I don’t
know that I could keep my mouth shut if someone insulted you in front of me.”
“Spock never has,” Amanda returned dryly. She patted him and then looped her arm around
his. “Come—I made a quiche I want you to try.”
In the dining room, he let himself be prodded into a chair beside Spock while Amanda went
into the kitchen. Both Vulcans were sitting at the table tense and obviously quite irritated
despite the stoic expressions. “Good morning.”
Spock exhaled sharply, turned to him, and whispered fiercely, “Do not ever just take it if one of
my people mistreats you. I will not be embarrassed by your actions.”
Jim blinked in surprise but before he could say anything Amanda returned and slid a plate
onto the table in front of him. He picked up his fork and regarded his food with not quite a
frown. “You know—I’ve never had food that wasn’t replicated, outside of a restaurant, until I
met you.”
Amanda took her seat and smiled. “Spock refused to eat replicated food as a child. It was as if
he knew it wasn’t quite what it should be. Eventually, I did convince him to eat food from the
replicator after I reprogrammed 90% of the menu. But I do enjoy the process—the science of
cooking. One of my degrees is in chemistry.”
They finished up the meal quickly and Jim found himself in the front hall watching Spock pull
a long, heavy, but fairly plain black cloak on. It accentuated his height and his leanness and
Jim found he rather didn’t like at all. It made him look hotter than normal somehow. Spock
hadn’t put any product in his hair so it lay flat and silky against his head. Still too short to look
entirely like the Vulcan preference but serviceable, he supposed. He was so busy staring at
Spock that he started in surprise when Sarek moved to stand directly in front of him.
Sarek eyes brightened just slightly in what he figured was amusement when Jim lifted a single
eyebrow at him. “How are your shields?”
“Good. I woke up early enough to do an hour of meditation before I came here.” Jim fiddled
with one of his cuff links and cleared his throat. “You want to check, right?”
“It was would ease my concerns, yes.”
He bit down on his bottom lip and glanced briefly at Spock. “Sir, are you aware of the term
imzadi?”
“It is a Betazoid word that translates as ‘beloved’ in Standard,” Sarek responded as he tucked
his hands behind his back. He glanced briefly at Amanda who had paused in her efforts to
straighten Spock to her yet to be determined satisfaction.
“Basically—yes but it really means—the first. As in the first person to share physical and
mental intimacy.” Jim blushed and cleared his throat. “I’ve never let anyone touch my mind
on the level you are requesting. Not even the healers on Betazed dared to probe that deeply.”
“The day you protected Spock at the school…” Amanda questioned softly.
“I wrapped my primary shield around him but my shields are layered and deep due to both
my telepathy and advanced empathy. Even when I’m asleep, the core of my mind is heavily
protected. I use the psionic shield generator because I fall in and out of REM sleep without it.
It’s not restful.”
Sarek tugged at his sleeves, clearly uncomfortable. “I was not aware that Betazoids were as
concerned about their mental privacy as Vulcans.”
“Jaret says I’m a prude,” Jim offered a small smile and Amanda laughed. “But then Jaret took
his first lover when he was fourteen.”
Sarek’s gaze widened fractionally and both Vulcans in the room tinged green. “I see. Very
well. Do pay attention to your shields during your visit to the embassy and report any
problems to Spock immediately. While I do not doubt your abilities or your discipline—there
are some individuals in the embassy that would be grossly offended if you were meander
mentally. It is the biggest stumbling block our government has with the Betazoid.”
“Trust me, if I offend someone it won’t be because I lose control of my abilities and for the
record most adult Betazoids meander mentally on purpose unless they are ill. If they say
otherwise—they’re being dishonest.”
Amanda laughed, continued her fussing over Spock’s appearance and then permitted herself
one little adjustment to her husband’s collar before she reviewed them critically. “Very well,
you may leave. Don’t start an intergalactic incident if it as at all possible. There will be many
different species at the presentation.”
*****
“You’re James Kirk.”
Jim unconsciously moved closer to Spock and swallowed back a frown at the greeting. The
Andorian had announced his discovery as if he were throwing down a gauntlet. “Yes. And
you are?”
“I am called Thalus.” The Andorian’s antennae shifted, curled at the tips and seemed to point
in his direction before he shifted his gaze away from Jim and focused on Spock. “And you are
Spock of Vulcan.”
“I am.” Spock’s face was like ice and Jim wondered briefly if it was the first time he’d ever met
an Andorian. “You are the grandson of General Thy'lek Shran.”
“Yes.” Thalus focused entirely on Jim. “Did you enjoy the first part of the lecture this morning,
James?”
“It was interesting,” Jim said which was his way of saying that he almost fell asleep half way
through and Spock had kept not so gently nudging him with an elbow. Something hard and
fierce pushed against his shield—nothing like the gentle pressure he normally felt from
Spock’s mind and it was almost immediately intensely uncomfortable. He took a deep breath
and noticed that a Vulcan woman that he had not met had started toward them followed
closely by Sarek. “My natural defenses against psionic invasion are quite adequate, Thalus. I
suggest you find someone less likely to punch you in the face to play your games with.”
Thalus’ antennae stilled and he smirked. “You interest me, James. Truly.”
“He is not available for your interests,” Spock returned icily just as they were joined by his
father and the woman.
“Thalus,” T’Pol began with a narrowed gaze. “I warned you that during your stay here you
would have to maintain strict control over your abilities.”
“He’s not out of control,” James responded before Thalus could speak. He turned to Spock.
“As much as I really enjoy watching a beautiful woman rip a man to pieces with words, I’m
kind of thirsty. It’s warm in here.”
Spock shot the young Andorian a thoroughly Human glare and curled his fingers into Jim’s
sleeve as he led him away from the encounter. They left the large presentation room silently
and Spock didn’t say anything until he was leading Jim into a large, beautifully decorated
office.
“Water?”
“Please,” Jim murmured and sat down on a couch. “This is your Dad’s office?”
“Yes.” Spock spoke in Vulcan to the replicator and it produced a chilled glass of water which
he brought to him. “Did he hurt you?”
Jim snorted and didn’t look up when the office door opened. Sarek’s cool presence drifted over
him and he relaxed. “No, Spock, not at all he’s practically psi-null. Thalus has a few parlor
tricks at his disposal but he’s never bothered to train and I’ve encountered puddles of rain
water with more depth. Even a full-blood Aenar would have a difficult time breaching my
mental defenses. The first thing Jaret taught me was how to defend myself mentally. He was
diligent in his teachings.” Jim glanced up from this water and regarded Sarek with serious
eyes. “I didn’t respond. I could’ve. I could’ve put him on the floor.”
“I am aware of your self-control as well as Thalus’ complete and utter disregard for propriety.
T’Pol has dealt with him and he will not approach you again.” Sarek glanced at his son. “The
presentation will begin again in 22.54 minutes. I expect you both to collect yourselves during
that time period and return to your seats.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jim watched him leave and then set aside the glass. He walked to the window where Spock
was lingering and leaned against the wall beside it. “Look—when we are in the Betazed
Embassy—do you take notice of the others besides Jaret?”
“No.”
Jim sighed. “What was the first thing you thought when you met me?” He laughed when
Spock blushed. “Okay, okay—you don’t have to say it. I’m unbonded, Spock, and for a
Betazoid my age that’s kind of rare. We are normally bonded genetically as infants. I put off a
lot of feel good vibes that telepaths like Thalus can pick up. You don’t get the full brunt of it as
your gifts are largely related to touch. I know you pick up a little of it but more importantly
you’re probably saturated in my pheromones. Vulcans have advanced olfactory glands right?”
“Females more than males but yes, I would say that is an accurate description of my state in
your presence. I am aware of the pheromones you produce.” Spock flushed.
Kirk sighed and reached out. He carefully tangled his pinky and ring finger with Spock’s. The
Vulcan immediately relaxed and he took a deep breath. “Others will respond to me, they will
express their interest in a variety of subtle and not-so subtle ways. This will be something we
both have to deal with for…” He trailed off. “Well, just until we reach a place in our
relationship where we can take the next step.”
“If you were bonded this would stop?”
“My body chemistry would stabilize and I would stop throwing off mating pheromones, yes.”
He grinned and swung their hands gently. “Still, I’m really hot so people would probably still
hit on me.”
“Your ego is incredible.” Spock moved closer to Jim briefly and then released his fingers. “We
should return to the conference; our departure was most improper.”
“That was all you, ya know.” Jim followed towards the door and then grinned suddenly.
“Wait; is this like when my Dad takes us to a football game or something? This is your Dad’s
way of… reciprocating?”
Spock inclined his head as he opened door. “I believe so, yes.”
“Cool. Let’s go learn more about black holes.”
*****
Betazoid wedding ceremonies were done entirely in the nude. Spock had consulted six
different texts before resigning himself to that fact. It was horrific. He set aside his PADD at
the chime at his door. “Enter.”
Sarek came into the room and closed the door. “I have sent some documents to your personal
PADD, Spock. They concern some matters of physiology and biology that might interest you
as it relates to unbonded Betazoids.” He tucked his hands behind his back. “Your mother was
able to secure the information from the Betazed Embassy as they are quite enamored with her
at the moment. Please treat the information as confidential as it is far more comprehensive
than that the Betazed government normally makes available to interested parties and delete it
once you have reviewed it.”
“Of course, Father.” Spock eyed his PADD with growing trepidation. “May I know what made
you request this information?”
“Your reaction this afternoon,” Sarek explained without hesitation. “It was territorial. Human
males do not always react well to such displays as they may be construed as some form of
ownership. I would not wish for you to alienate your friend because you fail to properly
understand events that are outside of his control. While James is largely Human, he does have
some distinct Betazoid traits that must be taken into account.”
“I was not angry with him for the attention he garnered from the Andorian. I am well aware
of Jim’s attractiveness. My own mother even comments on it quite frequently. She called him
beautiful this morning.” Spock averted his gaze and concentrated on the floor in front of him.
“Many different species find Humans attractive sexually—they are passionate and vivid
people. Jim approaches life as if it were a rich meal spread out just for his pleasure. I see that in
him and so do others.”
Sarek inclined his head thoughtfully and walked to stand by the large bay window that made
up a large portion of the exterior wall of Spock’s bedroom. “When I met your mother she had
another suitor. I had a function at Federation Headquarters to attend and she was available to
attend with me. I agreed though I knew of the other man’s interest—he was overt in his pursuit
of her. It was an impulsive thing to do—something I believed myself far too old to even be
capable of.”
“Were you territorial with the other man?”
Sarek exhaled sharply. “Your mother and I had been dating for several months when the man
returned from a mission. He was a member of Starfleet—still is actually. He was promoted to
Vice Admiral shortly before we returned to Earth. At any rate, then Captain Komack made it
perfectly clear to Amanda that she had no business being involved with an alien. While I did
not know it at the time, your mother did harbor some misconceptions about the depth of my
affections for her. My reaction to Captain Komack allayed those concerns and we bonded
several weeks later.”
Spock lifted an eyebrow. “What did you do?”
Sarek flushed, his cheek bones darkening. “I walked into a room and found him touching your
mother against her vocal protests. I broke his arm and his jaw.”
He had the strangest urge to say ‘holy shit’ and for that Spock blamed Jim entirely. His friend
had the foulest mouth in the Federation. Spock was relieved he managed to swallow back the
exclamation and settled for lifting one eyebrow. “And she agreed to marry you after seeing the
violence you were capable of?”
Amanda’s laughter startled them both. Spock turned to find his mother leaning in the
doorway. She rarely if ever sought permission to enter his rooms—he thought perhaps he’d
start locking his door. What if he’d been naked or playing chess with Jim? They often touch
with their fingers when they play and his mother didn’t need to see that.
“It was quite interesting to know that I had inspired such a display of emotion from your
father. I don’t have Jim’s gifts and I didn’t know enough about Vulcans to understand the
difference between not having emotions and choosing not to express emotions openly.”
Amanda inclined her head. “What did Jim say about what happened?”
Spock flushed. He really didn’t want to say but he’d never evaded his mother’s questions—not
even when the answers were mortifying. “He explained that in his unbonded state he
produces pheromones that will basically lure potential mates to him and he has no control
over it. It is a response to his unbonded state. I read in my research that the pheromones
Betazoids produce is one of the reasons that full Betazoids are almost exclusively bonded at
birth. The information that Dr. McCoy was able to provide me was sparse at best. Dr. McCoy
theorizes that Jim’s mental abilities influence his brain chemistry and hormone production to a
greater degree than should be possible in a hybrid of his kind. It is as if his brain does not
realize he is only 1/4 Betazoid.”
“Jim’s personal doctor shared this with you?” Amanda asked with a frown.
“I attend Jim’s appointments. Jim and I are conducting a study on the production of
neurotransmitters for Dr. McCoy. It is so he can take care of him. It seemed logical to help and
now that I participate in the data gathering the records are complete and orderly. Jim is
brilliant but his organization is incredibly lax.”
Amanda paused and then nodded. “Very well then.”
Sarek left the window and walked to stand with his wife. “We will leave you with your
reading, Spock. Should you have any questions—I will be available.”
“Very well, Father.” Spock allowed himself to frown after the door closed.
*****
Jim was wearing a dark blue suit for the second day of the conference and it called entirely too
much attention to his eyes and to the fitness of his body. Spock wanted to throw his own robe
over his friend and glare at anyone who came their way. He was so preoccupied with the
matter that he failed to notice the arrival of T’Pring and her father until it was entirely too late
to remove Jim from the situation.
T’Pring stopped in front of the two of them but her father glanced over at them, dismissed
them, and continued to the other side of the room. Spock suppressed a sigh and lifted one
eyebrow at her. “T’Pring.” He could almost hear the pieces clicking together for Jim by the
way his eyes darkened and his usual smile slipped away. “This is James Kirk. Jim, this is
T’Pring, she is of a different but close clan. Our fathers attended the Vulcan Science Academy
at the same time. Her father, Staval, at one time worked as an Ambassador on Betazed. He was
instrumental in bringing Betazoid into the Federation when he was still a very young man.”
Jim offered her an abrupt nod. “Good afternoon.”
T’Pring’s gaze flicked between them—assessing. “Is there some place we can talk privately,
Spock? I have a personal matter to discuss with you on the behest of my father.”
“No,” Spock responded without hesitating. “Anything your father would request from me
should be sent to my own father for consideration as you well know. Jim is my guest at this
conference and it is my responsibility to remain with him.”
“Surely he will understand that you need to discuss a private matter with your future
bondmate,” T’Pring said, her voice taking a sharp edge.
Spock didn’t so much as blink at her claim but Jim laughed softly—it was a beautiful sound
and so out of place in a room nearly full of Vulcans. He looked at Jim and the Human offered
him a breathtaking smile. “What?”
“Is this what stalking looks like when Vulcans do it?”
Spock had to fight desperately not smile in return. In the end, his mouth did quirk minutely.
Jim had explained the concept of ‘stalking’ to him earlier in the week when Rob, from school,
had invited him to the same party fifteen different times. Spock just thought that Rob liked to
hear him say, “Vulcans do not party” but he couldn’t be certain. By Friday, Rob’s stalking of
Spock had taken on a life of its own and the final time he’d asked him and Jim both to come to
his party their entire mechanical engineering class had mimicked Spock’s habitual response
loudly.
Finally, when he was certain he had his voice under control he responded, “I would not know.
I was not aware Vulcans were capable of stalking.”
Jim looked T’Pring over the way the way he did everyone—assessing the level of threat she
represented in a blink of an eye. “Remind me later, Spock, I want to show you a movie called
Fatal Attraction.”
“Movie?” T’Pring questioned with a frown.
“It is a form of storytelling, entertainment—told in video format by actors. The original version
is pretty lame but the remake they did several years back will make your eyes bleed it’s so
scary,” Jim responded with a bright grin. “In this particular movie, this man has an illicit
sexual affair with an Orion woman who takes it far more seriously than he does. After he ends
the relationship, she stalks him and his family and eventually kills their pet and tries to kill
him as well. My Dad showed it to me as a cautionary tale so I would remember to avoid
difficult women.”
T’Pring’s left eyebrow twitched and she stalked off without saying another word.
Amanda joined them as they watched the girl cross the room at a faster pace than any adult
Vulcan would even contemplate. She slid her arm around Jim’s and he tucked his arm up so
that her hand fell naturally on his forearm. She offered him a bright smile. “James, I adore
you.”
“It’s a great movie,” Jim defended, his eyes bright with laughter. “At least I didn’t tell her I’d
prefer to die in a fire than marry her.”
Spock sighed. He’d told James the story of his almost bonding in an effort to further the
emotional intimacy of their relationship but he hadn’t really told the Human what he’d meant
by the ‘burn and die’ declaration. Jim had taken it quite literally which had lead to Spock
learning more about the short hand language used to send instant text messages than he’d
ever thought he’d want to. He had become fluent in Imspeak both in Federation Standard and
Ferengi but he wasn’t sure that was something he could put down as an academic
achievement.
Amanda patted Jim and offered her son a soft smile. “And Spock?”
“Yes, Mother?”
“That was an entirely Human male territorial response,” she said with a wink when Jim
groaned his distress and walked away.
Spock glanced at Jim and cleared his throat. He busied himself checking the cuff links of his
formal shirt before pulling the sleeve of his robe back into place. “Jealousy would be illogical.”
“She’s attractive,” Jim offered in a neutral tone. “Far more attractive than you led me to
believe.”
“The turn of her face may be a distraction at first but the coldness of her mind is as stark and
unwelcoming as the ice fields of Delta Vega.”
“It seems like that kind of cold logic would be sought after among Vulcans,” Jim murmured.
“I am half-Human and it is not attractive at all.” Spock inclined his head towards the dining
tables. “We are being seated for the meal. Do you remember the layout of the utensils?”
“Yes, of course, I’ll never forget. I got the Eyebrow of Doom from your Father every time I got
it wrong in the car on the way over here.”
Spock was disgruntled to find that he and Jim were seated at a table separately from his
parents but he knew that his parents were also at the reception for ‘work’ so he accepted the
circumstances without comment. He was also rather horrified when T’Pol swept into place at
their table and focused on Jim. He considered family relationships on Earth briefly before he
began introductions.
“James Kirk, may I present Ambassador T’Pol, she is as you would see it—my Great Aunt by
marriage. Ambassador T’Pol has worked for the Federation since even before its inception and
held the position of science officer on the very first Enterprise in the Earth Starfleet armada.”
“James it is my pleasure to you meet you. I wish to apologize for not taking the time to meet
you when you visited the embassy in the past. I did not wish to make an already stressful day
more difficult for you.” T’Pol inclined her head. “This is Elder Stavik; he is the current
administrator of the Vulcan Science Academy, one of the leading theorists on wormhole
physics on Vulcan, and my first cousin. He was also at one time bonded with Spock’s paternal
grandmother but is not Ambassador Sarek’s father. On Spock’s left is Elder T’Lina; she is on
the Vulcan High Council and is related to Spock and I quite distantly but is still of our clan.
T’Lina is instrumental in the warp theory research on Vulcan and recently a ship of her design
achieved warp 7.”
Two hours later, Spock was quite convinced that if he left Jim’s side T’Pol or T’Lina would
have the young Human male betrothed to one of their granddaughters before he could return
to rescue him. Jim had been friendly, attentive, mannerly, and above all other things brilliant
throughout the meal. Their table was easily the noisiest in the entire room as several times
during the course of the meal T’Lina and Stavik had lapsed into spirited debates over the
answer to a question Jim had posed.
After the meal, most of the embassy guests vacated the room and T’Pol had ordered a tea pot,
taking care to order a different kind of tea for Jim without it looking like an afterthought. Elder
T’Lina had left after promising to comm Jim with a response to one of the questions she
couldn’t answer.
Spock was kind of perplexed. He and his mother had always been treated very well within the
clan so he hadn’t expected any of his family to be cruel or vicious with Jim but he had been
prepared to buffer their actions and words. He thought that maybe it wasn’t his family’s
reaction to Jim but Jim’s reaction to them. Kirk was relaxed, genuinely amused when most
Humans would’ve felt insulted by the bluntness of his kind, and very comfortable with the
entire conversation. Spock wondered what emotions the empath was picking up from those
around him that made him so comfortable.
T’Pol arranged her tea as Amanda and Sarek joined them at the table. “James, I believe that is
the first time I have ever seen T’Lina at a loss. I am certain she skipped tea so that she could
rush back to her lab on board her research vessel to figure out the answer.”
Jim, who had been studiously preparing his tea, lifted his head and offered T’Pol a grin.
“Should I send her an apology?”
T’Pol all but smiled back at him and Spock found it very unnerving. “No, the stimulation is
good for her constitution. She has many students who study under her on Vulcan but few in
recent years have bothered to question her theories. Your questions about warp speed and
time travel should keep her busy for years and at our age that kind of intellectual curiosity is
good for the soul.”
Elder Stavik put aside his tea cup and focused entirely on Spock. “Spock, how are your studies
on Earth? Do you need supplementary tutoring to prepare for the Vulcan Science Academy
entrance exam?”
Spock glanced at his father briefly and under the table casually linked his fingers with Jim
when the Human slid them within his reach. “I have not made a decision as to whether or not
I will attend the VSA, Elder. That being said, I could take the exam tomorrow without
difficulty.”
Stavik quirked one ancient eyebrow at him and focused on Jim. “And what are your plans for
the future, Mr. Kirk.”
“Starfleet is a tradition in my family, Elder.” Jim twisted his tea cup around with his free hand
and Spock felt his fingers clench around his briefly. “But I already have some offers for further
education both here on Earth and on Betazed. The most attractive offers for me are here on
Earth. Both Cambridge and the Daystrom Institute have expressed interest in my academic
achievements. As I will likely finish my secondary education sometime within the next
eighteen months—I will have several years of study available to me before my father will
allow me to enlist in Starfleet.”
“The enlistment age for Starfleet was eighteen,” Spock said neutrally.
“My Dad made it clear he would prefer that I wait until I’m at least twenty-one. That leaves
me time to obtain several advanced degrees before I think about Starfleet as a career.”
Elder Stavik cleared his throat to get their undivided attention. “Did you know that we have
never had a Human achieve a satisfactory score for the entrance exam for the Vulcan Science
Academy?”
Jim’s fingers clamped down on his so hard for a second Spock wondered if he intended to try
to break them before he relaxed. He tapped gently in a contrite apology and Spock rubbed his
thumb over the top of Jim’s hand in forgiveness. “I was aware of that actually—the exam is a
legend in the science communities on Earth. Some consider it a rite of adulthood to even
attempt it and the stories of the psychological torture one suffers for years afterward are epic.”
Stavik sat back with his tea obviously very satisfied with the answer. “Then I look forward to
seeing how you do on it.”
Jim grinned suddenly and that made Amanda lean forward a little in anticipation. “What
would you do if I achieved a satisfactory score?”
Stavik put down his cup decisively. “I believe I would have to prove young Spock wrong and
throw you a party.”
Jim laughed completely without reserve and both boys turned to look at Amanda who had
spent the week thoroughly enjoying the stories they’d brought home about Rob’s stalking
behaviors.
Amanda blinked innocently. “What? Was that supposed to be a secret? Because quite frankly
out of all the stories I told this evening—that one earned me the most positive response from
practically everyone.”
*****
Spock hadn’t been remotely surprised to be separated from Jim shortly after tea and lead into
T’Pol’s office. His father did not sit but T’Pol sat down at her desk and regarded him silently
for nearly a full minute. The effort to not fidget under her gaze was extreme.
“T’Pring approached you this evening.”
“Yes, she requested time alone with me and when I would not grant it—she made a point of
asserting a claim of being my future wife.” Spock’s jaw tightened. “You must know I would
never tolerate a bond with her.”
“No, you have made yourself quite clear and your intentions towards James Kirk are obvious
to even the most unobservant. He is a charming and brilliant boy—I do not disapprove of the
match and I will inform T’Pau of my opinion in my next communication with her. Your rapid
adjustment to life on Earth and your friendship with James have disturbed some in our clan
who feel you should have been asked to remain on Vulcan and to endure the treatment you
suffered outside the confines of our clan. Your academic and mental achievements have not
suffered at all which is a source of concern for the entirety of the council as they feel it
undermines their policy of Vulcan superiority.”
“My mother suffered on Vulcan—was shunned, insulted, and was often treated as if she were
not even sentient by those outside of our clan. You can all be grateful that I refrained from
murder in her defense,” Spock murmured. “My humanity has always stood in the way of my
mental discipline as far as suppressing emotions goes. I will never be the ideal and as I stood
before the healer and prepared to take a proper Vulcan bondmate, the very idea of pretending
that was possible my entire long life seemed immensely illogical.”
T’Pol inclined her head in agreement. “T’Pring has petitioned T’Pau to compel the bond as per
the arrangement reached by our clans. Her father brought her to Earth to facilitate the bond in
anticipation of T’Pau’s decision because he seems certain she will side in her favor.”
Spock looked down at his hands, the ghost of Jim’s touch lingered on his skin even now and it
had been nearly a half hour since they’d held hands under the table. “Will she?”
“What will you do if she does?”
Spock exhaled sharply. “I am 98.96 percent certain that I could mentally protect myself in such
a way that a bond would be absolutely impossible without my consent.”
“So you would refuse T’Pau’s order?” T’Pol questioned with no hint of ire or amusement in
her voice.
“I would find myself with no other logical choice. It would be foolish to accept a bond with
someone I find intolerable when I have found my t’hy’la in James Kirk.”
*****
Jim was thumbing through the screens of his communicator, checking his messages and
sending off a few texts to people from school. He published a status report on his school
profile page confirming that he went to a Vulcan “dinner” and it was definitely “not a party”.
He was sure the kids from school would get a kick out of that.
His Dad often wrote him text letters while he was on the bridge so he had one rambling
communication from Pike that was several pages long and it offered a bunch of different
observations about the Yorktown and her crew. He was smirking at his father’s description of
the new shorter dress style uniform for women when a shadow fell over him. Jim glanced up
and sighed dramatically.
T’Pring’s gaze narrowed. “Why are you still here, Human? Who would leave you
unsupervised in the embassy?”
“Ambassador Sarek told me to sit here so I’m sitting here,” Jim returned dryly. “Go away. I’m
not allowed to talk to strangers.”
“I can not even begin to understand Spock’s fascination with you but it will not last. My family
is influential and my father will have this match for me. Spock is not going to be given a
choice.”
Jim frowned at her. “You really shouldn’t be discussing this with me—it’s indiscreet but if
we’re going to go there—I should point out that you live on Vulcan and Spock lives here with
me. I’m smarter than you, definitely hotter than you, his mother loves me, and I’m really
awesome. It may not be entirely modest to say this, sweetheart, but I’m a great catch and
you’re sort of insane.” He held up a hand when she started to speak. “I can’t say that the
insane thing isn’t kind of working for you—because you’re not bad looking in a cold, cruel
kind of way. Spock doesn’t want you—he’d rather die than be with you and you’re getting
creepy here so go away.”
She hissed in fury and failed to notice the audience they’d suddenly had when T’Pol’s office
door opened. “You will never survive his first Pon Farr. He will snap your frail Human body
into pieces and then he will die as he deserves.”
Jim stared at her for a few seconds and then laughed without an ounce of reserve. T’Pring
jerked in surprise. “Are you serious? Really?” Jim crossed his legs, lounged back on the bench
casually, and smirked. “Go away—you’ve embarrassed the other Vulcans and you’re boring
me to death.”
T’Pring turned at that and paled dramatically at the sight of T’Pol, Sarek, and Spock.
Sarek took a deep breath. “James, come, we are leaving.” He spared T’Pring a hard glance and
then turned to T’Pol. “You will tell T’Pau that I will have this creature in our family over my
rotting corpse.”
T’Pol inclined her head. “It would please me greatly to use those exact words.”
“Then you may do so.”
Jim glided off the bench and with one final arrogant smirk in T’Pring’s direction moved past
her. He really didn’t expect her to reach out for him but she caught his arm in a tight grip. He
glanced at her and frowned. Spock rushed toward them but she was already sliding boneless
to the floor in a dead faint by the time he reached Jim.
Jim turned to him in shock and said, “She really is crazy.”
Spock reached out for him but hesitated to touch him in front of his father. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah.” Jim squatted down beside T’Pring and checked her pulse. “You’re going to need to get
a healer down here for her—she wasn’t prepared for what she got for efforts. She’s not
damaged permanently but she’ll need a healer to assist her into a healing trance.” He looked at
T’Pol. “This is a problem, right? Trouble for your clan?”
T’Pol shook her head. “Trouble for hers. These halls have security cameras—we will have
proof that she initiated contact.” She took a deep breath. “What about you? Do you need a
healer?”
“No, I’m fine. Defending myself against the little trick she tried with me is one of the first
things I learned. She tried to push physical pain on me—unfortunately for her it literally
doubled back on her and overwhelmed her psionic centers.” Jim stood up. “She’s a mess and
hardly trained at all. Her shields are thin normally and now they are non-existent. I think the
healer will find that she hasn’t achieved a meditative state in months.” He glanced towards
Spock. “Perhaps since before the attempted bonding which could be why you reacted so
poorly to her.”
“I will call for assistance.” T’Pol walked back into her office without another word.
Sarek went to pick T’Pring up but Jim spoke again before he could. “Sir, I don’t recommend
that. She’s broadcasting a serious amount of rage and frustration right now. Do you have an
adept in the embassy? It would best if someone of that level handled her.”
Sarek backed away in surprise. “James, you continue to surprise me.” He glanced at Spock
who shook his head minutely to indicate he hadn’t discussed such things with his friend.
*****
“I cannot discuss Pon Farr with him!” Spock hissed and started to pace back and forth in his
father’s office in their home. “She did this on purpose—to turn him away from me before there
is even a chance…”
“He did not seem all that concerned.” Sarek pointed towards a chair. “Sit. Calm yourself
immediately. You can be emotional and overwrought with your mother later if it is entirely
necessary.”
Spock sat down and pressed his lips together firmly as his father retrieved Jim from the
hallway. For the first time since he’d met James Kirk, he honestly wished to be completely
alone. Jim entered silently and sat down in the chair next to him in front of Sarek’s desk. This
was mortifying and horrible and he wanted the very Earth to open up and swallow him
whole.
Jim took a deep breath. “Let’s…hmmm. You’re both very upset and nervous so let’s just cut to
the chase. I know exactly what Pon Farr is because Jaret told me. When he discovered the
direction my relationship with Spock was going in… he educated me thoroughly on the
subject including the mental and physical aspects of it. You don’t need to explain it to me—
I’ve known for a few weeks. I didn’t tell either of you what he explained to me because he also
made it very clear that it was a situation that the Vulcan people as whole find shameful. I
didn’t want to make you uncomfortable with my knowledge of this very sensitive and
personal topic.”
Sarek all but slouched down in his chair. “Jaret is your Betazoid teacher.”
“Yes. As for his knowledge of Pon Farr, he said he was once stationed on a outpost with a
Vulcan as part of a science exchange program with his government. The Vulcan went into Pon
Farr and Jaret is a powerful telepath. It took him precious little time to get all the information
he needed from the man because he was deep into plak-tow before Jaret became aware of his
state.”
“Did Jaret get the man to Vulcan in time to help him?”
“They were a month from Vulcan at warp 5. There was no getting him to Vulcan. Jaret helped
the man through Pon Farr and with this help he survived. He was also able to prevent a bond
but provide the Vulcan with all of the mental intimacy he required for Pon Farr. Jaret opened
up his mind and shared the entire experience with me.” Jim flushed and shrugged when both
of Sarek’s eyebrows shot up into his hairline. “I’m not afraid of it, okay, and we don’t ever
have to actually discuss it again.”
Sarek was flushed but he leaned forward obviously determined. “And you have no concerns
or questions?”
“I said I wasn’t afraid of it,” Jim murmured. “I am concerned that I will fall into Pon Farr with
Spock due to my own abilities. That being said—it would be a private matter between the two
of us to be discussed at a much later date.”
Sarek stood abruptly. “I am going to go ask Amanda to make double chocolate chip cookies.”
Spock leaned forward and buried his face in his hands as soon as his father left the room.
“When did you have this discussion with Jaret? Was I sitting there the whole time?”
Jim left his chair and dropped to his knees in front of Spock. He tugged his hands away from
his face with a laugh. “No, it was a day your mother picked you up from school for your
monthly appointment with the healer at the embassy. I went to visit Jaret to discuss a few
topics that I didn’t want to bring up in front of you.”
“Like what?” Spock demanded and then frowned. “You did not take readings for that visit…
our data is no longer accurate.”
“I took readings. I just didn’t add them to the PADD. We can do that later.” Jim shifted his
hands and threaded his fingers through Spock’s slowly. “I love how warm your hands are
against mine. Even when you aren’t touching me—I can feel your heat lingering on my skin.”
He cleared his throat. “As for what we discussed, I asked him what he knew about Vulcan
bonds and what would be the best way for you and I to make a bond. When I asked him
that—he immediately launched in a lecture about Pon Farr.” Jim leaned in and pressed a soft
kiss against Spock’s cheek. “He said it was the hottest, most amazing sexual experience of his
life. The man, whom he did not name, has had another more Pon Farr since that day and Jaret
went to him. They aren’t inclined to bond for reasons I’m not privy to but they’ve been lovers
for nearly fourteen years.”
Spock took a deep breath as Jim placed another kiss on his opposite cheek. The cool feel of the
Human’s mouth on his skin was intoxicating. “You are not afraid.”
“God, no, Spock. I’m looking forward to it.” Jim sat back on his heels. “There, now I’ve kissed
you twice the Human way—absolutely on purpose.”
Spock sat back in his chair and looked down at the hands. “I was worried that you would…it
has been my biggest fear. I would never want to hurt you, Jim, not ever.”
“You won’t. We’ll practice the sex thing a lot before your first Pon Farr and then you know
we’ll just lock ourselves in a room somewhere, throw on some music, stock up on water and
vitamin shots, and make the most of it.” Jim stood up and pulled his hands free gently.
“Frankly, I’m far more concerned about our Betazoid wedding ceremony.” He smirked at the
ill-disguised horror that drifted over Spock’s face. “Just kidding, babe, I’d never make your
Mom get naked in public.”
*****
Christopher Pike reviewed the pending charges against his son with rising temper. Though the
Vulcan Embassy had assured him personally that the matter would remain internal—the girl’s
father had filed assault charges against Jim. It had just been four days since the ‘incident’ as
Sarek had insisted on calling it.
He dropped the PADD on his desk and lifted his gaze to the detective from Federation
Security. “Has the Vulcan Embassy received a copy of this?”
“My partner is delivering the charges personally to Ambassador Sarek as we speak,” Detective
Eli Butler shifted on his feet clearly uncomfortable under Pike’s scrutiny. “Sir, we’d rather not
retrieve your son from his school and take him into custody. It’s preferred that you bring him
in.”
“I will pick him up from school, contact our lawyer, and bring him to the security center to
answer your questions.” Pike tapped the PADD. “This is not a list of formal charges and you
don’t have an arrest warrant. You will not speak to my son without me, you will not threaten
or attempt to intimidate my son, and he will not be injected with a psi inhibitor prior to your
questions without a court order.”
“Sir, the charges pending against him involve the telepathic attack of a fifteen year old Vulcan
female. You can’t expect us not to inject him with an inhibitor when he’s already demonstrated
how dangerous he is.”
“Not only do I expect it, I will have your job if you even think about attempting it without the
authorization from a judge.”
*****
Jim’s hands were steady as he took the seat he was pointed toward in the interrogation room.
He didn’t look at his Dad who was ten thousands kinds of pissed off or Mr. Gregor who was
reviewing the PADD that held the pending charges against him. Anger and fear was mixing in
his gut. It wasn’t a good thing.
“State your name for the record.”
“James Tiberius Kirk.” Jim took the bottle of water when his Dad offered it.
Butler arranged a PADD on the table in front of him. “Let the record show that it is stardate
2249.102. Attending this interview is Captain Christopher Pike, legal guardian of one James
Tiberius Kirk, and Mr. Anthony Gregor, lawyer for James Tiberius Kirk. I am Detective Eli
Butler and this is a formal interview into the matter of the charges filed against James Kirk
regarding the psionic attack on the Vulcan female known as T’Pring on stardate 2249.98.”
Jim used his finger to draw a circle on the table in front of him. The last time he’d been in front
of a Federation Security officer he’d been just hours away from Frank nearly beating him to
death. The memory of it was all suddenly very vivid and painful. He’d called Jaret on his way
over to the security center so he knew that the Betazed Embassy was about to stick their foot in
this mess and for once he was rather looking forward to it. Having a really rich grandma with
enough titles that it took ten minutes for her to enter a room was suddenly pretty fucking
great.
“Mr. Kirk, in your own words, describe the altercation between you and the Vulcan female
T’Pring.”
“She copped an attitude with me because she thinks I stole the man she wanted to marry,” Jim
responded evenly. “I was an arrogant asshole to her because that’s my default setting when
people are snotty and unreasonable with me. Ambassador Sarek arrived near the end of the
conversation and effectively rescued me from her bitchiness. As I walked past her she grabbed
my arm so hard for a few seconds I thought she intended to break it. Vulcans, even their
females, are three times stronger than a Human. So I didn’t doubt she was capable of kicking
my ass if that was on her agenda.” He shrugged when Butler’s mouth dropped open. “But
instead she attacked me mentally. Unfortunately for her, her attack bounced off my own
mental shielding and doubled back on her. It caused her pass out and overloaded her
mesiofrontal cortex. A healer was called and retrieved her. I was told by the people at the
Vulcan Embassy that she recovered from the episode with no problems or permanent
damage.”
Butler cleared his throat. “So, hmm, to sum up? This girl attacked you verbally because you
stole her boyfriend and then made physical contact with you in an attempt to cause you
mental damage. However, due to your own mental abilities she only managed to damage
herself temporarily.”
“Yes, I’m only ¼ Betazoid—so I’m somewhat limited but I’ve been taught to protect my mind
from telepathic threats.” The lie flowed smoothly out of his mouth and he didn’t even feel a
twinge of guilt. The last thing he wanted was for anyone in an official government type role
with the Federation to know what he was capable of.
“And you didn’t file charges against her for attempted assault because?”
“I was endeavoring to avoid a diplomatic incident. I’m the son of a dead war hero, the
adopted son of an active duty Starfleet Captain, dating the son of the Vulcan Ambassador to
Earth, and my grandmother is for all intents and purposes minor royalty on Betazed.” Jim
dropped back in his chair with a sigh. “So, congratulations Detective Butler—you could to be
famous if this goes to court. If you put cuffs on me you can claim to be the fifth cop to arrest the
son of one George Samuel Kirk.” He saluted him smartly with his water bottle and ignored
Pike’s snort of laughter.
Butler consulted his PADD. “Your record is clean—no convictions.”
“My stepdad liked to get me arrested when I was a little kid—sometimes I even deserved it.
He never pressed charges. Frank liked to take me home and beat me half-dead instead. And
that was actually one of his least heinous hobbies.”
“Jim.” Pike moved away from the door where he’d been leaning and touched his son’s
shoulder. “Let’s not go there kid; you don’t want to spend the night in the infirmary at Bones’
tender mercies do you?”
“Nah, I’m allergic to good drugs anyways.” Jim took a long drink of water. “So, do I get to
hear her version of events?”
Butler cleared his throat. “Apparently, from her point of view you attacked her in a jealous
rage over the Ambassador’s son.”
*****
“Staval has made it clear that they will not go through with formal charges against James if
Spock will agree to betrothal and to an immediate marriage bond,” T’Pol said—her tone so dry
and tight that Amanda actually flinched. She focused on Sarek. “I was informed that James is
in Security custody at this time being questioned.” She held up a hand when Spock stood
abruptly from his seat. “His father is with him and from all reports he’s holding his ground
with the detective. James has not been given any inhibitors and he does have a lawyer present.
He’s quite safe.”
“Bring her in here,” Spock snapped. “Right now.”
T’Pol lifted an eyebrow at the demand but nodded to her assistant who was lingering near the
door. Spock walked to the window, his hands tight behind his back and when the door opened
again to admit T’Pring and her father he turned.
T’Pring lifted an eyebrow. “You look upset, Spock.”
“I am half-Human, T’Pring. I can look fucking upset all I want,” Spock snapped and even
Amanda’s mouth dropped open in shock. “You look smug—if my humanity is my excuse what
exactly is yours?”
“It is logical to proceed with our bonding and put this entire matter behind us. You can keep
your little Human until we marry if you must. If you do not I will file formal charges and he
will be convicted. You know they are not going to release the embassy security footage to
Federation Security. The last thing anyone in this room wants is to have to explain Pon Farr to
an off-worlder much less have it presented a trial.”
Spock suspected she was nearly right about that and it was infuriating. “I would. I would
stand up in front of the Federation’s highest court and explain it in detail if it would protect
him from your petty and foolish games. As for the security footage—I have secured a copy
and I will not hesitate to turn it over to Federation Security.”
“Your father will not let you,” T’Pring exclaimed, her eyes widening fractionally when Sarek
lifted one eyebrow at her. “You would do this to our people for a Human?”
“You would do this to our people to marry a Vulcan/Human hybrid?” Spock returned evenly.
“As it stands, even if I were prepared to follow through with this contemptible situation—I
would likily murder you in my first Pon Farr. Because while the Vulcan in me can almost
appreciate your meticulous planning in this incident; the Human in me hates your guts.”
T’Pol cleared her throat when Staval started to speak. She closed her comm station with a
sharp punch of a button. “The Betazed Ambassador is here and is demanding entry.”
Staval moved closer to his daughter. “Why would they have a voice in this matter?”
“James Kirk is the grandson of one of their matriarchs, the fifth house if you are interested,”
T’Pol returned coolly. “And you have insulted his integrity, the honor of his house on
Betazed, and generally irritated them as much as you have apparently irritated Spock.” She
glanced at Spock who was now leaning against the wall near the window—practically
vibrating with fury. “Which is to say a lot.”
*****
“At this point, Mr. Kirk, we’d like you to submit to deep psi-scan to provide a record of the
events from your point of view.”
Jim laughed abruptly. “No way in hell.” He pointed a finger at the detective. “Federation law
puts the burden of proof on you; not on me. That means if you want to scan someone for the
truth it’s going to be her.”
“She’s not a citizen of Earth and her father is a diplomat so there is some question of how
much we can push her…”
“Neither am I, detective,” Jim responded evenly. “I was born in Klingon space and because my
father was half-Betazoid his alien heritage took precedence over any other citizenship I
could’ve been offered. If I’d been born on Earth I would have dual citizenship—as it stands
I’m citizen of Betazed and good luck getting anyone on that planet to order me to submit to a
deep psi-scan.” He pulled his communicator out of his pocket and shot the detective a
practiced glare when he started to protest and viewed his incoming messages. He opened the
one from Spock and blew a breath out. “Shit, well, looks like my boyfriend is just this side of
crazy so I should go before he decides to come over here.”
“I have more questions.”
Jim looked at his lawyer. “I’m done here, man. Seriously, Spock is livid. Do you know how
much bullshit it takes to make even a half-Vulcan livid? And I’m missing it!”
*****
Ambassador Deloia was beautiful like one of the paintings he’d seen in the human museum
his mother had taken to him during their first week on Earth and Spock resented the hell out
of the fact that he noticed. She offered him a smirk he’d seen on Jim’s face three hundred
twenty-six times since they’d met and he wondered if they were related.
“Yes,” Alexa Deloia said with a small smile. “James is a first cousin and we share the same
truly outrageous grandmother. She talks to me like a child. It’s as annoying and as insulting as
you presume it to be. And thank you—I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone compare me to
Botticelli’s Venus before. Your practical visual recall is stunning and your imagination very
flattering.” She turned to the rest of the room. “Forgive me; Spock is a spirited and dynamic
mental presence in the room. I see why our James is smitten with him.” She sat down in a chair
next to Amanda and accepted the tea that she was offered. “Thank you, dear one. I apologize
for missing dinner last month. I abhor travelling and I’d hope to avoid that trip altogether. I
was not lucky.”
“It’s quite alright, Alexa.” Amanda arranged some delicate, wafer thin chocolate cookies on a
plate, and sat them on the desk in front of the Ambassador. “Your favorite from Switzerland.”
Alexa Deloia sighed dramatically and took a cookie. “Glorious.” She took a bite and glanced
around at the Vulcans. “This is like being the only drinker at a party.”
T’Pol inclined her head. “By the end of the day I will be asking Amanda to get out the rest of
that box for me.”
Alexa smiled broadly. “I spoke with Captain Pike as I was being escorted back here. James was
not detained and Federation Security will be requesting a deep psi-scan for evidence purposes
before they can even consider going forth with charges.”
“They are going to order a deep psi-scan on James?” T’Pol questioned her eyebrow shooting
straight up in her bangs.
“No, they can’t. The burden of proof is not on him.” Alexa turned and looked at T’Pring
without hesitation. “They are going to request a deep psi-scan on her. If she refuses, the
pending charges will be tossed out due to lack of evidence. I’ve been assured by the Chief of
the Federation Security Service that if that happens his record will be cleared of this incident
entirely.”
“I will not submit to some primitive deep psi-scan,” T’Pring snapped. “I am the victim here.”
“In your case, darling, it wouldn’t have to be deep scan. You’re really quite shallow.” Alexa
returned evenly. “Though I don’t disagree with you on one front.” Her gaze flicked over
Staval. “I do consider you a victim here—just not James’ victim. I pity you but I will not allow
you to damage my cousin for your father’s political and monetary gain. It’s hardly anyone’s
fault but his own that he’s nearly bankrupted his clan in his dealings with the Ferengi.”
“What?” Amanda questioned wide eyed.
“Oh,” Alexa smiled. “Was that a secret? My apologies, I’m just not fit for company when I’m
this upset.”
Spock liked her a lot which probably wasn’t a good indication of his current mental health.
Alexa laughed suddenly and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “You’ll be fine, dear
one, getting furious every once in a while is good for your soul.”
Spock’s gaze narrowed. “Jim does not pluck my thoughts from my head like this.”
“He could,” Alexa returned with a small smile. “Easily. He doesn’t because Captain Pike
taught him manners that we don’t bother with on Betazed. James is quite polite but he’s young
yet—I don’t imagine he’ll always be so nice.” She focused on T’Pring. “Nor will he always be
so forgiving when he is attacked or misused for someone’s gain. He’s too good natured to even
realize how much power he could wield on Betazed. If you had managed to hurt him, it
could’ve damaged relationships between Vulcan and Betazed for generations.”
“He is 1/4 Betazoid. I cannot imagine how he could be important to your people,” T’Pring
responded, lifting her chin. “He cannot be valuable for mating purposes.”
“Betazoids on the whole aren’t xenophobic, child, as a people we value and adore life in all of
its forms. We blend easily and with much success with many other species. It is that ability
that makes us more likely to survive as a people and as a society.” Alexa picked out another
cookie. “T’Pol.”
T’Pol quirked an eyebrow. “T’Pring, you will submit yourself to Federation Security for a deep
psi-scan so the truth of this matter will be revealed. If you do not, I will see criminal charges
filed against you on Vulcan for the willful psionic attack of another sentient being outside of
government service whereupon your mind will be subject to the will of T’Pau. Staval, you and
your child are dismissed.”
Alexa continued munching her cookie in silence and then drank from her tea cup after the
door closed on father and daughter. “You are aware, of course, that Staval is half-Romulan?
He was working very hard to keep the information from me but the record of his birth…” She
trailed off and regarded T’Pol with a small smile. “I see, you didn’t know. His father will be
the Romulan but Staval did not learn this information until much later in his life—after the
Kevlin Massacre I believe. The poor girl has no idea—raised by a racist who hates himself as
much as he hates young Spock there.”
T’Pol reached out and snatched a cookie from Alexa’s plate and put half in her mouth. She sat
back, chewed it calmly, and swallowed. “Amanda, retrieve the box. Sarek, Spock—find
somewhere more productive to be. Perhaps you can go foster relations in your respective
bromances with Captain Pike and James Kirk.”
Sarek turned to stare at his wife. “Amanda.”
“It made her smile. Do you know how much I have to work get a smile out of T’Pol?” Amanda
defended with a frown. “It’s like getting the Klingons to sit down for a peace talk.”
T’Pol opened a drawer and pulled out a bottle of Andorian brandy. “I believe this is your
favorite, Amanda.” She turned and looked at Sarek pointedly. “Live long and prosper.”
Sarek looked toward his wife. “I will have the car return here and wait on you. Come Spock.”
*****
Jim was sprawled on his bed staring at the ceiling when the door chimed. Before he could
respond, Spock entered and locked the door. “Hey.”
Spock pulled off his cloak, draped it over the chair next to Jim’s desk, and crawled right into
the bed beside his friend. “Are you quite alright?”
“I’m fine,” Jim murmured and turned on his side to face Spock. “Really. My dad was there the
whole time and no one tried to threaten me or get rough with me. It wasn’t a great time but
I’ve certainly had more difficult visits in the hands of the Federation Security Service.”
Their hands blended together, fingers brushing together in relief without either one of them
making the conscious choice to touch. Spock leaned forward and let his forehead rest on Jim’s.
“I was… upset.”
“I bet.”
“I said the ‘f’ word in front of my mother,” Spock confessed. “Much later, when I have calmed
down I am sure to be mortified by my behavior today. I threatened to kill T’Pring and her
father.”
“You said fuck.” Jim sighed. “I can’t believe I missed it. I’m stunned and extremely
disappointed.” He sighed. “Did you have to see her today?”
“Her father offered to drop the pending charges against you if I would bond with her,” Spock
admitted.
“Jeez, Spock, that makes no sense. I mean, don’t get me wrong—you’re my everything—but
why would she want to mate this badly with someone who is half-Human when she obviously
hates Humans?” Jim frowned. “I should’ve scanned her but you were right about her mind
being so harsh and cold. It was really uncomfortable and I didn’t take her seriously as a
result.”
“My family is very wealthy and had we completed the marriage bond—there would have
been a ‘bride price’ paid for T’Pring’s care until the time of our marriage.” Spock shifted closer
to Jim and closed his eyes. “They wanted the credits, not me. They would have put off the
marriage until my first Pon Farr, effectively taking a great deal of wealth from my family and
eventually me as I would have been responsible for the ‘bride price’ after I reached adulthood.
She never wanted me and I imagine she would have challenged me in my darkest hour—
leaving me to die in combat.”
“I want you,” James murmured. “And she can most certainly die in a fire.”
Spock huffed out a small, completely unexpected laugh and opened his eyes. “You always
knew exactly what you were saying.”
“Yeah.” Jim wet his bottom lip with the tip of his tongue. “Mr. Spock, I would very much like
to engage your mouth in an activity called kissing.”
“I would not mind such an activity,” Spock responded.
Jim smiled suddenly, brilliant and so exotic that Spock could hardly contain an answering
smile. He leaned in and brushed his cool lips over Spock’s once—gentle, soft, and slightly
damp from his tongue. They came together again and Jim shifted closer, releasing Spock’s
fingers in favor of settling his hand on one lean hip. Spock’s hand drifted up over Jim’s
shoulder and before either of them even realized it his fingers were ghosting over the meld
points on Jim’s face.
They sprung apart swiftly, each rolling off the bed in opposite directions. Spock averted his
gaze, not surprised by alarm on Jim’s face. They’d already agreed that melding couldn’t be
casual with them and Jim had never had anyone touch his mind the way Spock had almost
done instinctually.
“I should not be anywhere near you right now,” Spock murmured. “Not in my condition—I
have no self-control and I am certainly emotionally compromised. I cannot be trusted.”
Jim took a deep audible breath. “Spock, give yourself a break here. We’ve both had pretty
stressful day and melding is a pretty integral part of intimacy for you. I shouldn’t have
released your hand so that I could cop a feel.”
Spock paused. “My hip is worthy of copping a feel?”
“Well, you’re all worthy of copping a feel but I was working my way around.” Jim swished his
hand in the air and blushed at Spock’s lifted eyebrow. “You have a great ass.”
Spock felt heat rush over his face and he cleared his throat. “Perhaps we could play a game of
chess.”
“Yeah, okay.” Jim motioned toward the board. “Unlock the door so we won’t be tempted.”
*****
“You are very angry. I do not believe that an apology is enough for this situation.”
Chris glanced over at Sarek who was sitting in the chair he always sat in when they were in his
home office. “I’m not angry at you. I know no one at the embassy anticipated that Staval and
his daughter would involve outside parties in what was clearly Vulcan business. I’ve never
known the Vulcan people to resort to taking an issue to Federation Security unless it involved
outright murder.”
“We are a private people,” Sarek allowed. “I apologize for not protecting your son in this
matter. I left him alone in the embassy when I knew T’Pring and her father were there. While I
have often had concern for my wife and son when we are outside of our home—I have never
believed there were threats in the embassy. That ignorance on my part allowed James to be the
subject of an attack. Were he not so well trained it would have been quite painful for him.”
“I’d like to say you don’t have to apologize but if the reverse were true and I had allowed
something to happen to Spock while he was in my care—the need to apologize would be
overwhelming on my part.” Chris sighed. “So apology accepted.”
Sarek nodded. “Staval is half-Romulan.”
Chris turned his head at that clearly surprised. “I see. Was that new information for your
people?”
“Yes. You must know since the Kelvin… there have been concerns on Vulcan concerning the
shared ancestry we have the Romulans. While we have made no effort to determine if there
are Romulans living on Vulcan in secret—but we have actively monitored immigration to our
planet concerning even our own colonies since the massacre. Staval was on Vulcan when I was
a boy—we were in school together and attended the Science Academy together.”
“You feel betrayed by him.”
Sarek averted his gaze. “Feelings of betrayal would be illogical, Captain.”
Chris snorted. “You always call me Captain when I make you uncomfortable, Sarek. I know
you feel things, okay. I’ve seen you with your family—with your wife and son. I know how
much you love them and what you would do to protect them. What you’ve already done to
make your son more comfortable with his genetics. That you created him at all—gave your
wife a child because she wanted one speaks to the depth of the emotions you have for her.”
“It is a misconception by some humans that Vulcans are emotionless. The choice to control our
more primitive natures was the best for our people but at times I wonder how much it serves
us when it comes to our relations with other races.” Sarek paused. “Staval has destroyed his
clan’s financial position and wanted the bonding with my son due to the amount of credits I
would settle on them for her care. It is an ancient and time honored tradition on my planet. As
I have a great deal of credits, they would have received enough financial support to recover
the losses they had suffered and prevent the loss of their ancestral land.”
“How did Spock take that news?”
“He was already so emotionally compromised by that point that it crossed my mind more than
once that I should just render him unconscious before he attacked one of them physically.”
Chris sat up abruptly in his chair. “Sarek, I’ve only known Spock for a few months but I can’t
imagine that he would be violent.”
“My species is capable of great violence when provoked,” Sarek corrected in a mild voice.
“You should ask Vice Admiral Komack how he came to have his arm broken in six places the
next time he irritates you with his ridiculous demands.”
“No shit?” Pike exclaimed and then laughed softly. “What did he do to piss you off?”
“He put his hands on my Amanda.”
Pike grew serious. “That fucker.”
“Indeed.” Sarek inclined his head.
*****
“May I ask a personal question?”
Jim paused briefly and then continued, picking up his rook and moving it decisively.
“Absolutely.”
“Have you had a sexual partner?”
“I…” Jim took a deep breath. “Why do you ask, Spock?”
“You seemed practiced at the kissing,” Spock returned, a flush crossing his cheekbones.
“Oh.” Jim laughed. “Okay, to answer your real question—I am mentally and physically a
virgin. I’ve dated casually in the past but the relationships never last long because I can never
stop myself from scanning their surface thoughts when they are with me. What I’ve always
discovered there in the past has been a real downer and usually spells the end of my
relationship with that person.”
“I’m sorry that you have been hurt that way.”
“It’s not your fault,” Jim said off-hand and then grinned. “You just used a contraction.”
“I probably have in the past—they come naturally to me as my mother was the primary source
from which I learned to speak Standard. My father does not like it and considers it quite lazy
to shorten words in such a way.” Spock glanced over the board and held back a sigh. “You
realize that I am actually very talented at this game.”
“I know you are—I’ve never had anyone challenge me like you.” Jim paused. “If I were
allowed to compete, I’d probably have an FIDE rating in the 2200s but telepaths like me aren’t
allowed without wearing a psi-collar which I absolutely refuse to wear.”
Spock made his next move. “I grant that you would be higher. I have an FIDE rating of 2450
and I win as many games as I lose with you.” He was silent while Jim considered and made
his next play. “You said you would finish your secondary education in around eighteen
months. My current educational goals have me finishing within twelve. Should I slow down
and redevelop my plans so we are together?”
Jim frowned. “Absolutely not, I’ll redevelop mine and speed it up.” He reached out and
grabbed Spock’s hand. “Don’t ever hold yourself back for me, Spock, I won’t tolerate it.” He
released him when Spock nodded abruptly. “Will you go to the Vulcan Science Academy?”
“No.”
“Spock,” Jim started with a frown. “That’s an honored tradition on Vulcan and you’re entitled
to it.”
“I spent the first sixteen years of my life being told that I am quite intelligent despite my
genetic disadvantage,” Spock returned. “I will take the entrance exam because my father expects
it but I will not spend another four to six years being treated as if having a Human mother
makes me some kind of aberration.” He made his next move and the piece connected with the
chess board with a decisive click. “Besides, even if I do well on the exam—there are rarely
more than twenty slots for the VSA and they will not offer me one of them.”
“Even with with your step-grandpa on the board?” Jim asked.
“The decisions are made by committee and my time on Earth will not have endeared me to
that board,” Spock admitted. “Especially since they all know I requested it of my father. Many
on Vulcan have called my father a race traitor for years behind his back and by requesting the
move to Earth—they now think the same of me when before I was just the son of a race
traitor.”
“That’s very not logical,” Jim returned dryly.
“The public presentation of Vulcan is much different than what is reality.”
Jim laughed softly and relaxed in his chair. “You just called your whole planet two-faced.”
*****
Spock hated the mall but when Jim had shown up at his house on his motorcycle with a
request for him to join him on a trip downtown to get his hair cut, he couldn’t say no. Still,
Spock hated the mall. He abhorred shopping and didn’t understand why it couldn’t be done
via digital catalog exclusively. Half the shops in the place were run by Ferengi and the
loudness of that species spread easily throughout the entire structure. They had stored the
bike, their helmets, and jackets in a unit before entering the facility and Spock wished he had
his because the environmental controls were set very low and he was chilled to the bone.
As much as Spock seemed to hate the mall, Jim adored it. He knew many of the shop keepers
and stopped to talk to half a dozen before they’d been in the facility thirty minutes. Spock had
been introduced to a pair of Orion sisters, three Ferengi, one Deltan woman who had flirted
with Jim shamelessly, and a Trill who had insisted on feeding them snacks while trying to get
Jim to buy a pair of leather boots.
By the time they reached the hair salon where Jim had an appointment—they were almost late
and Spock was carrying several shopping bags. Some of which, to his shame, were even his
own. The arguments on buying leather pants and boots for the motorcycle had been
remarkably sound and logical at the time. The woman made quick working of shaping and
cutting Jim’s hair and then turned her gaze on Spock.
“Well, come on over here. You need a trim yourself.”
Spock stared at her in alarm. “My hair is fine, thank you.”
“Nope, over here.” She patted the back of the chair Jim just had abandoned. “Your mother
wants half an inch snipped off. She was quite clear.”
Spock stared at Jim as he sat down in the chair. “Were you aware of this?”
Jim laughed. “No, come on. I would’ve warned you. I mean, your mom asked me where we
were going when you were upstairs changing and where I was getting my hair cut. I didn’t
know she had a devious plan in mind.”
*****
Sarek pulled out his communicator and flipped it open. He punched in the code that would
connect him with home. Amanda’s lovely face filled the small screen almost immediately.
“Wife.”
She smiled. “Husband. Is something wrong?”
“Jim and Spock are 45.89 minutes late. I have tried both of their communicators with no
response. Have they contacted you?”
Amanda frowned and shook her head. “No. They had appointments to get their hair cut over
an hour ago and Spock did comm shortly after his appointment to wiggle his eyebrow at me in
displeasure because I made his appointment without his knowledge.” She demonstrated the
eyebrow wiggling and grinned when Sarek lifted his own eyebrow. “Have you contacted
Captain Pike?”
“Not yet. I did not wish to worry him if there was no need.”
Amanda nodded. “Let me check the news vids and see if there are any accidents that might
have slowed them down in traffic.”
*****
“Would you hold still? There is no need for this fidgeting.” Jim demanded as he tried to dab at
the blood on Spock’s forehead. “To quote you—do not be an infant.”
“I am in Federation Security custody—there is every reason to fidget.”
Jim laughed softly and sat back on his heels. “Well, we aren’t actually in custody. When they
put you in custody there is a jail cell involved and stuff like that. This more like—‘holy shit—
you guys almost got kidnapped but you kicked their asses instead and we don’t know what to
do with you so we called your daddies’.”
Spock huffed but didn’t actually laugh. He did frown when Jim returned from the first aid kid
they’d been given with a small dermal regenerator. “Are you aware of how to properly use
that?”
Jim nodded. “Yeah, since I was pretty small actually. We had a small one like this at the house
and Sam… whenever Sam took a beating from Frank for me I’d use it on his face before we
went to school.”
Spock said nothing while Jim worked but when he was done and the Human boy had sat back
on his heels to rummage through the kit some more. “If you will show me how to do it, we can
take care of your split lip.”
“I hate the mall,” Jim said and winced as he ran his tongue over his bottom lip.
Spock nodded. “It is best to shop from catalogs.”
He laughed. “How is your hand? Did you damage it badly?”
Spock presented his hand which was horribly bruised. “We are taught to strike with precision
and to avoid damaging the more sensitive pads of the fingers in the process.”
*****
Chris shook his head. “No, detectives, neither of them look remotely familiar. What happened
to them exactly?”
“Well, these are two of the four men that attempted to kidnap your son,” Butler responded.
“The other two are in critical condition in our hospital wing. They are both expected to live—
though the one will likely never walk again. The Vulcan kid apparently shattered his spine.
The other is catatonic. Neither Kirk nor Spock offered a reason for the man’s mental state and
we didn’t push.” He glanced at Sarek. “We have video footage of the incident.”
“Are you charging our sons with anything, Detective Butler?” Sarek questioned, his gaze
narrow and hard.
“No, of course not. They defended themselves and each other because they were attacked. If
they hadn’t defended themselves it’s entirely likely that we’d have never found the Kirk kid
alive.”
Pike paled. “They meant to kill my son?”
“Not on purpose,” Butler finally said, his gaze focused on the two prisoners he had in his
interrogation room. “There is a thriving market for slaves off world, Captain Pike, and having
met your son he would’ve fought a situation like that until he was dead or so broken there
would’ve been nothing left to rescue.”
“Was he targeted because of one of us?” Sarek questioned. “We both have made enemies on
and off the planet during the course of our jobs.”
“No, one of them already gave a full confession,” Butler paused and Chris thought that if the
answer was as bad as it appeared maybe he didn’t want to know. “They just said that Kirk was
attractive and fair skinned—the kind of Human that would’ve sold for a great deal of cash in
the Orion slave markets.” Butler flushed. “One of them also mentioned something about the
way he smelled—hormones or something.”
“So it wasn’t because they knew who he was?” Pike questioned. “You’re sure?”
“Sir, the last thing slavers want is a high profile victim like a Starfleet Captain’s son,” Butler
promised. “It was just a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. There is something
good coming out of this—due to the incident we received the appropriate permission to search
their ship at the space port and found ten missing teenagers. They’d taken them from cities
across the planet over the last week. They were due to depart from the planet six hours from
now.”
Chris shoved his shaking hands into his pockets and looked at Sarek clearly at a loss for
words.
“Detective Butler, we would see the footage of the incident and then we would like to take our
children home.”
Butler motioned them to sit and then activated a large screen on the back wall. “We have it
from several different angles; the mall has excellent security—far better than these guys were
aware of. If they’d managed to get Kirk off the planet—we would have had plenty on them to
identify.”
That wasn’t a comfort at all and Pike resolved to get some kind of tracking device permanently
implanted in his kid at the first opportunity. He was sure McCoy would have some options
and would be more than willing to knock Jim out for the procedure if he fought it.
The boys exited into the garage through a pair of double doors—both carrying quite a few
shopping bags. They walked over to a transporter system that was designed to send purchases
to a set of coordinates. It took them four minutes to separate their things out and beam them
home. After they were done, he watched Jim snag Spock’s fingers in a loose hold and they
walked out of the range of the camera. The view changed immediately and they were walking
towards a storage unit.
It happened quickly—far too quickly for Pike’s nerves. Spock managed a nerve pinch on one
of his attackers and knocked the other one out cold with his fist. It was the two they were
holding in the interrogation room. Then one of the men started screaming and Spock rushed
forward and delivered four extremely vicious blows to the back of the man holding Jim. Then
it was over. It was stunning—all of that violence in forty-five seconds. Forty-five seconds that
could’ve changed his life forever, taken his son from him—taken the only part of George he
had left.
“Look, today had the makings of every parent’s nightmare,” Butler began. “But they are both
okay. They had some abrasions and bruises but they refused to let any of our medical staff
touch them. Considering the amount of violence they’d already suffered we didn’t feel
comfortable forcing medical care on them. We brought Kirk a medical kit at his request and
left them alone.”
“We will be taken to our children now,” Sarek declared and stood.
*****
“You need to see Dr. McCoy.”
“No, I don’t,” Jim declared.
“I am going to comm him and tell him that your rib is cracked,” Spock returned evenly. He set
aside the tricorder. “Honestly, James, you try me.”
Jim laughed. “I try you?” He groaned then and clutched his side. “I’m not the one hiding ninja
skills. I’m put out with you, Spock.”
“I am not a ninja. That is ridiculous and I believe I told you that I studied Vulcan martial arts
since I was five years of age.” Spock crossed his arms and tilted his head. “Your psionic
readings are at dangerously high levels and are four times higher than anything we have
previously recorded.”
“Yeah, well, I really couldn’t help myself and I didn’t think Vulcan martial arts were you
know actual martial arts. I thought it was some kind of intense meditation and maybe really
tranquil katas involving holding the same body position for hours. You know—an art of
patience rather than actual defense.” Jim frowned at him. “You’re supposed to be a pacifist.”
“Vulcans see no logic in being defenseless in the face of a threat.” Spock lifted one eyebrow.
“What did you mean, you could not help yourself? Is it common for you to lash out
telepathically when you are threatened physically?”
“No,” Jim averted his gaze. “I don’t want to tell you what I saw in their heads, okay? You
don’t need to know. You’re… too innocent for it, Spock. Just let it go.”
The door opened before Spock could respond and they both turned. Christopher Pike moved
into the room and grabbed Jim in a careful hug. “Dad, I’m fine.”
“I doubt it,” Chris murmured against his head. “Don’t think you’re going to get out of seeing
Bones.”
Jim sighed. “My bike is at the mall.”
“I’ll send someone to retrieve it,” Pike said and clenched his hands in Jim’s t-shirt. “Let’s get
you over to headquarters. I already called McCoy and told him to expect us.”
Jim paused and looked at Spock, then Sarek. “You guys coming?”
“Go with your father,” Spock murmured. “I will take care of this equipment—I need to
meditate as well.”
“Okay, I’ll comm you when I’m done.”
“Please do.”
Sarek closed the door behind Jim and Pike and regarded his son who had pulled a dermal
regenerator out of the medical kit. “What are you doing?”
“We used several pieces of equipment in this bag to repair the minor abrasions we suffered
and to do a scan for more serious injuries. I do not wish to leave records of our readings—
especially not Jim’s psionic readings. I will make note of the readings for Dr. McCoy but
Federation Security does not need to know.”
Sarek nodded and picked up the tricorder. “Are you alright?”
“I am well.”
“You performed admirably and calmly today during the incident. I saw the video of the
matter—your teacher on Vulcan would be pleased with the skill you utilized in defending
yourself and James.” Sarek’s fingers trembled slightly and he forced himself to push the
images of his son in danger out of his head. “I am pleased with your performance.”
“Did Detective Butler tell you their purpose? He refused to discuss it with me but I’m sure Jim
knows.”
“They were likely employed freelance by the Orion Syndicate. Through your actions today, ten
other young people were rescued from their ship.”
“Sexual slavery then,” Spock responded, his tone cool and collected. “Jim said I was too
innocent to know their purpose for taking him.”
“I find his protection of you in that circumstance illogical but admirable.” Sarek set the
tricorder on another cycle and then checked the memory core again. “He was not targeted
because of who he is so there is no threat of others coming for him—in fact, if they had
realized who he was they would have never thought to take him. The son of a starship Captain
is hardly the kind of anonymous target they would prefer for the trade.”
“This would not have happened on Vulcan.”
“No, but Earth is the headquarters of the Federation and access cannot be as heavily restricted
as what we enjoyed on Vulcan,” Sarek finished with the tricorder. “Did you use the chemical
analysis unit?”
“Yes.”
Sarek nodded and picked it up. “Captain Pike is very upset.”
“Yes,” Spock agreed. “So is Jim but he tried not to show it.”
“Your mother and I would never recover your loss, Spock.”
Spock blinked in surprise but continued to focus on the dermal regenerator in his hand. “I will
endeavor not to become lost, Father.”
“That would ease your mother greatly.”
*****
“And then Spock did this thing.” Jim flipped his hands as Bones continued to scan him with a
tricorder. “And the bad guy went over his shoulder and hit the ground so hard I felt it. He did
the neck pinch thing too—which is all kinds of awesome. I want to learn how to do it.”
Bones shot Pike a glance and then cleared his throat. “Stop evading my question, Jim. Your
psionic readings are off the charts—I’ve never seen anything like this. Not even in a full
Betazoid.”
Jim’s fingers clenched in his jeans. “They were slavers, Bones. The one—he was thinking about
how much fun he was going to have with me before he sold me to the Orions. His head was
just full of some really fucked up shit. The kind of stuff I haven’t seen since Frank…” Jim took
a deep breath. “And all I could see was that last girl Frank brought home and her screams
were echoing in my head. I didn’t think anyone could be worse than Frank, I mean not really.
Who could be worse than him?”
“What did you do?” Chris asked in a neutral tone.
“I guess the term would be a mental castration,” Jim admitted in a near whisper. “They won’t
be able to figure it out—it would take a Vulcan adept or an advanced healer from Betazed to
figure it out and it can’t be undone.”
“Mental castration.”
Jim looked at his Dad, his eyes intense and focused. “He’ll never be able to rape another kid
and when he tries to think about doing it—it’ll hurt so much he’ll want to die.” Jim focused on
his hands and then gifted Bones a wry grin. “Then Spock did this ninja thing though he claims
to totally not be one where he broke this guy’s back in four different places.”
“Good for Spock,” Bones muttered.
*****
He rarely took water showers—the indulgence of it had been illogical on Vulcan and on Earth
he often saw it as a capitulation to his humanity. Still, the feel of intensely hot water flowing
over his body was comforting. He knew this was a quirk of his hybrid physiology, his father
found bathing in water extremely distasteful though on more than one occasion Spock had
found both his parents with wet hair. He refused to speculate on the matter when it occurred.
He clenched his still bruised fist and leaned his forehead against the cool tile of his shower
stall. The fury that had lit in him the very moment Jim had been grabbed by the men hadn’t
lessened in the least—he burned with it, his stomach was churning, and his heart still raced
against his side. Spock let himself stand there for several minutes, under water so hot it would
have blistered a pure human and then he washed himself methodically—blood, green and red,
tinted the water and disappeared down the drain. He wished his temper was so easy to wash
away.
He turned off the water, left the shower, and picked up a towel. The large mirror in his
bathroom was fogged with condensation which was good. The last thing he wanted was to see
how Human he must look—how angry he must look. There was a brisk knock on the
bathroom door and Spock took a deep breath.
“I am without clothing, Mother.”
Amanda sighed very loudly. “I gave birth to you, Spock. Nothing you have is a mystery. Do
you have any injuries? I insist you come out at once so I can check.”
“May I have four minutes, please?”
“Four minutes,” Amanda agreed.
Spock dried himself briskly, combed his hair, brushed his teeth to ease the taste of bile in his
mouth, and then pulled on a thick black robe. He fastened the collar quickly and then the
buttons that trailed down the side. The material was warm and comfortable against his skin
but he normally did not wear it without his sleep clothes.
When he exited the bathroom his father was standing near his bay window and his mother
had a medical kit open on his desk. “I am fine, Mother. I suffered no injuries beyond a few
bruises. They will be gone by morning.”
Amanda frowned at him and pointed at the chair. “Sit. Endure my mothering, it’s my right.”
Spock sat and endured. His mother was brisk and touched him more in the next ten minutes
than she had in over a year. The older he got the less free she felt to touch him. He understood
it but there was part of him that missed the coolness of her hand on his.
“How is James?”
“Upset,” Spock said immediately. “He wished to hide it from me and I felt it best for his ego if
I allowed it.” He glanced at her when she sighed. “Was this the wrong choice?”
“No, no. Considering his past, it was probably a very good thing for you to not press him on
his emotional upset. Alexa has shared a great deal with me about Jim’s relationship with his
mother and with his step-father. She felt that since I am the primary female in his life that I
should know these things in case he needs my support.”
“Was he… did his step-father abuse him sexually as well as physically?” Spock questioned, his
tone as neutral as it was possible.
“No, not in the way you might think. It is something that you will have to hear from James
when he is ready, Spock. It’s not my intention to keep a secret from you—it’s just this
particular story is not mine to tell.” Amanda motioned him to lift his hand and she frowned
over the bruises. “You didn’t use a dermal regenerator on this?”
“Yes, but the bruising was quite extensive,” Spock admitted. “I will use a healing trance to
take care of the matter, Mother. I promise.”
“Very well.” Amanda leaned against the desk and stared at him hard. “Is there anything you’d
like to ask concerning the events of today?”
“Father already explained to me that they were slavers,” Spock murmured. “I have no
problems theorizing the plans for Jim and the other children they had taken onto their ship.
Knowing this, I have no regrets for my physical actions and perhaps harbor some irritation
that I did not hurt them all four much more severely. Slavery is abhorrent, Mother.”
“I agree.” Amanda reached out hesitantly and then smiled when he didn’t flinch away. She
stroked her fingers gently down his face, brushing over one of his meld points carefully. Fear,
love, protection, and the desire for revenge filtered over his mind from his mother’s and he
caught her hand in his.
“I am well, Mother. I will not suffer mentally or physically from the events of the day. I am
concerned about Jim but I am confident his father will see that he has proper medical care. I
will make sure to bring up the events of the day to Jaret when we go for Jim’s lesson on
Thursday.” He paused and then released her hand when she relaxed minutely. “I would like
to meditate now.”
“Very well.” She gathered up her first aid kit with a glance in her husband’s direction. “If the
healing trance does not take care of the bruising, you will be visiting a healer in the morning.”
*****
Chris eased into his favorite chair with a beer and looked at the clock. Jim had been asleep for
an hour or more so if the nightmares were going to start it would be soon. He’d already
contacted the school to report that Jim would not be in classes for the next few days due to
injury. Bones had repaired the cracked rib but he’d ordered Jim to rest for three days and that
meant no school. They both knew the kid would probably have nightmares.
He’d finished a little over half of his beer when the first scream pierced the silence of the
house. By the time he reached Jim’s room, the kid was shouting and screaming in a near
continuous stream. Experience had taught him not to touch, not to try to shake Jim loose from
the dream. He stopped at the foot of the bed and shouted. “Jim!”
Jim woke up abruptly, sobbing and gagging at the same time. Pike pulled a trashcan into place
beside the bed just in time and went in search for a washcloth. He brought back a dry one and
a wet one. Jim took them both silently. “I’ll get you some water, kid.”
“Thanks,” Jim whispered. “Jesus fuck.”
Pike couldn’t have agreed more. He retrieved a glass of cold water from the replicator in the
kitchen and took it to his son. “Same one as always?”
Jim nodded and then shook his head. “It changed a little—was worse. I haven’t had it in years
so I guess that’s to be expected. Do nightmares get more complicated the older you are? I
would’ve hoped my memories would fade a little with time but they are so vivid when I
dream.” He drank all of the water and shuddered. “Do you think I’ve repressed some of the
things that Frank did?”
“What do you mean?” Pike asked alarmed.
“I—I don’t believe he ever touched me sexually. He definitely preferred females and he liked
them around fourteen or so.” Jim took a deep breath and stared at the empty glass in his hand.
“I think… I think he killed one of those girls he brought home, Dad. I think he killed her.”
“Jim.” Chris sat down on the edge of the bed. “Are you sure? The mind can play tricks, change
events so they are worse than what they actually were. When I dream about trauma that I’ve
suffered—it always seems to be worse than it actually was.”
Jim’s fingers tightened around the glass. “I can’t… she’s in my head now. In one instance she
is shy but relieved to be eating and the next she is screaming. I remember feeling so guilty
because I didn’t tell her why Frank really brought her home—what he would do to her. The
last time I did that—he nearly killed Sam. I remember thinking that this girl was a stranger to
me and she wasn’t more important than my own brother. I couldn’t let her be and that makes
me feel like such a fucking monster. Just as bad as Frank.”
“You were a child, Jim. No one expects… you’re nothing like that son of a bitch, okay?” Chris
reached out and touched his shoulder. “Look at me, son.” Jim met his gaze reluctantly.
“You’re a good man with a strong and brave heart. George would be so puffed up with pride
at the sight of you that we wouldn’t be able to find a uniform to fit him.” He grinned when Jim
laughed reluctantly and then grew serious. “Let’s walk through the rest of it and see how
much of what you dreamt was reality, okay?”
“Yeah.” Jim swallowed. “We eat dinner and then Frank offers to let her take a bath. He says he
has some clothes she can have—clothes his niece left behind. That’s a big fat lie but this girl has
been on the streets for just a month or so from the look of her so she doesn’t know bullshit
when she sees it. She’s not even turning tricks yet—and it’d been a while since Frank had
brought home anything but really young hookers.”
“How old are you?”
“Eight.” Jim swallowed. “Sam was twelve.” He rubbed his face with both hands. “Frank told
me to go to bed but my bedroom was right next door to his. He made Sam sit in a chair in the
room and watch. Most of the time I didn’t have to watch as long as Sam was around and the
one time Sam refused to watch, he beat me unconscious as punishment.”
Pike forced his body to relax. This was nothing new to him—the details had come out in Jim’s
testimony at trial. They hadn’t been able to charge Frank with any of the rapes Sam and Jim
were forced to witness because they hadn’t been able to find any of his victims.
“She screamed louder and longer than any of the others. Begs him not to hurt her—promises
him that she’ll never tell what he tried to do if he’ll stop touching her. Screams that she’s a
virgin and she wanted to save it for someone important. She doesn’t stop screaming for two
hours.” Jim paused. “I don’t see her the next day until Frank is putting her in the car—my
Father’s car. Frank tells me and Sam not to leave the house that he’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Was she awake and talking when he put her in the car?”
Jim relaxed. “Yeah. Silent, and seriously fucked up but awake.” He pushed back the rest of his
covers and stumbled out of the bed towards the bathroom. “You know I don’t even know how
many there were. I can’t tell you how many lives Frank Edgars destroyed before he was put in
jail. How horrible is that?”
“It’s not your responsibility, Jim and there is nothing you could’ve done to prevent it. I saw the
records—you reported him to the authorities four times and they did nothing for you, your
brother, or those girls Frank was abusing. Your mother didn’t help you and the police ignored
you.”
“I should’ve told you,” Jim murmured. “I thought so more than once over the years. I knew
you’d come for me if I did but my mom hated you and I wanted her to love me so I didn’t
reach out for you. I didn’t understand why she hated you, maybe not even until two years ago
when I saw her and got all… fucked up and ended up in the infirmary for a month. It was easy
to see that she was jealous of the relationship you had with George before he died.”
Pike flushed. “Jim.”
“No, it’s okay.” Jim laughed softly, a rueful grin crossing his mouth. “I mean she thinks you
were lovers even after they got married because she found letters the two of you wrote after he
was killed. But I know you weren’t—I know you went from friends to lovers and back to
friends again before he even met her. I told her that and you know what she said?”
“What?” Chris asked with a sigh.
“She said it didn’t matter that the two of you weren’t fucking—that he didn’t love her as much
as he loved you. She said she was second best for him and that he’d been the love of her life.
Said it wasn’t fair that you were his.” Jim wet a cloth and washed his face briskly. “It’s
probably true and it’s definitely why she fought so hard to keep me away from you. The only
reason she didn’t remove you as my godfather from the legal records is because people
would’ve asked her questions. They would’ve wanted to know why she didn’t want her dead
husband’s best friend near her kids.”
“I never once tried to interfere in their marriage. I stood up as his best man for fuck’s sake.”
Chris shook his head. “And he loved her. He wouldn’t have married her and had kids with
her if he hadn’t loved her. As far as I know, I was the only man he’d ever been involved with
physically. He’d had a few crushes while at the academy but he’d never considered acting on
them.” Pike paused and then pushed on. “Is that why you got so upset? Because you found
out your dad and I….”
“I already knew about that. It was one of the first things I learned when my gifts started to
manifest. Every time you think of him—it’s all right there on the surface and the love you have
for him isn’t brotherly. I never minded that and since I never sense that kind of love coming
from my mother in relation to him it’s nice to know that he was genuinely loved in his life
before he died.” Jim paused. “Don’t get me wrong—my mom loved him right up until the day
she found out he’d had a homosexual relationship. She had a real problem with that and it
killed part of her feelings for him. She’s never loved unconditionally and I pity her for that.”
“It’s her feelings about homosexuals that upset you so much.”
Jim shrugged. “I was already having some pretty heady sexual feelings about people and even
then when I masturbated I mostly thought about guys. I like girls but I prefer boys. I accepted
that pretty early on and I was okay with it. It was easy to be okay with it because I knew you’d
dated men in the past and you wouldn’t be upset with me.”
“No, never.” Pike promised.
“I don’t know how Spock’s dad feels about it. I haven’t dared poke into his head to see. I don’t
think I could continue my relationship with Spock if I found out Sarek hates it or finds it
offensive.”
“He doesn’t. When we talked about it—he was frank and we discussed Vulcan history and
pair bonds. Apparently there was a time when bonds between men were viewed as lucky for a
clan. He called it Warrior Bonding.”
Jim grinned. “Well, Spock’s totally a warrior. You saw what he did right?”
“I agree with you that it is entirely possible that he’s a ninja,” Chris admitted and laughed
when Jim did. “Hungry?”
“No not at all but I should eat anyways.”
*****
“Where’s the boyfriend?”
Spock looked up from his work and regarded Rob with open curiosity. “Do you ask this
question because you wish to take his place or because you miss his presence so much that it is
a distraction for you?”
Most of the class snickered and Rob flushed. “Man, just when I think you can’t get any…” He
waved a hand. “More Vulcan. You go and prove me wrong.” He leaned on the station. “I
heard there was this big deal at the mall—a Human kid and a Vulcan were involved in an
altercation with slavers. Well, I only know one Human kid that hangs out with a Vulcan and
you’re the Vulcan. So is he okay?”
“He is well,” Spock answered. “And will likely return to school on Wednesday. I will be
collecting his assignments for him. Would you like to send him a note describing how much
you miss him and wish him to return?”
Rob grinned. “You’re a pointed-eared jerk. Tell him I asked about him.”
“Mr. David! You will apologize to Spock for referring to his ears in a derogatory manner.” The
teacher demanded from the front of the class room.
“Ah, Ms. Grant, he knows I didn’t mean it bad, right Spock?”
“Right,” Spock responded without hesitation. “Mr. David cannot help he is jealous over my
ears—they are much more attractive than his own.”
Rob laughed and dropped back on his stool. “Sure they are.”
“I agree,” one of the girls from the cross the aisle offered with a smile in Spock’s direction.
Rob grinned. “Better watch it, Stephanie, or you’ll get a lecture on how Vulcans do not
appreciate being stalked.”
Spock flushed green. “Must you persist? The girl was most disagreeable. I seriously doubt
Stephanie would attempt to follow me home to meet my mother.”
Stephanie for her part laughed. “Well, if I did it would just because I think your mom is
awesome. I watched her on the vid last week speaking in front of the Federation Council about
humanitarian aid for Tarsus IV. I want to be awesome like that. I mean it’s been three years
since Kodos and I really agree with your mom that there hasn’t been enough done for the
colony. It’s like the Federation wants to forget what happened and they can’t do that. There
are people still living on that world that deserve our unreserved support.”
“Agreed.” Spock inclined his head. “If you would really like to meet her—I can ask if you may
join us for dinner.”
She grinned. “Just make sure Jim is invited so he won’t think it’s a date.”
“Vulcans do not date,” Spock returned severely and smiled inwardly when the kids around
him laughed.
A part of him had been worried about being at school without Jim but he’d found that he was
treated much the same. The alien kids were cordial, the Human kids either engaged him or
ignored him, and their mechanical engineering class remained the most friendly. He’d eaten
lunch in the quarters they were assigned on campus, a habit Jim and he had fallen into since
his mother had insisted on activating and paying to stock the replicator in their room. She’d
been horrified to learn neither of them had intended to bother with it.
*****
Jim shifted on the meditation mat and for the first time since he’d known Spock sought out the
gentle press of his mind for his focal point. It was nothing like Pike’s. His Dad’s mind was a
warm, comforting presence in his mind. Spock’s mental touch was cool, orderly, and above all
else welcoming. He wondered if Spock could feel him reaching out for him but he let that
thought go as he surrendered to the process.
He shifted through the mental remnants of his dream from the night before and stored each
fractured piece of memory in the vault Jaret had helped him create. Jaret was one of the most
talented Betazoids alive and he’d come to Earth to train Jim. Jim’s grandmother had insisted
he receive the best training possible when she’d lost the custody fight and couldn’t return him
to Betazed permanently.
Jim easily latched onto the memories he’d gathered from his attackers and stored them in a
different vault—one full of thoughts and experiences that were not his own. At least, the
unpleasant thoughts and experiences that were not his own. He had an entirely different place
in his mind for the memories and experiences he’d received from Jaret. It was special and
carefully protected because what was in that place were someone else’s pleasures and secrets.
He held that trust sacred and not just because the information there was so valuable as it
pertained to his future relationship with Spock.
Spock had his room place as well—a mental room full of impressions, touches, feelings, and
the soft pleasure of the Vulcan’s mouth on his. It was guarded as well—protected because it
was precious and perfect. In this room, Jim settled and pulled out the bond he was crafting for
Spock. In his mind, the red psionic rope pulsed with passion and love. The rope was thick and
durable. He’d made certain of that because in the instant he’d started to build the bond he’d
put all of his strength and concentration into it. Once the connection was made it would be
impossible to sever accidently. It was almost ready, he thought and he wondered if Spock was
preparing something similar. Jaret hadn’t had a lot of information about the Vulcan marriage
bond as he’d never experienced it.
He had explained that their bond would have to have a dual nature as he’d been lead to
believe that the Vulcan bond alone wouldn’t be fulfilling for Jim. Jim hadn’t discussed that
part of things with Spock yet but he couldn’t imagine that the Vulcan would deny him the
bond his mind required to be healthy. He knew he wouldn’t deny Spock anything. He’d give
him everything and anything he needed or wanted. It had been that way since the near instant
they met. The call of Spock’s mind had been so seductive and perfect that Jim had felt he
would burst from his skin if he couldn’t touch the Vulcan.
The next day, when he’d cradled Spock’s mind and body—he’d realized that it was far more
than just attraction. He had been stunned to find that the half-Vulcan who made him edgy and
hard was also the fucking love of his life. It had been an overwhelming and not exactly
welcome revelation. But the weeks that followed had changed him—made him realize what
he’d been missing all of his life.
He stored the bond in the box he’d created for it and then closed the door tightly on Spock’s
place in his mind. Jim wrapped several mental shields around the room to protect it and then
allowed himself lift out of the meditative state. He was surprised to find that he was no longer
alone with Jaret. The other boy in the room was several feet away and was stretching leisurely.
“Jim, this is Devone Jax. This is his normal time with me and I did not think you’d mind if I
got him started.”
Jim nodded. He’d known when he’d come to the embassy that he’d have to share Jaret—the
man might have come to Earth for him but his time was valuable and he’d quickly put
together a full schedule. Jim was the only one with private lessons but he couldn’t expect Jaret
to empty out his whole schedule because Jim was a little sick.
“I heard you were attacked yesterday.”
Jim glanced at Devone. “Yeah, but I’d rather not talk about it. I’m not hurt badly but it wasn’t
cool.”
Devone nodded. “I can imagine. I’m sorry you had such a trying experience.” He leaned
forward and pushed his hands flat on the mat out in front of him as he pressed his forehead
against the floor. “I’ve noticed you before—with your Vulcan friend. That must be an
interesting friendship.”
Jim’s gaze narrowed slightly and he took a deep breath. “Yes, I’m very lucky.” He inclined his
head. “And you’re very flexible.”
Devone laughed. “I’ve been in training my whole life. My mother is Human and she has
instructed me in yoga principles since I could walk. It’s good for the body and helps me
achieve my meditative state easier. You should try it.” He glanced over Jim in frank
admiration. “You’re in great shape already—it wouldn’t take much for you to increase your
flexibility.”
“I work out with my Dad. It’s one of our father/son activities. We tried to take a yoga class at
the academy but we both agreed the instructor was entirely too attractive and it was hard to
concentrate on what she was saying when she kept bending over.”
Jaret laughed softly. “Such is life, I’m afraid. Always to be distracted by beautiful people.”
Devone hummed softly and offered Jim a warm smile. “I could teach you.”
“My schedule is already pretty full but thanks.” Jim paused and frowned at the gentle prod
against his mind. Jaret knew better than to try to speak inside Jim’s head but apparently
Devone hadn’t been warned. “Do not try to touch my mind!”
Devone sat up in surprise. “My apologies, Jim. I didn’t mean to offend.”
“Just don’t ever do it again and try to remember that some people actually value their
privacy.” Jim rolled to his feet and with a brief glance in Jaret’s direction went to retrieve his
things. “Can I come back tomorrow as well? I’m not allowed to go back to school until
Wednesday.”
Jaret checked his schedule. “How about I come to you tomorrow? I have nothing after two and
we can have dinner. Your father wanted a status report anyway.”
Jim nodded. “I’ll let him know. Spock will be there so if you want to see our results so far on
the neurotransmitter study…”
Jaret grinned. “That would be great—he’s such a fun boy and his scientific curiosity is
intoxicating. Ask Dr. McCoy as well—we’ll make it a ‘let’s discuss Jim like he’s not even there’
festival.”
Jim rolled his eyes but nodded. He walked briskly from the training room and was almost out
of the embassy when Devone caught up with. He felt the boy’s approach and turned on him
with a glare. “What?”
“I just…” Devone blushed. “I wanted to apologize again. It really wasn’t my intention to
offend or upset you. I knew you were raised on Earth but I didn’t understand what that would
mean concerning your views on privacy until Jaret berated me.” He reached out hesitantly and
touched Jim’s arm. “Truly, I’m very sorry. I might be half-Human but I was raised on Betazed
among my father’s family. My mother really wasn’t allowed to press her moral ideals on me.”
Jim nodded and carefully pulled away. “I’m sorry as well. I got more irritated with you than I
normally would because I had a difficult day yesterday and also because you’re attracted to
me.”
“You’re offended that I find you attractive?” Devone asked with a grin. “Seriously? If that is
the case than you will find yourself offended a lot throughout your whole life.” He reached
out and touched Jim’s arm again. “You’re really very beautiful.”
“I’m really very taken,” Jim corrected gently. “Spock and I are… together.”
Devone removed his hand with a pout. “A day late and a dollar short as my Human
grandfather is fond of saying.” He grinned then. “Still, I’d like to be your friend if you’d allow
it—Spock’s too. I find him fascinating and…I adore his ears.”
Jim laughed. “If only you were the only one.”
“Jaret warned me that your grandmother keeps throwing potential mates your way. I’m not
one of them—she’d never throw a half-Betazoid at you when full Betazoids are lining up
around the block for an introduction.” Devone grinned when Jim paled. “I mean, it isn’t like
she’s set up a marriage auction or anything. Though I think she’d be tempted if she had the
legal means to do so.”
“So what you’re saying is,” Jim began with a rueful smile. “If I were single—you’d be just the
guy to hook up with to piss her off.”
Devone laughed softly, his black eyes dancing with cheer and amusement. “Well, she’s hardly
xenophobic but she is from a very traditional family and they pride themselves on passing on
the genes of powerful telepaths.”
“I sent her a communication earlier in the month telling her that it would snow on Vulcan
before I’d jack off in a cup so she could fill artificial wombs with man-love babies.” Jim
checked his chronometer. “I do have to go. My Dad is expecting me and after yesterday I don’t
think he’d take me being late with any kind of patience or good grace.”
“Well, I’ll see you later then. Tell Spock I said hi.”
“Sure,” Jim agreed and watched the young Betazoid walk away. After a few seconds, he
turned and headed to the doors. He was surprised to find Spock leaning on the motorcycle, a
helmet dangling from his fingers. “Hey, how was school?”
“It was relevant to my interests.” Spock quirked an eyebrow. “Did you know Vulcans have
superior hearing?”
Jim grinned. “Yes, I’m aware of that.” He grabbed his own helmet and looked him over. “You
heard Devone, huh?”
“I’m not surprised he took the opportunity to speak with you privately. He has spoken of you
often and with glowing terms with others on the occasions that he has seen you over the past
several weeks.” Spock stepped away from the bike so Jim could slide astride and then slid on
the back of it with practiced grace. They donned their helmets and linked the comm systems.
“You are taken.”
“I am,” Jim agreed with a small laugh. He patted one of Spock’s gloved hands as the Vulcan
settled against him and their body heat blended together. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
A
Chaos
“Father, may we speak?”
Sarek put aside his PADD and nodded. “Yes, of course. You are finished with your morning
meditation?”
“Yes.” Spock sat down in the chair he always chose when in his father’s home office and
opened his mouth and then closed it abruptly. He took a deep breath. “It is difficult.”
Sarek inclined his head. “It is a personal matter?”
“It is a matter of biology,” Spock murmured and then blushed. “I searched through the
materials you gave me but my question was not answered. I considered asking Jim but I did
not want to appear any more ignorant on the subject of sexual matters than I already do. The
vanity of that is not lost on me.”
“It is not a misunderstood vanity,” Sarek allowed carefully. “Is this about James or about
yourself?”
“I believe I am achieving some sort of sexual release while I sleep,” Spock blurted out quickly.
“I have found evidence that is the case. At this point, I do not even know what to terms
research in order to…” He trailed off with a blush and averted his gaze. “Do I need a healer?”
His father’s silence was excruciating and inappropriate as far as Spock was concerned but he
could not bring himself to say anything else so he waited.
“Have you noticed a change in your genitalia?” Sarek finally questioned.
“Yes, but the growth appears to be in the upper normal range for a Vulcan male. My hormone
production is higher than expected however.” Spock inhaled and then exhaled sharply.
“There have been some physical reactions on my part but nothing that explains…”
“Nocturnal emissions are common for Human males and much older unbonded Vulcan
males,” Sarek finally said. “The information was not included in your research packet as it
does not apply to Vulcan males in puberty. All of your blood work had pointed towards you
having a Vulcan sexual cycle. I do not know what this means for your Pon Farr.”
“Then I have no reason to be concerned?”
“No, I will forward you the necessary information concerning this matter for your review but
you are not ill. I would like to discuss this with your healer, of course, as I believe he will wish
to evaluate your hormone production personally.”
“Of course, Father. Have a good day.” Spock stood and hurried out of the office as fast as he
could without actually running.
It didn’t occur to Spock until half way through breakfast that he had not asked his father if
there was a way to stop the problem. Since he would’ve rather cut off his own arm than
discuss it again—he could only hope that the information would be included in the articles his
father would send to this PADD. It was illogical to be so uncomfortable with matters that
could not be helped but thinking that hardly did a thing to alleviate the concern he had for his
dignity.
He tilted his head as Jim entered the house and stored his helmet in the front closet. It was
Saturday so there was no school; they had plans to visit an antique bookshop down town and
then straighten their quarters at the school for the upcoming summer break. It was only a
month away and Jim hadn’t decided about the offer to go to Betazed. Spock didn’t want him
to go—it made him nervous to think of Jim so far away from him on a planet brimming with
potential mates.
His mother was placing a full plate of eggs, a meat product she called ‘bacon’, and toast in the
place where James always sat when he entered the dining room. Jim slid into place and
nudged him. “Hey, where’s your Dad?”
“He has already left for work. There is a meeting at Federation Headquarters today.” Spock
averted his gaze as Jim went about enjoying his meal. It was one part of Jim he found slightly
disturbing—not so much what he ate because his mother had never tried to stop eating meat.
He was used to seeing it. It was just that Jim seemed to eat a lot.
His mother had told him that Jim was still growing and maturing—the evidence of that was
fairly obvious to Spock. His friend had grown an inch and put on five pounds of muscle in the
five months since they’d met. Even with the extra weight, Jim’s face had slimmed down
minutely and grown more angular. Spock himself didn’t put on weight the way Jim did but he
had grown three inches in the last year.
“You’re staring,” Jim murmured.
Spock started and returned his attention to his oatmeal. “As always, Jim, you are relevant to
my interests.”
Jim laughed softly and accepted the glass of orange juice Amanda offered him from across the
table. “Did you want to go with us the antique book store, Dr. Grayson?”
Amanda shook her head. “No, I find little interest in dusty old books when I can put anything
published on my PADD.”
“There is something awesome about holding an old paper book,” Jim defended. “It’s like
having history in your hand. Though touch does little to enhance my abilities—I can feel the
life in books. The life of the tree that was sacrificed to make the paper and the impressions of
the people who have held it before me. Just this sweeping sensation of pleasure and
amusement most often. But sometimes if it’s really rare book—one that has seen a great deal of
care since it was printed—the life almost vibrates out of it. It’s awesome.”
Spock wasn’t convinced it was awesome and had been relieved to discover the sensations Jim
felt from the books were more to do with his empathy than his telepathy. He wouldn’t have
wished such a thing for himself. Jim had mentioned once before that he’d gotten impressions
from objects and from the leather of his own jacket. He’d explained that since animals were
euthanized as gently as possible during the slaughter process so at most the leather had a
feeling of sleepiness and contentment about it. It made it quite comfortable to wear. He had
said he avoided vintage clothing as well as clothing made off world as that was not the case
for all animal hides he’d had contact with in his life.
“Do you get an impression from the bacon?”
Jim looked at him startled. “No.” He laughed and looked relieved. “That would be horrible. I
love bacon so much. I don’t know why there is a difference—perhaps something is lost in the
cooking process.” He looked at Amanda who was frowning. “My apologies, Spock continued
a conversation we had two weeks ago. I get impressions from leather, wool, and silk products.
Nothing unpleasant because the products are procured as humanely as possible on Earth.
Wool is actually quite nice to touch because I think sheep must enjoy getting sheared. On the
whole, I prefer to wear synthetic materials or pure cotton as the constant stimulation can be a
distraction.”
*****
Spock had made one secret purchase at the bookstore because when Jim had touched the
book—his pupils had dilated and he’d trembled. He sincerely hoped when the receipt showed
up in his account that it did not list the title of the book he’d purchased. Though for three
hundred credits, he imagined one of his parents would question him. He’d purchased the
book when Jim had been engrossed in picking out a copy of Moby Dick and had it delivered to
the house. Fortunately, the woman at the bookstore had wrapped it carefully for discreet
delivery.
He wasn’t overly surprised when his mother strolled into his room and glanced pointedly at
the package. “Good evening, mother.”
“Did you have a good time at the bookstore?”
“It was interesting. I even found some books from Vulcan there. I bought one of Surak’s essays
on logic.”
“Hmm, surely that didn’t cost three hundred credits.”
“No, Mother. It was quite inexpensive as it was not really much of an antique.” He held up the
leather bound volume to demonstrate. “It was printed on Earth shortly after First Contact.”
“Hmmm.” Amanda crossed her arms and glared at him. “You’re really going to make me ask,
aren’t you?”
Spock didn’t smile but he wanted to because his mother was nothing if not adorable when she
was irritated. “It is a gift for Jim. We will have known each other for six months at the end of
May and Stephanie from school indicated that it should be an occasion.”
Amanda grinned. “Your six month anniversary. How charming is that?”
Spock blushed. “It is not… that is not… Mother.”
“It is a personal gift?”
“Very,” Spock assured. “I went out of my way to purchase it in secret. I would prefer not to
show it to you.”
“Fine, have your little secrets.” Amanda laughed softly and left the room.
*****
“So, there is a seminar this summer at the academy that non-cadets can take on warp science.”
Chris glanced up from his sandwich and lifted an eyebrow. “The one that has been full for
nearly a year?”
Jim sighed. “Yeah, that one. Spock is really interested in going and it starts in June. I was
hoping… you could find some way to get us both into it.”
“Maybe. I know the man teaching it. He’s brilliant but a little crazy—the admiralty doesn’t
know quite what to do with him. Lt. Scott did all of the major work on the redesign of the
Engineering section on the new Constellation class starship. He’s a genius but like I said—a
little insane. I’ve agreed to take him on the Yorktown after his stint at the academy.” Pike
paused and then rushed forward. “But that would mean you don’t intend to go to Betazed as
your grandmother requested for further training.”
“Jaret can teach me that stuff here—she’s just being difficult. She wants me on Betazed so can
get me engaged or betrothed—whatever she wants to call it. She thinks if she gets me in her
clutches I’ll be easy to manipulate but I would burn someone out before I’d be forced into a
bond. Jaret has spent the last month teaching me how to sever a Betazoid empathic bond if it
becomes necessary to do so.”
“He’s worried about you needing to do that?”
“I think it’s a skill everyone learns,” Jim admitted. “Kind of like knowing when to cut off your
own hand so you can escape and live. Empathic bonds can be deadly in some circumstances—
say for instance if your bondmate were to go crazy or be exposed to a drug that induces
psychosis. In order to maintain my own mental health, I would have to sever the bond.”
“But the bond could be rebuilt if it were severed like that?” Pike questioned.
“It would depend on whether or not my bondmate was capable of maintaining a new bond or
if they were entirely lost to me due to physical or mental injury.” Jim frowned and shrugged.
“Like brain damage would be difficult to work around and in some instances unethical. An
empathic mating bond is intensely sexual.”
Pike nodded. “I… remember actually.”
“You and Dad?” Jim’s gaze widened comically. “And you broke up with that going on?”
Pike put down his fork and picked up his beer. “We were young and thought we were better
friends than lovers. I don’t think we really had a chance to test that theory because he met and
fell in love with Winona. Your Dad wanted children—he said he’d seen his sons in visions
most of his life and when he saw Winona he knew she would be the mother of those children. I
just wish he’d seen the rest of it, too.”
“I don’t. I’m glad he didn’t have the first clue what would happen after he died.” Jim pushed
his empty plate aside and sighed. “So about the class? I’d really like to get Spock into it even I
can’t go because… well it’ll be six months for us the last week of May and Stephanie at school
says we should celebrate it. She’s silly and romantic but Spock found the idea intriguing.”
Chris laughed. “You want me to get your boyfriend into a warp core science seminar that is
the talk of the entire Federation for your six month anniversary?”
Jim blushed wildly. “Shut up.”
Pike smacked him on a shoulder. “Christ, I can’t wait to tell Admiral Archer why I want him
to open up spots in that class for two high school students.”
“Well, you could just tell him that it would be a good way to lure the very first Vulcan into
Starfleet Academy,” Jim responded. “And you know—not mention the anniversary thing.”
“You see—I appreciate your faith in me but I really can’t help myself.”
Jim flushed. “Well, I have to go over to the embassy in the tomorrow to work on a project for
Dr. Grayson’s birthday. It’s next week and Spock mentioned a family dinner.”
“Sarek invited me. Unfortunately, I’ll be on a mission. What are you giving her?”
“Well,” Jim smiled. “Something she’s never been able to experience before. I have one more
thing to do before I can finish it and I thought I would visit first thing tomorrow to take care of
it.”
*****
“Did you meditate an extra hour like I requested last night?”
“Yes.” Spock quirked his mouth in an almost frown. “Are you sure we should risk this?”
Jim paused. “Is it really an intolerable risk? I mean, I think we both know that bonding is in
our future. If we create one spontaneously during the meld I’m okay with that. Would you?”
“Of course I would be. I just don’t want to pressure you into something you are not ready for,”
Spock admitted roughly. “I believe considering the intimacy of our friendship that we should
wait. The bond could make… our physical relationship a priority in ways that could make
some people uncomfortable.”
“You could have your first Pon Farr as early as twenty,” Jim reminded gently. “Frankly, I’d
rather not have our bonding take place in the midst of your plak-tow. That’s decidedly
unromantic and the anti-hot.”
Spock allowed himself a small sigh and settled on his bed opposite Jim in the lotus position.
“May I know why you insist on this now?”
“It’s a surprise so don’t ruin it for me,” Jim murmured. “Just you know—go with it.”
Spock quirked an eyebrow and then aligned his fingers over Jim’s meld points. “My mind to
your mind… my thoughts to your thoughts…”
The slide into the meld was extremely fast and pleasurable. Even melds with his father weren’t
this easy. Jim’s mind was as orderly as any Vulcan’s which was a surprise since Spock had
seen his room on more than one occasion.
“Hey, that’s a bad analogy. Clothes on the floor does not equal a cluttered brain.”
They appeared together in an open courtyard with a large water fountain in the middle overflowing the
bluest water Spock had ever seen. Around them were four walls and each wall had a series of large heavy
doors except for one. He stared at the single door for several seconds and then took a deep breath. “What
is this?”
“It’s my mental vault,” Jim explained. “One of the first things Jaret taught me was to categorize and
organize my experiences, emotions, and thoughts to avoid the chaos.” He took Spock’s hand and led him
to one door. “This is where I store the random emotions; experiences, thoughts, and impressions I get
from people who aren’t first tier.”
“What is first tier?”
“Close family and friends. My Dad, you, your parents and Bones. I store all of my Betazoid contacts
except for Jaret in that room over there.” He pointed towards a room on the opposite side of the court
yard. Jim pulled Spock gently towards a glossy black door. “This is Jaret’s telepathic legacy. One day
after we are bonded, I’m going to take you into this room. It’s not something I can share without a
bond—it’s too intense and private.” Jim touched the door briefly with one hand and then prodded Spock
to the next one. “This is my mother and Sam. In this room there is a box—I have it wrapped in chains
and there are locks on it. That’s where I keep Frank. If I’m mentally stressed he can sort of break free and
I have dreams about him. Jaret is teaching me how to contain him completely even during stressful
times.”
Spock nodded. “Are you consciously aware of what is in each room or are these repressed memories that
you can access only in a meditative state?”
“As far as I know, I don’t have any repressed memories,” Jim explained. “I can recall them easily when
I’m fully conscious but some of the bad ones aren’t easy to push away if I’m upset. The rooms allow me
to do that so I can function in high stress situations without falling to pieces.”
“It is a good skill. I would like to learn this. Would Jaret teach me?”
“Of course, he adores you. He thinks you’re the best thing on Earth.” Jim laughed softly and tugged
Spock further down the wall. “This is your mother.”
Spock’s gaze widened and reached out to touch the door. “My mother?”
“Yes, every memory, every emotion, smile, and laugh that I’ve borne witness to since I met her.” Jim
pushed open the door and pulled Spock inside. The Vulcan gasped beside him and closed his eyes.
“She is… it is as if she is here with us.”
“She loves fiercely and without reserve. I’ve known few people in my life like her,” Jim admitted.
“It smells like cookies in here.”
“She was the first person to ever make me cookies, it stuck with me.” Jim blushed when Spock quirked
an eyebrow with him. “Spock, this room—I keep this room for you.”
“Why?” Spock questioned.
“Because you will have a long life—much longer than your mother and one day though I hope it is a
very long time way—she will not be at our side. But, we will always have this room and I will protect it
and nurture it. Each time I touch her, or hear her laugh will be shielded in this place. It is the gift I will
carry for you the rest of my life. A place you can return to time and time again—long after she’s gone
and touch her, feel her, hear her.”
Spock swallowed hard. “You are the real gift in my life. I do not have words to express the… perfection
of this place you have given my mother.” A dark green wave of energy shifted through the room and
Spock started in surprise. “What is that?”
“I’m fairly certain it’s the bond she shares with your father.” Jim pulled Spock over to an old fashioned
desk where a large leather bound volume lay closed. “This is your father. I can’t explain how it
happened—it wasn’t my intention. When I made the room, I meant for them to share it but your
mother’s emotions sort of just exploded all over the place once I gave them space to get comfortable. This
book appeared on the desk and when I touched it—I knew it was your Dad. I’ve had little mental contact
with your father but you’ve melded with him.”
“So I could fill the pages of this book with my father?” Spock questioned softly. “For safe keeping?”
“Yes, but that would take a very intensive and long meld. Also, it would help if you’d melded with your
father in the last year—which you haven’t really done, correct?”
“We had a shallow meld the day the woman at school…” Spock shook his head. “No, not since I was
twelve.”
“Then maybe you can tell him why you want to do it and give him the option of what he would like in
his book.” Jim moved closer to Spock with a smile. “You can touch it. It won’t hurt—it’s really just full
of protective feelings and love at the moment.”
“No anger, no disappointment,” Spock murmured. “Perhaps we should leave it as it is.”
Jim chuckled. “You don’t mean that—a person is a sum of their experiences. Every bit of him is
important and precious.”
Spock said nothing as he was lead out of the room and back into the court yard. Jim pointed out the room
for his intellectual knowledge with a wry grin and opened the door so Spock could peek inside. It was a
room full of books—some in stacks all the way to the very high ceiling. There were shelves full with
attached ladders; equations were scrawled across the floor and on the walls that didn’t have book shelves.
“It is beautiful.”
“It’s easily the fullest room right now. That won’t always be the case.” Jim closed the door and patted it.
“I do enjoy it though. I often go there when I meditate.”
“The water fountain—it is important, special.”
Jim paused and then nodded. They walked together to it and he reached out and ran his fingers through
the casading water. “This is my father—George Kirk’s legacy. I received it the moment I was born. Did
you know I was born early? Nearly three months premature—I was supposed to be born in March. At
any rate, I was born in the last minutes of his life and he gave me this.”
“What does it contain?” Spock questioned. “This is his telepathic legacy?”
“Everything,” Jim admitted. “It is everything my father was and would’ve been all wrapped up in love
and sacrifice.”
“Can I touch it?” Spock questioned.
Jim shook his head. “No, not yet. I don’t think you should touch it while we aren’t bonded. I couldn’t
protect you if something happened.”
Spock nodded. “One day then.”
“Agreed.” Jim smiled and inclined his head toward the door that was alone on a wall. The door was
heavy and looked enforced. They stopped in front of it and Jim ran his hand over the surface of the door
with trembling fingers.
“What’s in here?”
“This is my imzadi,” Jim murmured. “My first in everything.”
“Your beloved.” Spock frowned at the door.
“Spock!” Jim exclaimed softly. “It’s you. You’re my imzadi. No one has touched my mind like this—not
ever. And one day you will touch me this way physically.”
Spock flushed and looked down at their joined hands. “May I see inside?”
“No, I can’t take you inside.”
“Why not? I hardly have any secrets from myself.”
Jim laughed. “This is where I’m building our empathic bond. An empathic Betazoid bond can’t be built
in the minutes before the bonding itself—I’ve been working on it for months. Jaret has taught me what
to do so that I can do it right and make a perfect bond for us. There are those on Betazed who make a
career out of making empathic bonds to be passed on to couples during bonding ceremonies but I wanted
to make ours personally.”
“And if I go in there?” Spock questioned.
“I won’t be able to stop from bonding with you and I really think our Vulcan bond should come first.
Jaret believes it should be the foundation of our connection since the core of it will be telepathic and not
built on emotion. If we use my bond as the base—Jaret feels it would be overwhelming for you.”
Spock nodded but he reached out and touched his door anyway. “All of this space is for me?”
“I intend to spend my life with you, Spock and I expect you to fill this room up with all kinds of great
experiences and really hot sex.” Jim leaned into him with a laugh. “The look on your face is priceless.”
Spock leaned down and kissed Jim’s mouth very softly. “We should separate now, T’hy’la. It is not wise
for the unbonded to meld for so long.”
“T’hy’la,” Jim repeated. “What does it mean?”
“Friend, lover, brother—soul mate.” Spock kissed him again. “The perfect mate for my soul.”
Jim took a deep unsteady breath as Spock’s fingers drifted away from his face. He started to
speak but was stopped by an abrupt clearing of a throat. He jerked and found himself face to
face with Sarek who was sitting by Spock’s bed in a chair with a PADD. “Sir.”
“Father.”
Jim looked at Spock and found him just as wrecked as he felt.
Sarek lifted an eyebrow at him. “You have been melded 3.56 hours since I entered this room.
Your mother called me quite frantically Spock, when she found you melded with James. She
watched for thirty-two minutes before she sought my advice.”
Spock took a deep breath. “I apologize if you were concerned. We were melded for a total of
4.76 hours.”
“It didn’t seem like that long,” Jim protested.
“Time has no meaning within a mind meld,” Sarek murmured. “Especially not with a mind as
talented and rich as my son’s. I trust that the two of you do not require assistance?”
“We are well,” Spock murmured. “I should have warned mother that we were going to meld
and it might take a while. It was the first time…”
Sarek nodded. “I will let her know that there is no need for her to remain agitated. I would
expect you both will have to endure some mothering.”
Jim sighed as Sarek left the room. “Yeah, we’re assholes. I hope she didn’t get so upset she
cried.”
Spock looked at Jim with thinly disguised horror. “I have never made my mother cry.”
“Oh, Spock, of course you have.” Jim patted his knee and then rolled off the bed. “She loves
you too much for that to never have happened. Tears and love go hand in hand.” He checked
his chronometer. “I have to go meet with Jaret in an hour. I didn’t think I’d be here this long
but I’m glad I came early.” He leaned down and kissed Spock firmly on the mouth. “You give
great meld.”
Spock scowled at him as Jim pulled on his jacket and walked towards the door. “That was
sexual innuendo, wasn’t it?”
“Contraction,” Jim pointed out with a smirk and then with a little salute, left.
*****
Jim had brought a carved wooden box to the house for the birthday dinner. Spock had no idea
what was in it and his mate had refused to give him a single clue. He wasn’t exactly put out
but he was very curious. Everyone was very curious and even his father wasn’t above glancing
at the box as they went into the salon.
Spock watched his mother get comfortable on the couch and Jim brought the box to her. He
placed it on the floor at her feet and knelt. “You probably know a lot about Betazoid politics
but little about their mysticism.” Jim paused when Amanda nodded. “The Betazoid place a
great deal of emphasis on emotional maturity and honesty both in their public lives and their
private lives with their families.” He ran his fingers over the edges of the box as he spoke.
“Have you ever seen a psionic stone?”
Amanda took a deep breath. “Only in videos and pictures—I’ve never known one to leave
Betazed.”
“They are precious to their owners, a gift beyond any real price. When the stones are pulled
from the ground they are crystal clear—pure and ready to be the receptacle of whatever the
owner wants to put in it. Memories of a first love, the birth of a child, the loss of one so loved
so much that moving on from that loss is impossible. We also use them in teaching. The most
unique thing about psionic stones is that even people who are psi-null can interact with them.”
Amanda swallowed hard and looked at the box. “You have one of these stones in the box?”
“I requested one several weeks ago and my cousin Alexa brought me one when I told her that
it would be for you. She is quite fond of you.” Jim sat back and took a deep breath. “As an
empath and a telepath—I am able to take psionic impressions of people—the whole of them as
if it were a picture. These impressions can be stored in my mind and not be tainted by my
point of view or even my own emotions. I organize my thoughts, impressions, memories, and
everything else that I experience in my mind in a series of mental vaults. This complicated
mental structure helps keep me balanced. Among these vaults there is one for my impressions
and memories of you, when Spock and I melded I took him to that room in my head. I showed
him the metaphysical manifestation of your love of life and your family as it appears in my
mind. While I was doing that I took a detailed psionic impression of his response to the
room—to you.”
Sarek gasped and Spock glanced at his father, shocked at the sound. Sarek shook his head
abruptly when Spock started to speak and they both refocused on Jim and Amanda.
Jim offered them both a small smile and then lifted the lid off this box. “This psionic stone is
yours, Dr. Grayson. It holds within it something you’ve never had the privilege of
experiencing due to your psi-null status—your son’s love and admiration. In order to preserve
Spock’s privacy, it doesn’t hold memories but it does hold within it the same feelings and
impressions that your husband receives from your son through his parental bond. No one has
touched it since I began working with it and once you touch it will never work for anyone but
you.”
Spock stared in silence—the stone was dark red with swirls of white shifting through it like
clouds. His mother reached out with trembling fingers and touched it. The stone lit up under
her hand and the clouds started to move as if prodded by a wind. Amanda’s breath caught
and then tears streamed down her face unchecked. Spock immediately stood and reached out
for her.
“No, don’t touch her,” Jim murmured. He stood up and moved Spock away bodily. “She’s
alright and she’s not crying because she’s upset.”
“Tears are not a sign of being alright,” Spock muttered fiercely.
“Sometimes someone can be so intensely happy that they cry, Spock.” Jim touched his face.
“This is one of those times. I promise.” He prodded him back to his chair and returned to
Amanda. She’d taken the stone from the box and was holding it with both hands. Her whole
body was trembling. Carefully, he took the stone from her hands and returned it to the box. It
immediately stopped glowing when it was out of her hands and fully in his. “It should stay in
the box for storage when you aren’t holding it. This box is shielded especially to protect it.
Don’t ever leave the box or the stone in direct sunlight. Also, I’m fairly certain that if you were
to return to Vulcan that you’d want to keep the box refrigerated. The extremely high
temperatures on Vulcan wouldn’t be ideal for the crystal structure of the stone.”
“I…” Amanda took a deep breath. “I never let myself question what I was missing. There had
been some hope that Spock would create a parental link with me when he was a child when I
couldn’t create one with him. It never happened. I know he has a mental connection to me but
it wasn’t duplicated in my mind.” She picked up the box and curled her hands tightly around
it. “Thank you, James, this is… there are no words to describe how much this means to me.”
With one hand she stroked the sleek wood and then stood. “I’ll return shortly and we shall
have our meal.”
Sarek stood without a word and left the room after his wife. Jim sat back on his heels and took
a deep breath. “I hope that you aren’t upset that I didn’t ask you about it. I didn’t even think I
needed to ask until I was done making it—I didn’t realize it would be so personal until it was
finished. Jaret said it was one of the strongest stones he’d ever been in the same room with—
probably because of your intense emotional attachment to your mother. Now that your mother
has touched it—other empaths won’t be able to feel anything from the stone when the box is
open.”
“No, I…” Spock swallowed hard and took a deep breath. “I do not have…” He walked across
the room and offered Jim his hand. Jim took it and let himself be pulled off the floor. He let out
a small ‘oof’ of surprise when Spock pulled him into a tight embrace. “T’hy’la.” He buried his
face against Jim’s neck and took a deep breath. “I have never been able to meld with my
mother—the bond she shares with my father is strong and he is so protective of her mind no
one has been able to successfully meld with her since the bond was completed. As a child, I
resented it, resented him for denying me a place in my mother’s mind. Some full blooded
Vulcan children can create parental links with adoptive parents if their own parents are killed
but my hybrid status prevented me from even having that small part of her and it insured she
would never know the true depth of my feelings for her. Words cannot express the strength of
the Vulcan heart.”
“No, they can’t.” Jim’s fingers curled into Spock’s shirt. “I have a small link with Pike. It’s not
like the parental bond you have with your father—it’s something else.”
“Did you create it yourself?”
“No, I think I was born with it or more to the point—I think it was given to me in the instant of
my birth by my father. It’s not an empathic bond because I can’t connect with him emotionally
but I always seem to know exactly where he is.” Jim lifted his head so he could look over
Spock’s face. “Sometimes I think I’ve known you forever. Like I should’ve been able to reach
out for you at any point in my life and I would’ve found you.”
Spock trailed his fingers down the side of Jim’s face and rubbed his thumb over his full bottom
lip. “You are such a romantic.”
*****
Amanda dried her face with a towel and returned to her bedroom to find her husband
standing in front of her vanity table staring intently at the psionic stone. “He surprised you.”
“Very much so,” Sarek admitted without hesitation. “The Betazoid have never been
particularly open with us about their abilities beyond the basic things they tell everyone.
Often, I have wondered if they have exaggerated their abilities they do discuss as a defense
mechanism. But, Jim disproves that theory of mine almost daily and this stone is proof of it. I
have never seen one and the Betazoid refuse to trade in them. In fact, when they joined the
Federation their one stipulation was that they would never be required to trade in the psistones. He was right—this gift was beyond price even before he filled it. A psionic stone this
size is worth several million credits empty because of Betazed’s stance on their trade.”
She walked over to him and offered him her two fingers. His fingers brushed over hers gently
and with an easy familiarity. “Have you seen how Jim and Spock tangle their fingers
together?”
“It is not proper for them to engage in this formation as they are not bonded. Allowing their
fingers to mingle together briefly is not unseemly,” Sarek murmured. “Though I do hope they
will refrain from doing it at the embassy anytime soon.”
“I’m going to touch the stone.”
Sarek nodded and braced himself for what he felt would be a harsh rush of feelings. He was
mistaken—it was immense and consuming but not harsh. It was, in fact, the most gentle
emotion he’d ever experienced in his life. Love, pure and unconditional. Respect. Joy.
Amusement. This was his son, he’d know Spock anywhere—the patterns of his mind and
psyche were imprinted on his own mind and had been since his son’s birth. He lifted his
fingers away from his wife when he could take no more and took a deep breath. “As I said, he
is a constant surprise.”
“I believe our son has chosen his bondmate well,” Amanda admitted. “I’d wager that even
T’Pau will have a difficult time denying them once she meets James.”
Sarek nodded. “I do not think Spock would listen to her if she disapproved.”
“No,” Amanda admitted. “I just hope Spock doesn’t tell her to die in a fire, too.”
Sarek made a soft sound that sounded a lot like amusement. “This boy. This James Tiberius
Kirk is a horrible influence on us all.”
“It’s pretty great,” Amanda agreed.
*****
Jim hated being called to the embassy but he never refused to show up—after all Betazed had
been the planet to claim him as a citizen without a second thought. And they’d done it before
they’d even realized what his father had put in him. Though he was in the embassy often for
his lessons he was rarely in the private part of the large facility. He navigated his way up the
large central staircase rather than use the turbolift and through two secure entry points.
At the entrance to Alexa’s office he paused but she immediately disengaged from her
conversation and offered him a tight, strained smile. “James. Right on time.”
Jim shrugged out of his backpack and dropped it into a chair near the door. “Is this an
informal intervention or more like a—we’re disappointed in you as a planet kind of thing?”
Alexa paused and inclined her head. “Have you done anything particularly dangerous or
horrible that I should be concerned about?”
“Not that you aren’t already aware of,” Jim assured. He sat down in the chair he’d been
pushed toward and looked at the other occupants of the room without reservation. Jaret was
leaning against the wall to the left of Alexa’s desk, a man in his twenties was standing near the
big window in the room, and the oldest Betazoid he’d ever seen in his life stooped over in a
chair to his right. “I mean I did go a hundred miles an hour on my bike a few nights back and
my Dad tore me a new one via subspace. I lost privileges for the bike for a week but it was
worth it.”
Alexa frowned at him and sat down at her desk. “I do hope you didn’t have Spock with you.”
“No, of course not, I’d never risk hurting Spock.” Jim rubbed his hands on his jeans. “So, let’s
get this over with.”
“Yeah, let’s,” Jaret muttered. “Jim, your grandmother has signed a betrothal on your behalf to
Delis Brise.” He jerked his head towards the man near the window. “The gentlemen on your
right is a bond maker, the oldest and most powerful on Betazed. His name is Gerase Mora.
He’s been brought here to see to the bond—whether you agree or not.”
Jim focused on the young man and frowned. “You aren’t the guy she sent me a picture of. At
least he was my age; you have to be ten years older than me.”
“I assured your grandmother our bond would remain platonic until you reach a reasonable
age.” The man’s gaze drifted over Jim’s body in an insulting inspection. “You’re quite mature
physically for your age. It is a pleasant surprise.”
“I can assure you, Delis, there will be no bond between us. My grandmother doesn’t have the
legal right to sign a betrothal on my behalf.” Jim’s stomach was knotting in anger and the kind
of strange fear he hadn’t felt since Pike had taken him from Frank.
“On Betazoid you are considered an adult and your matriarch has every right to arrange your
marriage,” Alexa explained softly. “It is a right of blood not a legal one, Jim. If you refuse this
bond—your citizenship on Betazed will be in question as you will have formally refused to do
the bidding of the matron of your house.”
“You were given every opportunity to choose a bondmate and you refused every offer your
grandmother made. The matter is settled and we will be bonded,” Delis sat down in a chair
next to Jim and focused on the bond maker. “We are at your disposal, Gerase.”
“The hell we are,” Jim snapped. “I will not be forced into a bond and Federation law protects
me from this.”
“If your citizenship on Betazed is revoked—you won’t even be a citizen of the Federation,”
Delis responded. “This matter is settled don’t make it difficult by being a petulant child.
You’re practically a man, James; it’s time you act like it.”
Jim glared at him. “If you touch my mind—if you even attempt it—I will end you. And if you
think I’m not capable of it you’re an idiot.”
Delis started to speak but Jaret cleared his throat. “Don’t provoke him, Delis. He could break
your mind open like an egg and leave you drooling for the rest of your life. Don’t let his
genetics fool you—he is every bit as strong as the rumors indicate. He has mastered all twentytwo levels of the Mendissia Principles.”
“He’s not even an adult,” Delis scoffed. “He hasn’t received a parent’s telepathic legacy. I do
not believe you, Jaret.”
“He received the telepathic legacy of his father on the day he was born and he received mine
several months ago. I have no children of my own and I’ve chosen James as my heir. The heir
of my mind and heart. If his grandmother casts him from her house—he will be taken into
mine without question.” Jaret moved then, placing himself closer to Jim.
Delis’ eyes widened in surprise. “You gave this Human boy your telepathic legacy?”
“This same Human boy you intend on bonding with against his will?” Jaret questioned with a
small, lethal smile.
Jim stood abruptly. “It doesn’t matter.” He shoved his trembling hands into the front pocket of
his jeans. “Ambassador Deloia, I formerly renounce my ancestral ties with the Fifth House of
Betazed and sever all family ties with Kastann Astram Kirk Biro.”
Alexa nodded wide eyed. “I recognize your departure from the Fifth House of Betazed.” She
glanced briefly at Jaret who nodded abruptly. “And accept on behalf of my orphaned citizen
the offer of familial connection to the First House of Betazed under the social guardianship of
his teacher and godfather by telepathic legacy Jaret Molia.” She paused and focused on Jaret.
She lifted one eyebrow sharply.
“You spend too much time that Vulcan woman, T’Pol,” Jaret declared. “Or the Eyebrow of
Expectation is curiously contagious.” He turned to Jim. “Gather your things and leave—you
have no more business here. The betrothal agreement entered into your behalf by your
grandmother is no longer valid as it is the policy of the First House to bond for love or to never
bond at all.”
Jim stood up and picked up his backpack. He turned and looked at Delis who was glaring at
him openly. “You don’t have any secrets from me.”
“This is not over,” Delis responded evenly. “Political maneuvers or not—you were given to me
and I will have what is mine.”
“It’d better be for your sake if nothing else and because my Dad will kill you if you try
anything.”
*****
Spock glanced up in alarm from his plate and pushed back from the table without a word to
either of his parents. He walked swiftly out of the dining room and went to the front door. He
jerked it open as Jim came up the steps and started talking immediately, his fingers clutching
on Spock’s arm.
“Shut the door. Turn on the security.”
“Jim.” Spock stilled him with careful hands. “You are very upset.”
“My grandmother—she—Spock—she signed a betrothal agreement for me and gave me to a
grown man.” Jim swallowed back a small sound of distress. “He was there in Alexa’s office—
looking at me like I’m something he already owned. He brought a powerful bond maker from
Betazed to attend the bond—to force a bond.”
Spock moved then, catching Jim’s face in with both hands. His thumbs brushing over meld
points on either side of his face. “They forced you…”
“No. No.” Jim took a deep breath. “I renounced my ties to my grandmother’s house and
could’ve lost my citizenship to Betazed if Jaret hadn’t stepped in and claimed me as his
family.”
“You are very pale and you are shaking. Have you eaten at all today?” Spock demanded,
unnerved by the revulsion and horror flowing off James.
“I—no.” Jim shook his head. “I meant to grab lunch at the embassy but I got so freaked out
that I couldn’t think and then I didn’t want to go home because what if he followed me?”
Amanda came forward and prodded them both towards the dining room. “Come, I’ll fix you a
meal. Sit in your place and I’ll take care of it.” She turned to her husband. “Set the security.”
Sarek lifted an eyebrow but did as instructed. “I will be in my office should you need me.”
Amanda nodded and sent him a look that said she expected a full report as soon as possible.
In his office, Sarek put in the first call—directly to the Betazed Embassy. He waited less than
thirty seconds to be transferred to the Ambassador. “We have him.”
Alexa relaxed. “I will inform Jaret—he checked Pike’s home and Jim’s quarters at the school.
When I told you our grandmother might be a problem it never occurred to me that it would be
on this level. I’ve reported the change in House status for James and as you can imagine that
has not gone over well with the Fifth House. My grandmother is shocked and quite
embarrassed.” Alexa lounged against back in her chair. “The First House of Betazed is thrilled
to accept Jaret’s claim as he’s never been inclined to provide a biological heir. You can assure
Captain Pike that this does not mean he will suffer another custody battle concerning his son
as Jaret and the First House are pleased with Pike’s guardianship of James.”
She grinned then. “I’ve also been told to tell you on behalf of First House that they look
forward to hosting the wedding ceremony of their new son and his future bondmate, Spock of
Vulcan. They will register the pending bond with our government in the morning. While it is
not an official betrothal—it will prevent anyone from creating another contract without his
consent.”
Sarek flushed. “James has not mentioned wanting a Betazed ceremony.”
“When he was the Fifth House, it wasn’t much of an issue. But as a son of the First House and
the holder of the telepathic legacy of Jaret—he will be expected to have a ceremony on
Betazed. Cultural compensation can be made for you and your wife—you would not expected
to be naked; though it would certainly be a disappointment for us all if you insisted on being
fully dressed for the occasion.”
Sarek all but frowned at her. “While I would not be concerned for myself—I would not permit
my wife to be unclothed in public.”
Alexa laughed. “That’s charming. Let Captain Pike know that I’m doing my part in this matter
but my grandmother isn’t someone who gives up easily. I gave James all of the room that was
required to let him reach his own decision because I know that is important to him even if
others don’t understand it.”
*****
Spock woke abruptly and sat up in his bed. The soft whimper drifted through the house—he’d
never heard anyone make a sound like that. A soft sob followed and then another whimper.
He pushed aside his blankets and grabbed his robe off the end of his bed. He had it on and
was belting it when Jim screamed—screamed like someone was killing him.
His father stopped him in the hallway—physically grabbing Spock in a way he hadn’t in years.
He was so shocked he didn’t even think to throw off his hold. The screaming stopped abruptly
and then just the sound of his mother’s gentle voice telling Jim he was safe.
Sarek prodded Spock back in his room. “I heard him as well. It was a dream—a nightmare.
Amanda will be better prepared to help him at this point than either of us.”
“A dream,” Spock murmured. He knew Humans had dreams—there had been some
discussion as to whether or not he would. There had been plenty in the science communities
on Vulcan who had been disappointed to learn that he wouldn’t. “I understand basically what
a dream is—what is a nightmare?”
“It is as your mother says a ‘bad dream’. It can be a traumatic event being relived in sleep or at
times a dream based on the fear of what could happen in the future. Considering the force of
his emotional response, it appears that James was dreaming of something that happened in his
past. He had a stressful day.”
Spock thought about the chained box that Jim kept in his mind—the one with the memories
concerning his step-father, Frank. “If this is something that plagues him—I should—I should
know how to deal with it. I wouldn’t be a proper bondmate if I’m incapable of offering him
comfort in times like this.”
“Your concern is admirable. I suggest you approach your mother for information. I am sure
she will have plenty of advice on how to be helpful in the future.” Sarek paused and then
continued. “He may wish to speak with you about it but he may not. Sometimes Humans do
not want to talk about the events of their past that were very painful. Your mother had
difficult experiences in her youth that she did not reveal to me until shortly before we
bonded.” Sarek tucked his hands behind his back. “It is entirely likely that you will hear things
that will be unsettling.”
“I will endeavor not to make the telling of such things more difficult,” Spock said—his eyes
darkening with more emotion than he’d ever want to express.
*****
Jim washed his face with the cloth Amanda provided and took a deep breath. “I—they must
be quietly, logically freaking out.”
Amanda offered him a small smile. “It is a difficult concept for them as Vulcan’s don’t dream.
Or, if they do dream they never remember them. But, they do not expect you to be anything
less than Human. They won’t hold your emotions against you—it would be illogical to do so.”
He rinsed his mouth with water from the sink and took a deep breath. “I don’t ever want to be
a burden—not to anyone but especially not to him.”
“You are no burden,” Amanda murmured as she ran her fingers through his hair gently.
“Your mother said this to you? Said you were a burden?”
Jim closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Not to my face but I heard her say it once—to my
step-father Frank. She said that George Kirk had killed himself and all he left her was a
lifetime burden. She told Frank that she hated to even look at me because I looked so much like
my Father.”
“You do resemble him greatly,” Amanda murmured. “And it is unfortunate that she did not
see the gift of it.”
“My immediate relationship with your son must be difficult for you to understand,” Jim began
and trailed off.
“It may be difficult for other Humans to understand what it is like to find that one person who
is perfect for you but I do understand. I can’t imagine what could be more important.”
Amanda turned and activated the shower. “I’ll get you some fresh clothes. A shower will help
you relax.”
Jim took a deep breath and pulled his t-shirt over his head as she left the bathroom—closing
the door behind her. The soap in the shower smelled like Spock—spicy and alluring. He
groaned and smiled ruefully at the damn near instant erection. The guest room he was in
didn’t have an attached bathroom so Amanda had prodded him into bathroom at the end of
the hall. It was large and tastefully decorated. The soap was a surprise because he knew that
Spock was the only one in the family who used it. Sarek seemed to consistently use the sonic
process for cleaning and Lady Amanda preferred a light lilac scented soap. Jim figured he
would always think of her when he smelled lilacs.
Unfortunately, his dick didn’t seem to care about his mental wanderings because it was still
hard and ready for his undivided attention. Since Jim absolutely refused to jerk off in Amanda
Grayson’s house while she was in it—he set the water temperature to just above frigid and
shivered through the rest of his shower. He turned it warm again when his problem had all
but crawled into his stomach. He was out with a towel wrapped around his waist when there
was a brisk knock on the door.
He frowned and hesitated. There wasn’t a robe in the bathroom for him to put on and he was
not all comfortable with the idea of Dr. Grayson seeming him half-naked.
“Jim.”
He relaxed and opened the door for Spock. “Hey.”
Spock looked him over swiftly and then averted his gaze. He placed a new pair of pajamas on
the counter. “Did you perhaps need something to eat? I notice you tend to eat snacks when
you have had an upset.”
Jim grinned. “Are you offering to get me cookies, Spock?”
“If that is your wish.” Spock fidgeted with the sleeve of his robe. “I don’t know exactly how to
ease you in this but I wish to learn.”
“I’d like to meditate,” Jim finally said. “If you would get the fire pot ready—I could meet you
in a few minutes?”
Spock relaxed completely and nodded. “Yes, of course.”
Jim closed the door again and then shook his head. Drying and dressing was done quickly to
avoid giving Spock time to think about things that Jim really didn’t want him to think about.
When he left the bathroom, Amanda was waiting in the hall. She handed him a thick pair of
socks. “Sarek is up and will be in his office working if you need him.”
Jim blushed. “I wouldn’t want to keep him awake.”
“Vulcans do not sleep as much as Humans,” Amanda inclined her towards the private
meditation room. “Good thinking.”
Jim grinned at her and realized that she saw him as an ally in her lifelong efforts to manage the
Vulcans in her life. He found he was pretty okay with her agenda and with a small nod in her
direction went off in search of Spock. His Vulcan was already seated front of the meditation
fire pot on a mat. Jim cleared his throat and Spock immediately gave him his attention.
“I’m cool, ya know.”
“No, I do not know,” Spock admitted ruefully. “I have never had a dream.”
Jim sat down next to him instead of taking the mat that had been placed for him to Spock’s
left. “Sometimes it can be so real you don’t even know you’re dreaming. When I have
nightmares about my step-father, I can still smell his cologne when I wake up. It’s that smell
that makes me sick. I’ll never be able to smell that cheap cologne without thinking of him and
the horrible things he did.”
A small frown swept over Spock’s mouth and then it cleared. “And pain? Does pain follow
you from dreams?”
“Briefly but physical pain never lingers.” Jim inclined his head. “I would… like to sit with you
to meditate.”
Spock frowned for a minute. “I’m uncertain… you want to sit in my lap?”
Jim grinned. “Just move your legs and I’ll sit between them. I don’t think we’re ready for lap
sitting, yet.”
Spock shifted out of the lotus position with a neutral expression and spread his legs. “This is
unorthodox.”
“Maybe,” Jim admitted with a grin. He scrambled into place and leaned back against Spock
without hesitation. “But it’s not bad, you know. Wanting to be close to each other. I won’t be
ashamed of it and you can’t be ashamed of it either.”
Spock shifted and slid his hands down Jim’s arms and threaded their fingers together. “As you
wish.”
Jim took a deep breath and focused on the fire pot. “This is good.”
“Yes, T’hy’la, it is.” Spock he closed his eyes and let his head rest against Jim’s. “Relax and I
will stand guard.”
*****
“And he’s okay?”
Sarek glanced over at the security screen and found that Jim and Spock had not moved from
their position in front of the fire pot before turning back to focus on Christopher Pike. “He is…
I believe you would call it ‘cuddling’. He is cuddling with Spock. There was a nightmare—but
since we were warned in advance that he has problems with dreams when he is stressed—
Amanda and I were prepared for it.”
Chris pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m trying very hard to understand this betrothal bond
thing. I know—that there is something significant about the Vulcan bond that I don’t get. I
hope to get read into that situation eventually. I also know that on Betazed, that marriages are
often arranged for breeding purposes. They bring together breeding pairs in order to create
strong empaths. If they’d had any clue how powerful Jim would be in the future—he
would’ve been bonded genetically as a baby.”
“What do you know about genetic bonding? Could it be done to him now without his
consent?” Sarek questioned.
“No, it’s supposedly done when children are small because it’s easier to bind them together
before they have any psi development of their own. The Betazoids keep the process pretty
close to the vest, even George didn’t know a lot about it and he had a Betazoid mother. They
also arrange marriages without genetic bonding but that’s more about politics—I think that
this betrothal was a political maneuver. What do you know about the man?”
“Delis Brise,” Sarek offered. “He is twenty-eight standard years old, his academic record is
ordinary, he rates high as an empath but his telepathy is very low for a full Betazoid. He is of
the Seventh House of Betazed and is the fourth son. His mother has little or to no standing in
the house as she is the fifth daughter of a third daughter.”
Pike snorted. “What scares me most about that is that I think you understand that fifth
daughter of the third daughter business.”
Sarek inclined his head. “Such hierarchies are not lost on me. The political gain would fall with
Delis Brise so one must be forced to wonder what this man has used to leverage himself into
this position with James’ paternal grandmother.”
“And what else he is capable of when it comes to my son,” Pike muttered. “I don’t want Jim
staying at the school alone. I’d prefer he stay in your home if at all possible.”
“It is easily arranged and preferred,” Sarek admitted.
*****
Jim rolled on his back and rubbed his stomach idly. “Your Dad was pretty serious about the
security and stuff.”
“He did not wish to leave us alone but the event at the embassy was official and unavoidable,”
Spock murmured from his place at his desk. He looked up from his PADD. “You are bored?”
“Yeah,” Jim turned over on his side and offered him a smile. “Why don’t you come over here
and we could do what normal teenagers do when they are home alone.”
Spock lifted one brow but dutifully put down his PADD and stood up from his desk. “Normal
for what species?”
“Human,” Jim said decisively. He scooted over on the bed to make room for Spock.
Spock lay down on the bed and propped his head up on one hand. “You are quite pleasing to
look at it. I find it very distracting.”
“Yeah?” Jim questioned softly as he maneuvered himself as close as possible. “I find you
pretty distracting, too. When you sit next to me in class—I can feel your body heat radiating
off of you.” He leaned in and kissed Spock’s mouth gently. Then he trailed a series of small
kisses along his jaw and made a soft sound of pleasure when his efforts were rewarded. Spock
cupped his hip with one hand and pulled him closer still. “This is making out.”
Spock sucked in a deep breath as Jim’s lips brushed over his ear lobe. “My ears… are sensitive,
Jim.”
“I was really hoping that was the case,” Jim admitted. “Are there any taboos about this I
should be aware of?”
“If there are I’ve never heard them,” Spock answered with a little shiver as Jim mouthed the
tip of his ear. “I am fairly certain this is… deviant.”
“I really hope so.” Jim chuckled when Spock pulled him firmly into his arms and pulled him
down for another kiss. He sucked on Spock’s bottom lip and laughed softly when the Vulcan
shifted against him and moaned. “Is this too much for you?”
“No.”
Jim grinned at Spock’s immediate and firm answer. “I don’t want to pressure you into more
than you’re ready for.”
“Physical intimacy is an expression of affection that Humans require,” Spock murmured.
Jim frowned at him. “You read that in an article on Human sexuality, didn’t you?”
He blushed. “Perhaps but that does not make it any less true. I find it reassuring that you wish
to be with me this way. Vulcans appear to value mental intimacy over physical intimacy—but
if that were truly the case would there be so many social constrictions about physical
interactions?”
Jim grinned then. “You mean Vulcan society is structured to prevent you all from having
mindless sex orgies?”
“They would surely not be mindless,” Spock responded snottily and then rolled them over
abruptly. He settled his weight on Jim and he’s gaze widened slightly when his mate spread
his legs without a single hesitation. “This is… intimate.”
“Very,” Jim agreed. He ran his fingers through Spock’s hair and pulled him down. “Kiss me.”
The kiss started out chaste but then Jim opened his mouth slightly and moaned softly in
surprise when Spock immediately dipped his tongue inside. The kisses blended together,
going from languid to aggressive and then back against without any rhyme or reason. Jim’s
hands clenched on Spock’s back and he shifted his hips.
“Oh.” Jim’s gaze widened as Spock lifted his head. “You’re…hard.”
Spock blushed. “Is that inappropriate?”
Jim grinned. “No, not at all. It’s actually pretty great.”
“My experience with these physical reactions hasn’t been great,” Spock admitted with a blush.
Jim lifted an eyebrow at him. “How long has this physical reaction been a problem for you?”
“Several weeks. I haven’t been able to bring myself to ask my father about it and the readings
materials I was provided explain why it happens but not how to deal with it.”
“Oh.” Jim’s gaze got wide. “Spock.” He pulled him down for another kiss. He sighed when
they separated again. “I could help with that.”
“You’ll show me how to deal with it?” Spock questioned. “It is uncomfortable if it lasts a
protracted amount of time.”
“Show you?” Jim questioned, his voice breaking sharply. “I mean… yeah… I can…” He blew
out a breath. “That would be a sexual activity, Spock. I was going to tell you how to deal with
it.”
“So you do not wish to show me?”
Jim wet his bottom lip. “Of course, I want to show you but I don’t want to take advantage of
you either.”
“You are no more experienced sexually than I am,” Spock pointed out.
“Physically,” Jim responded. “I do masturbate pretty much every single day—sometimes
twice but I’ve seen things—good and bad—that mean I’m not exactly an innocent. I don’t want
to abuse your trust with this.”
“Do you seek to hurt me in some way?” Spock questioned, sliding off Jim slightly so they were
still tangled together but his weight was on the bed.
“No, of course, not. I’d never want to hurt you in any way.” Jim threaded his fingers together
with Spock’s and sighed. “What we have—what we will have in the future is extremely
important to me. I’ve never had anyone in my life like you—no one who was just for me. I
don’t want to mess it up.”
“You will not mess it up,” Spock murmured. “I will not allow you to mess it up, Jim, because
you are mine and I never intend to part with you. I want to live with you, play with you, work
with you, fight with you, and eventually die with you. I want to lay with you in the last
minutes of our lives and just breathe until it is time to go. That is the future I want for us.”
“Live hard and die old?” Jim questioned with a small smile. “That sounds like a plan, Spock.”
Spock offered him a small not-smile and rubbed his thumb over his bottom lip. “If we must
wait until the right time to do this physically—perhaps we should do what teenagers do on
Vulcan when their parents are away.”
“What is that?” Jim questioned. “Because if you’ve been holding out on me, Spock, I’m going
to be pissed. Is it fun because you said there was nothing fun to do on your planet?”
“There is a lot of unfortunate, indiscriminate, and illicit melding on Vulcan among teenagers,”
Spock responded gravely, his eyes bright with amusement.
“Illicit melding?” Jim frowned and then he grinned. “Ah, no way, you mean sex melds?” He
huffed. “There is a sex meld and you’re just now telling me about it? Spock, that’s clearly a
violation of the best friend code and boyfriend code. I should make you sit with Rob at school
for the rest of the year.”
Spock trailed his fingers along Jim’s face carefully. “It is not exactly what you would term as a
sexual activity. But if we meld together—we can share pleasures—past physical pleasures. So
perhaps, you could share with me the last time stimulated yourself to orgasm.”
“Holy shit,” Jim whispered. He pulled Spock closer. “Come here.”
Spock’s fingers drifted into place on Jim’s face easily. “If it is too much do not hesitate to tell
me.” Jim nodded and closed his eyes. “My mind to your mind… my thoughts to your
thoughts…”
“What do I do?” Jim questioned.
“Take me to the memory you wish to share with me—just think back on it as you would anything like
you’d like to relive it in your mind.”
“This has serious potential for some truly deviant activities, Spock.”
Spock felt the rush of Jim’s mind—and the warm pleasure that seeped into his body the first time he’d
melded with Jim came swiftly. He’d melded with very few people outside of training and then only
members of his clan whom he trusted. He didn’t have Jim’s control issues when it came to his mental
privacy because he’d learned early in his life to seclude the parts of his mind he considered private. Jim
had the ability to do the same so Spock had come to believe that he had much to learn about Jim’s past
and what privacy means to him.
Their surroundings changed and he was in Jim’s bedroom. Jim was sprawled on the bed completely
naked. He stretched leisurely and ran his hand down his stomach. “I think we need something a little
more interactive.”
Spock nodded. “I never know what to expect from you. It is fascinating.” He closed his eyes against the
shocking imagery.
“Hey, look at me,” Jim murmured. “There is nothing to be ashamed of.”
“No,” Spock said ruefully. “You clearly have nothing to be ashamed of.” He opened his eyes and moved
to sit on the end of the bed. “I do not think I understood what I was suggesting when I suggested this.”
Jim wrapped a hand around his cock and stroked it slowly. “Did you want to stop?”
“No, absolutely not.”
Jim quirked an eyebrow at him. “Are you feeling this, Spock?”
“The pleasure centers of our minds are connected,” Spock admitted roughly. “I should warn you that
these sensations we experience might have physical consequences.”
“Does that concern you?”
“Not in the least,” Spock admitted.
“Do you want to touch me?” Jim questioned.
“I want…” Spock cleared his throat. “I want to you to do what you do when you are alone… this time.”
Jim smiled—smug and shameless—and released his cock to lick his palm. “Okay, I like to close my eyes
so I can imagine… well since I met you… it’s been you.”
“Before me?” Spock questioned softly as Jim took himself in hand again.
“Never the same person over and over again,” Jim admitted. “A guy on the vid or maybe someone I saw
when I was going to school. No one important or special.”
Jim’s eyes drifted shut and Spock swallowed hard at the rush the sensation of emotion and physical
pleasure that washed over his mind. He’d never known anything like it. He watched Jim’s body flush
pink; his dark nipples grew hard, a semi-clear liquid spread over the head of his penis. Spock took in a
deep breath as Jim used his thumb to rub over the head, spreading the liquid over the flushed skin.
“Fuck,” Jim whispered fiercely and braced his feet on the bed. He spread his legs wide and lifted his
hips—thrusting up into his own hand. “This isn’t going to last long. It’s so hot. To do this in front of
you even just in this mental place.”
“You please me very much,” Spock whispered.
“Do you want me to come for you?” Jim shifted his legs and groaned softly.
“Yes,” he answered though he honestly had no idea what Jim was offering to do for him.
Jim stroked his cock harder, faster and moaned softly as his body reached release—striping semen over
his chest in milky white ropes. Spock groaned as the hot, sharp pleasure of Jim’s orgasm flooded his
mind. He took a deep breath and then slid further down the bed. Spock lay down on the bed beside him
and pressed a soft kiss on Jim’s shoulder.
“Good?” Jim questioned.
“I…” Spock let his head rest on Jim’s shoulder. “Yes. Good. Very good.”
He pulled his trembling fingers from Jim’s face reluctantly and acknowledged that he’d
definitely had a physical response to the stimulation. He grimaced at the cool and familiar
sensation on his genitals and then glanced up at Jim’s small laugh. “What?”
“Your expression,” Jim whispered. “We’re a mess—well at least I’m a mess.”
“I’m in a similar predicament,” Spock assured and took a deep breath. “We should shower
and prepare for sleep before…”
“Your parents come home and suspect we just had meld sex?” Jim questioned with a smirk.
Spock fell back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. “I fail to see what I could have done in my
short life to deserve you.”
Jim laughed. “Is that a complaint or a compliment?”
He turned his head slightly and stared at Jim, affection warming his eyes. “Both.”
*****
Jim slapped the door control on the large room that was Jaret’s domain so that it closed and
locked. “What the hell is that guy still doing here?”
Jaret sighed. “Delis has business on Earth. I’ve asked Alexa to send him home but
unfortunately he proved that he’d made several appointments on Earth that are related to his
House that cannot be dismissed.”
“This is…” Jim shrugged dropped his backpack on a chair and waved both of his hands.
“Bullshit. I don’t even want that guy on the same planet with me.”
“He won’t come near you,” Jaret assured. “He’s not foolish enough to cross me and my house.
It would be a blow to his own standing on Betazed that would be impossible to overcome.”
Jim pressed his lips together in displeasure. “Have you bothered to get a read on him? Because
his ambition makes him corrupt and that crap about waiting until I was of a ‘reasonable age’
for consummation of our so-called bond was a big fucking lie.”
Jaret grimaced in distaste but seemed to consider his words carefully. “You are aware that
your hormone and pheromone profile is rich. Even I’m not immune to it, Jim. It would never
cross my mind to act on it—but if you were living on Betazed we would’ve had to bond you as
early as fourteen to keep things civilized. We are a very sexual people and mature sexually on
a level that very few species can really handle.”
“I’ve gotten that lecture,” Jim murmured. “I do understand. I’m very careful with people,
Jaret. I promise you… I barely even touch Spock.”
“A Vulcan male can handle anything you’ve got,” Jaret responded dryly.
Jim laughed softly and blushed. “Yes, I’m aware but he is also quite innocent.” He paused and
cleared his throat. “Could I be influencing his hormone cycles? Rushing him through his own
sexual maturation?”
Jaret paused and frowned. “Are you saying that Spock isn’t sexually mature?”
Jim paused and the rubbed his head in frustration. “I’m really uncomfortable discussing this,
ya know. It’s a violation of his privacy.”
“You know I will hold your trust,” Jaret motioned Jim to sit down. “This is important, Jim. Is
Spock still in puberty?”
“I don’t know the specifics but apparently he was in the early stages of his development when
he met me. He was surprised and upset to learn that I was for all intents and purposes
sexually mature. He didn’t say it and I didn’t push him for more information. I’ve tried to be
careful with him as a result and I’ve made it clear that I only want the physical affection he’s
comfortable offering.”
“His hybrid status must be difficult for him and his healers to predict what would be normal.”
Jaret folded himself into the lotus position and waited until Jim was arranged in front of him.
“I can’t begin to consider how your relationship might be affecting him but it wouldn’t be
unheard of for there to be some unconscious influence on your part. There is little we can do
about it.”
“Should I limit physical contact with him?”
“No, it would only cause emotional issues to arise and this is a delicate time for him in that
respect. Vulcan emotional control is always at the mercy of their sexual needs and desires. It is
why Pon Farr is so debilitating for them as a people.” Jaret rolled his head back and then
relaxed. “Where is he?”
“He has an appointment with his healer today and I kind of figured that I could use a session
with you since…” Jim blushed. “I sort of had mental sex with Spock last night.”
Jaret chuckled. “You are indeed lucky that I’m not in a position to lecture you for such a
thing.”
“Like you could turn down meld sex?”
“I’ve travelled half-way across the galaxy for the Vulcan in my life. I can deny the man very
little.”
*****
“It is not a topic I wish to discuss at this time,” Spock responded with a narrow glance towards
Healer Stopak.
“Spock, it is important that we fully document your growth into adulthood for the benefit of
the others.”
The others, Spock thought with distaste. He’d spent most of his early childhood being
monitored by scientists and healers because of the other hybrids that had been born after him.
There were eighty-three hybrids on Vulcan and thirty-six on various colonies within the
Federation. Spock was the oldest by 436 days.
“While I understand the desire to create a standard by which to judge the health of those
individuals with my unique genetics—I fail to see how my personal habits can add anything of
value to that data.” He glanced briefly at his father who was staring at them both with a
neutral expression. “I see the value in contributing to the care of other hybrids but not at the
expense of my privacy.”
Stopak stared at him for several long seconds and then inclined his head. “Very well. I have
been reviewing your health logs and the journal of the readings you have been documenting.
On several occasions over the past few weeks, your hormone levels have increased
dramatically.”
“Yes, I am aware of the readings.”
“Are you aware of the reasons why?”
“Yes.” Spock responded. “They directly correlate with situations I have experienced with my
future bondmate. The first increase was after I successfully melded with him for the first time.
It appears that when I have prolonged physical or mental contact with him that I have a
corresponding increase in hormone production. Since he is of Betazoid ancestry, I have drawn
the conclusion that the mating pheromones he produces are affecting me. The situation is not
unpleasant.”
“Have you created a mental bond with James Kirk?”
“Not in the manner that you infer,” Spock admitted. “There is a connection between us but it
is his, not mine. I noticed it after he used his own mental shielding to protect me when my
own shielding failed during the incident at the school. We have not discussed it but I believe it
be a protective measure on his part.”
“He seeks your protection?” Sarek questioned.
“No, Father, he seeks to protect me. He has a similar link to Captain Pike. It is buried deep in
his mind and he has not used it, yet. I do not believe he is aware of it or that such a link could
flow both ways.”
“He has affection for you,” Stopak murmured as he made notes on his PADD. “It is not
uncommon among empathic species to form such links for those they care about deeply. It is a
very benign connection that I can sever if you wish it.”
“No,” Spock shook his head abruptly. “He has not used it—but I have. I would not want to
part with it unless it is determined to be detrimental to his own health.”
“Why do you think he is unaware of it?”
“Jim is very used to picking up on the emotional states of everyone around him and I am not.
When I realized that I could sense his emotions—I knew he had formed a link with me.” Spock
looked down at his hands. “I have not told him because I do not want him to take it away.”
“And you think he would?” Stopak questioned.
“He is very disciplined about his abilities and would see the accidental formation of a link
between us a failure on his part. Additionally, he could consider it an abuse of our
relationship. As I said earlier, he has an intense desire to protect and shield me from topics and
situations that he feels I am not ready for,” Spock admitted.
“Have you engaged in an act of sexual penetration?” Stopak questioned abruptly.
Spock’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Of course not, I am not bonded.” He almost frowned
when Stopak and his father exchanged a look. “Why would you ask such a thing?”
“You are half-Human, Spock. It would not be out of the ordinary for you have certain desires
and urges that could lead to sexual intercourse,” Stopak responded. “It is nothing to be
ashamed of and it is a situation you must deal with logically. Your contact with James Kirk is
altering your body chemistry to some degree. The attraction you feel toward him—both
mental and physical—is quite natural considering your claim that you believe him to be your
t’hy’la.”
“There has been very little physical contact between me and James. Our melds are intensely
personal and private but that is the extent of our intimacy,” Spock responded stiffly. “I have
no wish to discuss this further especially since my relationship with my future bondmate has
little bearing on the development of the other hybrid children.”
*****
“You realize that you’ve made life very uncomfortable for your grandmother.”
Jim looked at Delis Brise with a mild glare. “She shouldn’t have caved to the pressure you put
on her and really, calling attention to the fact that you all but blackmailed a little old lady is
hardly endearing yourself to me. You’re fortunate that I don’t have any real emotional
attachment to her—or I’d have already made you pay for it. I still might—I mean my grandpa
loved her like hell on fire and he certainly wouldn’t want some second rate loser like you
playing games with her.”
“The good part about this whole thing is that now you’re even more essential to my plans. You
moved up in society, James, and your acceptance of Jaret’s telepathic legacy is very valuable.
He’s the greatest mind of his generation—combine that with your abilities and it makes you
very desirable as both a life partner and a mate.” Delis shoved Jim abruptly as the lift doors
opened and jabbed a hypospray against his neck.
“Fuck!” Jim shoved back at him. “What the hell did you do?” He grabbed his neck as his
vision blurred. “You gave me a psi-inhibitor?”
Delis glared at him. “If you’d done as you were told, you stupid boy, I wouldn’t have had to
resort to this.”
Jim felt the burn in his chest first and his breath hitched. “To what? Killing me?” He staggered
against the wall of the still lift and fumbled through his pocket with his free hand. “I’m
allergic.”
“I won’t play games with you. Stop stalling,” Delis snapped. “You will accept this bond.”
Jim thumbed the medical emergency button on his communicator and passed out cold.
*****
“I just want to know if he’s alright,” Amanda ground out through clenched teeth. “If you
would check your records you would know that when Captain Pike is off planet—I am James
Kirk’s guardian of record.”
“Mrs. Sarek, we are trying to look up those records right now but we’re having connection
issues with Starfleet Medical.”
“Dr. Grayson,” Amanda snapped. “You can call me Dr. Grayson and take a class in Xeno
Social Constructs before you insult someone with more power than me with your ignorance.”
She turned abruptly away from nurses’ desk and stalked back into the hallway. “They won’t
tell me anything.”
Jaret nodded grimly. “I even tried to get Alexa to get me an update but the privacy laws
won’t…” He signed. “This is all my fault. Jim told me that Delis Brise was a threat and I
dismissed his concerns out of arrogance and stupidity. I can’t imagine how Pike will ever trust
me again after this.”
“You can’t be held accountable for Delis Brise’s actions. I’m just glad that Jim’s communicator
alerted embassy security. If he’d gotten Jim out of the building or just some where more
private—he could be dead right now.”
Jaret shuddered and cleared his throat. “How is Spock?”
“Sedated!” Amanda snapped and then took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.” She took another
calming breath and closed her eyes. “Sarek said that Spock must have felt James’ die no matter
how brief it was because he went into a rage and they had to subdue and sedate him.”
The nurse that Amanda had already berated twice in less than half-hour appeared in the
doorway. “Dr. Grayson, I’ve had a communication from Captain Pike and you’re cleared to be
taken back to James’ room. He’s also given permission for someone named Jaret.”
“That would be me,” Jaret murmured. “Is he okay?”
“The doctor will be able to update you on his condition. Captain Pike has requested that you
contact him after you’ve seen James for yourselves.”
Amanda nodded. “Of course, thank you and I apologize for my behavior.”
“It’s a stressful day when the health of someone so young is at risk,” the nurse responded
neutrally. “The hospital apologizes for any stress we may have added to it because of the
system issues. We have moved him into a private room at Dr. McCoy’s request. The doctor
will be in within the next ten minutes. James is currently unconscious.” The nurse offered as
she opened the door to the room. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Amanda’s stomach dropped at the sight of Jim. He looked impossibly young and small—so
different than what she was used to when it came to the vivid young man who had invaded
her family so wonderfully. She took a deep breath. “This man—he’ll pay for this?”
Jaret nodded and picked up Jim’s hand. He stroked the skin gently and closed his eyes briefly.
“Yes, of course. There is no higher crime on Betazed than murder or attempted murder. No
matter his intentions, he very nearly killed Jim today and would’ve if security hadn’t been so
quick to respond. I have no doubts he would’ve walked away without calling for any kind of
medical assistance. He was running way from the turbolift when security arrived.”
“Do you know what his intentions were?”
“He gave him a psi-inhibitor,” Jaret frowned. “I can only assume he meant to bond with him
and implant a deep suggestion that the bond was wanted and desired. Jim would’ve had no
defense against it. I don’t know that I would’ve been unable to undo the damage done to Jim if
that had happened. That kind of mental attack is also a heinous crime on Betazed but we won’t
be able to charge Brise with it because he didn’t even attempt it.”
Amanda started to speak but the door opened and a young woman entered. “You must be Dr.
Ke-Mal.”
“Yes.” She shook Amanda’s hand when it was offered and then Jaret’s. “I wish the
circumstances were better.”
“How is he?”
“He was without oxygen for at least ten minutes. We don’t know when he stopped breathing
but from the reports I’ve gathered from the first responders—his lips were already blue when
they found him. It took them nearly five minutes to get his heart started on the scene before he
was transported here.” The doctor carefully rearranged Jim’s blankets as she spoke and
touched his face. “His primary physician, Dr. Leonard McCoy, has provided me with a copy of
his last brain scan and a summary of his medical history. Fortunately, the scans match up
perfectly so we don’t believe there is any brain damage due to the lack of oxygen. This could
be a welcome benefit of his Betazoid heritage. Physical brain damage is very rare among
Betazoids. Their bodies will sacrifice a lot to protect their minds during trauma.”
“Is his heart damaged?”
“It suffered a serious amount of strain but no—it’s not damaged. He’ll likely make a full
recovery but we won’t know for certain until he wakes up.”
“And when will he wake up?” Jaret questioned.
“That’s a question I can’t answer and I was hoping that you could,” Ke-Mal admitted ruefully.
“His psionic activity is off the charts right now—at levels that haven’t even been recorded
when he’s conscious as far as the records from Dr. McCoy indicate. Any idea why?”
*****
“You are hurt,” Spock whispered.
Jim snuggled closer to him, wrapping around him with a contented sigh. “I’m safe now. Safe with you.”
Spock stroked his fingers through Jim’s hair and pressed a kiss against his temple. “Is he still with you
physically?”
“No,” Jim murmured. “It’s funny—but I think your mom is with me. How is that possible?”
“You must be in a medical facility,” Spock responded and tightened his hold on him. “I have no idea
where I am. I felt you—I felt you die and then I remember nothing after that. I am certain I must have…
grown quite upset.”
“Is that Vulcan for ‘going crazy’?” Jim questioned with a small smile.
“Yes.”
“How did you feel me?” Jim demanded and sat up abruptly. “How are we doing this?”
“I am using the link you created between our minds—the empathic one. I am sorry.”
Jim frowned but relaxed back into Spock’s embrace with a small huff. “I didn’t mean to do it—you
should’ve told me.”
“I did not want you to take it back,” Spock admitted. “It is precious to me.”
“I’d never take something from you against your will.”
*****
Sarek brushed his fingers over the nearly healed abrasion on his cheek and glanced over the
restraints that they’d been forced to put Spock in. Seeing his child strapped down like a
criminal was offensive to him on a level he hadn’t thought possible. “I have had word from
Amanda that James Kirk is in stable condition. I think we can allow Spock to wake up now.”
Stopak picked up a hypospray and then paused. “I believe for the sake of your son we should
refrain from discussing with him the depth of his response in this situation. It would not serve
him to know that he lost so much control.”
“He will know something happened. I have never lied to my son.”
“I am not suggesting a lie just an omission of the extent of his condition. His grief was
crippling and if his mind has protected him from it—I believe we should allow it do so. I have
already erased the security footage and we are the only witnesses.” Stopak put his hands
behind his back and regarded Sarek for several seconds before continuing. “He is my patient,
Sarek, and I believe this is the best course of action for his continued mental health. The loss of
a bondmate is painful in any circumstances but Spock’s empathic connection with this boy
caused him a great deal of pain today. I have never seen anything like it and we have a duty to
protect your son as much as possible.”
Sarek nodded. “I will do as you believe is necessary. I would do nothing to hurt him.”
Stopak pressed the hypospray to Spock’s neck. “It will take a few minutes.”
*****
Amanda was washing Jim’s face when he jerked awake. His beautiful blue eyes bright with
shock. “It’s alright. I’m here.”
“Spock,” Jim whispered hoarsely.
“He’s fine and will be here as soon as he released from his healer’s care,” Amanda murmured
as she ran her fingers through his hair. “I find it difficult to be in two places at once but I
believed that Spock would wish me to be at your side rather than at his.” She pressed her
fingers to his lips when he started to speak. “Don’t talk. Your throat is very raw from the
swelling and the medications will work better if you don’t stress yourself physically. I know
you’re perfectly capable of talking to me in my head. You may do so.”
Jim’s gaze widened briefly and he flushed. He shook his head abruptly and averted his gaze.
“No choice, young man. I assure you I’m capable of handling it. I trust you.” Amanda stroked
her fingers through his hair until he relaxed and nodded his agreement.
“Is Spock okay?”
“Yes. He was upset and had to be sedated but there was no undue strain on him physically or
mentally as a result of this situation.” She paused and then shrugged. “He could be fairly
irritated on your behalf but he would not be alone in that circumstance.”
“I was stupid. I let Brise get too close to me.” Tears welled but did not fall, making his eyes seem
bluer and brighter than ever before.
“You are not to blame for his attack on you,” Amanda admonished. “I won’t allow you to
think so.” She patted his cheek with just enough force to get his complete attention. “Now,
there are some concerns about your psionic readings—were you in telepathic contact with my
son while you were unconscious?”
Jim blushed and nodded abruptly. “I made a mistake with him. I have no excuse for the pain I
caused him today because of it.”
Amanda sat down on the edge of the bed and curled her hand into Jim’s. “I believe if he’d
found the connection he has with you uncomfortable or unacceptable that he would’ve told
you about it. Spock has never hesitated to speak his mind.”
“My dad?”
“I’ve sent him a message but he is too far from Earth for a direct subspace connection. We’ve
had no luck connecting him through a relay. He is aware that you were injured and is making
every effort to come home early.”
“Important mission. I’m fine. Tell him I’m fine.”
“I will but I do not believe that will change his plans,” Amanda said with a small smile. “You
are his child.” She leaned in and kissed Jim’s forehead. “Just relax and rest. Everything will be
fine.”
*****
“I hit you.”
Sarek looked up from his PADD to focus on Spock from his place on the opposite side of the
car. “You were not yourself and I am more than capable of handling myself. Restraining you
was not as easy as it was when you were a small child but I suffered no damage in the
altercation.”
Spock’s fingers tightened in his robe. “I did not mean… I would never wish to hurt you,
Father. I remember little of what happened. Will you tell me?”
“You were enduring Stopak’s questions with as much grace was one can expect due to the
content of his inquiry and then without warning you shouted for James. You launched
yourself towards the door and when I interfered with your attempt to flee the room—you
struck me. I delivered a perfectly adequate nerve pinch that rendered you unconscious long
enough for you to be restrained and eventually sedated.”
“I am ashamed of my actions,” Spock whispered. “I remember his fear and shock. Then I felt
him die.” He swallowed hard.
“Do not dwell on the past, Spock. You have duty to James who has been through a trying
ordeal today. He will need your undivided attention. What happened was not your fault—it
was not a failure in your ability or your control. The cause for your outburst was sufficient and
nothing you could have prepared for.”
*****
One Week Later
“What will happen to his man?”
Alexa flinched at the cold fury pouring off Christopher Pike. She’d been surprised to find that
the man had beamed down directly to the embassy instead of going to see his son. “He’s in
custody and will be tried for physical assault at the very least. We are still discussing the
situation. The altercation happened on Betazed soil technically.”
“I want him charged in Federation court with assault, attempted involuntary manslaughter,
and attempted sexual assault.” Pike held up a hand when she started to speak. “We both know
it was his intention to bond with my son and empathic bonds are sexual. This wasn’t going to
be a betrothal bond. He intended to force himself mentally and physically on my son. I assure
you, if he’s not in Federation Security custody within the hour and punished to the full extent
of the law that I will cause the kind of diplomatic incident that will break the relationship
between Earth and Betazed permanently. I’ll murder Delis Brise—I promise you there isn’t
anyone on this planet that will prevent it.” Chris stood and tugged on his uniform shirt.
“Understood?”
Alexa inclined her head. “Understood. I’ll contact my government and let them know if your
requests.”
“You do that.”
*****
Chris paused in the open doors that lead out to the patio of Sarek’s home. Jim was lying on a
blanket and Spock was sitting beside him with a PADD he appeared to be reading from. He
glanced at Sarek with a frown. “What are they doing?”
“Spock is reading James a story,” Sarek responded dryly. “Alice in Wonderland, which I
honestly do not believe has a wholesome premise but they are both intelligent enough to
realize that drugs should not be used for recreation. Your son’s affection with classic Terran
literature fascinates Spock.”
He laughed softly and the sound carried over the yard. Jim sat up. “Dad!” He rolled to his feet
and jogged across the bright green grass with an easy grace that Chris envied.
“Bones is looking for you,” Pike warned as he accepted a tight hug. “I have no doubts that he
is minutes behind me.”
Jim laughed softly. “Well, he’ll just be one of many doctors who have had me in their clutches
this week. I was even forced to see a throat specialist.”
“Forced is hardly an accurate term,” Sarek responded with a cool eyed glance. “You did not
complain at the time.”
“Well, no one complains to your wife,” Jim admitted. “At least, not if they don’t want to pay
for it for years.”
“It is a lesson I learned long ago,” Sarek responded.
By the time he was led back into the house by Jim—Bones had arrived and was having tea
with Amanda. Chris lifted an eyebrow at the delicate tea cup in his friend’s hand and Bones
blushed so nicely that Pike couldn’t help but grin. McCoy put down his cup and pointed at
Jim.
“Hey Bones.”
McCoy snorted. “Don’t give me that cute smile, kid. You and me are having a private
conversation. I’ve gotten all of the reports from the five different doctors you’ve seen in the last
week.”
“You know doctors find me fascinating,” Jim responded. “We could use the dining room. It’s
next door.”
*****
Chris leaned in the doorway of Jim’s bedroom and watched him turn on his generator and get
settled for the night. “Are you really okay?”
“It wasn’t a great time but yeah I’m okay,” Jim murmured as he sat down on the bed. “Are
you going to tell me eventually or just wait until I catch you and him on the couch making out
or something?”
Chris blushed and blew air between his lips. “It’s… I figured you didn’t want to talk about it
since I knew it wasn’t a secret from you. I didn’t want to upset you.”
Jim laughed sadly. “Wow, you know, sometimes I honestly forget how much I must have
royally fucked up your life just by being in it. I know you gave up a big mission that would’ve
taken you off planet for a few years. You let Starfleet waste you in diplomatic missions and
Federation relief projects because it keeps you close to Earth.”
“You have not fucked up my life,” Pike snapped. “If anything you serve to remind every
goddamned day how wrong I was.” He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “I told
your Dad that I didn’t want kids—that I couldn’t see myself raising children, not even with
him. That’s why he severed our bond. The day I went to Iowa and saw you lying in that
hospital I had to admit to myself how much I’d given up with George—and how I’d let his
children suffer because I wasn’t there for you.”
“You would’ve been if I’d ever once hinted at how wrong things were for us. Sam didn’t even
bother to tell you after he ran out on me and left me with that monster.” Jim dropped back on
the bed. “So, how long on you and Bones? I’d like to think I would’ve noticed if it had been
gone on since…” He sat up and frowned at him. “How long?”
“A few weeks,” Pike murmured. “It’s not something we anticipated. I have a habit of picking
mostly straight men. I guess that makes me an idiot. Sarek thinks I just like a challenge.”
Jim’s mouth dropped open. “You talk about your love life with Spock’s Dad?”
Pike laughed. “He’s a great sounding board and I sure as hell couldn’t talk to Bones about my
attraction to him. That wouldn’t have been at all…well… logical.” He sighed. “Speaking of
Sarek and conversations.”
Jim frowned and sat up straight. “What?”
“I know your intention to bond with Spock has been registered with the government on
Betazed. Sarek has explained to me that it would benefit Spock to be bonded and obviously it
would offer you a layer of protection that I can’t. If you were already bonded—that asshole
Brise wouldn’t have been a threat to you.”
“Spock and I aren’t ready to bond in the Betazoid way.”
“No, but you could be bonded in a Vulcan way—Jaret believes that it would be enough that
your body would stop trying to attract a suitable mate.”
Jim exhaled sharply. “You want to formalize my relationship with Spock with a Vulcan
betrothal bond.”
“Yes.”
“I’m a little surprised.”
“I trust Sarek and his opinion on this matter. I’ve spent entirely too much time ignoring that
you have biological and mental needs that are not Human. I cannot hold you to a Human
standard on what I think is appropriate. It’s not fair and George would kick my ass for it.”
Chris walked to the psionic generator and checked the settings. “You’ve tightened the field so
that it’s only in your bedroom. Is it difficult to sleep if I’m in the field with you?”
“I made it smaller when I was at Spock’s house. I didn’t want my field to intrude on either
Spock or Ambassador Sarek.” Jim admitted. “I don’t have a problem with a formal betrothal
with Spock. Our… relationship isn’t exactly platonic but we haven’t had any serious sexual
contact if you’re concerned.”
Pike glanced at him briefly and sighed. “I was sixteen, you know. I won’t flip my lid if that
stops being the case. Just be careful and don’t be stupid.”
“Spock is just too special to me for me to… get it wrong. Some people really believe that
Vulcans feel nothing but his affection, faith, and trust just pour all over me whenever I’m with
him—I’d never ever risk hurting him.”
*****
“Formal betrothals on Betazed are conducted much like a wedding,” Alexa insisted.
“We aren’t on Vulcan, Alexa.” Amanda offered her a small strained smile. “Perhaps we can
meet in the middle as my mother used to like to say. The language and the bond must be Vulcan
as it is integral to the legitimacy of the bond in Vulcan law. No one is getting naked for this
ceremony and it can take place here on Earth instead of on Vulcan.” She raised her hand when
several people started to speak. “Earth is Jim’s home and we can’t very well drag Captain Pike
off to Vulcan. It would call attention to the situation if we do and I believe that no one in this
room is ready for the children to be the subject of a media inquiry. The media intrudes on Jim’s
life enough already.”
T’Pol inclined her head to indicate her agreement. “T’Pau will travel here and over see the
betrothal personally—it is both her right and her duty to our clan. I agree that we should not
up root either Spock or Jim for the ceremony. It serves no purpose to take them back to Vulcan
for this when they both live here. When they are ready to formally marry—they can marry per
Betazoid custom. It is my understanding that concessions can be made for family and friends if
one of the participants in the wedding ceremony is not Betazoid.” She lifted an eyebrow at
Alexa when she started to protest. “Trust me when I say there are members of our clan you
have no desire to see naked no matter the circumstances.”
Amanda choked on her tea and cleared her throat as Sarek patted her back gently. “As always,
T’Pol cuts right to the heart of the matter. We would agree with a Betazoid wedding in theory
but I believe that decision should really be up to James and Spock.” She set aside her tea cup.
“Now, there is the matter of the ceremony itself. T’Pau will handle the creation of the
telepathic link that the boys will share. This bond will grow between but I can imagine it will
be quite strong when it is created because of their mutual affection for one another.”
“There is the matter of the betrothal obligation,” Sarek began and all but frowned when Pike
shook his head. “Captain.”
“Don’t Captain me, Sarek. I certainly don’t need the credits and Jim’s trust fund is substantial.
Starfleet settled a great deal of money on him for the land in Iowa. I do realize that part of the
reason behind this is to honor the pair’s intent to wed. Both of our sons value intelligence and
education. Why not create a scholarship at Horizon Academy? We don’t have to put their
names on if it would embarrass them,” Pike murmured. “That way your clan honor is satisfied
and there is something tangible to reflect your acceptance of my son into your family.”
“I like it,” Amanda said decisively.
Alexa cleared her throat. “We must discuss the finger thing.”
“We are not discussing the finger thing,” T’Pol returned evenly. “Additionally, you cannot ever
call it the finger thing again. It is unseemly.”
“It’s not a real kiss,” Alexa protested.
“For a touch telepath, it is twice as intense as what we determine a kiss to be,” Jaret interjected.
“I think this is one thing you should leave alone, Alexa.”
“On Betazed—the pair grasps hands in full. It’s a sign of their intent to mingle their lives
together as much as possible for life. I think it’s very important.” Alexa pursed her lips. “I gave
in on the naked thing even though I find beauty in every living thing.”
“You haven’t met every living thing,” Chris responded. “Trust me; I’ve seen some things you
couldn’t find beauty in.” He shuddered. “Regardless, I think this one is thing even I agree on.
Leave the finger thing alone. I think it’s kind of adorable.”
*****
“I think it’s kind of adorable, too.”
Spock sighed. “I do not know what plagues me more—that they are all down there planning
our bonding ceremony without our input or that you have reduced me to watching my own
parents on the security vid.” He tossed the PADD on the bed in front of them. “I should think
of way to speak to my father about how poorly encrypted our system is. I do not believe he
has modified it from when it was implemented by the previous owner.”
“So the finger thing.”
“Ozh'esta.” Spock lifted an eyebrow at him and then lifted his hand. He offered him his two
fingers in all seriousness and relaxed minutely when Jim reciprocated the gesture without a
smirk. “It is a gesture of affection between bonded pairs.” He took a deep breath as Jim started
to slide his fingers delicately over his. “That is a private gesture of intimacy. I have only ever
seen it once by accident with my parents.”
“You walked in on your parents making out the Vulcan way?” Jim questioned with a small
smile.
“Yes, I was ten,” Spock admitted with a flush. “It was unfortunate. I could not look at either of
them for weeks.”
Jim grinned. He leaned forward and sighed softly when Spock met him half way. They
brushed their mouths together carefully, gently. He sat back and glanced towards the PADD.
“Good thing they got off the naked topic. T’Pol’s right—there are a lot of people who might
attend the ceremony that I really wouldn’t want to see in the nude.”
“Focusing on physical attractiveness is illogical.”
Jim grinned and crawled across the small bit of bed that separated them. He slid right into
Spock’s lap with a little laugh at his shocked intake of breath. “I think that would have more
weight coming out of your mouth if your boyfriend wasn’t so gorgeous.”
Spock looked him over as he settled his hands on Jim’s hips. “I believe I will do my
dissertation on the expansion capabilities of your ego.”
“You do that, Mr. Spock.” Jim nodded his agreement and just laughed when Spock
unceremoniously dumped him back on the bed.
*****
“Now—there is the matter of when it should take place.” Alexa pulled out her PADD. “Does
anyone have a preference?”
“I was thinking May 27th,” Amanda offered and then shared a grin with Chris Pike who
started laughing.
“What?” Jaret questioned looking between the two Humans.
“It’s their six month anniversary,” Pike explained with another laugh as Sarek made a sound
familiar to but not exactly like a sigh.
*****
Spock glared at Jim and Jim, for his part, covered his face with a pillow.
“Do not attempt to smother yourself.” Spock grabbed the pillow and jerked it away. “I will not
suffer this indignity alone.”
Jim reached out and snagged his hand. “Hey.” Spock looked back at him, a tiny frown still
twitching on his lips. “You’ll never be alone—not ever.” He pulled carefully and smiled when
Spock easily moved to lie beside him. “Look, no matter what they do with this day—what they
plan or try to make us do—it’s still going to be all about you and me.”
Spock let his forehead rest on Jim’s. “Is this your way of saying I should just go with it?”
“Yeah.” Jim tilted his head slightly and kissed him. “Because no matter how we get there—
we’re going to be together and the rest is just the chaos that life is always going to throw at
us.”
A
Eternal
“T’Pol cancelled tea with me.”
Sarek lifted an eyebrow at his wife’s expression because it could only be called ’pouty’. He
found it oddly attractive and chastised himself silently for being aroused in the face of his
bondmate’s obvious disappointment. “Did she propose an alternate date?”
Amanda took a deep breath. “We have tea every Sunday afternoon, Sarek. It was her idea and
I…” She crossed her arms. “She didn’t even give me a reason.”
“I see.” Sarek set aside his PADD, realizing his communications would have to wait and
focused entirely on his wife. “You are disappointed that your ‘girl time’ has been cancelled
without a clear cause.”
She glared briefly at him. “Are you being patronizing?”
“Of course not, Wife, Vulcans do not patronize... their loved ones.” Sarek watched her analyze
his words, her gaze still narrow and accessing. “I will be meeting with her this morning before
our comm conference. Would you like me to question her on the matter?”
“Absolutely not.” Amanda frowned at him. “You can’t just… never mind. It’s silly and I’m
being foolish. Since tea with T’Pol was my only cause to go to the embassy today—I’ll stay
home.”
“If that is your choice.” Sarek touched her arm gently. “But your company is always desired.”
She smiled, soft and pleased. “James and Spock have a fitting for their bonding robes this
morning. I’ll supervise that.”
*****
Spock shared a look with Jim who was standing patiently on a small wooden platform while
the seamstress took the measurements. He knew that Jim had been genuinely surprised to find
that their clothes for the bonding ceremony were to be hand sewn. It had been as startling as
the exceedingly large guest list that been presented with the week before. Bonding ceremonies
on Vulcan were normally small, intensely private affairs—apparently that wasn’t the case on
Betazed. There were two-hundred and twenty-two guests invited currently. His mother
expected at least two-hundred and fifty before everything was said and done.
Jim was just as horrified by the number he was and Spock had been relieved when Jim hadn’t
hesitated to make his displeasure clear to everyone. The only thing he’d managed to do,
however, was cut the admiralty from the list. Pike had fought him on it for a few minutes
before Jim’s distress at the thought of a media leak had sunk in. There were people in the
upper ranks within Starfleet they couldn’t trust not to arrive with a reporter on their arm.
Pike had taken Jim from the room for a private discussion that had left everyone else in the
house more than a little curious and when they’d returned—he’d resolutely struck every
single Starfleet officer from the guest list with the exception of Dr. McCoy. It was never
discussed again after that and Spock still wondered what Jim had told Captain Pike that made
his jaw set like stone. He hadn’t asked—he assumed that some things were best left between
father and son. There were conversations he’d had with his own father he wouldn’t want to
relate to Jim. At least, not yet.
Quickly enough, Spock found himself in Jim’s place and since he didn’t fidget—the seamstress
finished with his measurements and then turned to have a conversation with his mother
entirely in Vulcan. It was something many Vulcans did to her—even after of years of proving
that she was fluent in their language. He listened as his mother got progressively snide with
the Vulcan woman until the transaction was completed.
Jim was laughing softly by the time the woman swept from the room. “I think you’re the only
Human on Earth that can actually out-snark a Vulcan.”
Amanda blushed and laughed.
Spock turned to look at Jim incredulous. “You speak Vulcan?”
Jim lifted an eyebrow at him. “Yeah, of course. It was my language elective for my first two
years at Horizon. I also speak Klingon, Andorian, and I’m well versed enough in Ferengi not
to be robbed blind at a gaming table.” He jerked his head towards Amanda meaningfully.
Spock took a deep breath. “Mother, Jim and I were talking earlier—and we thought we could
go to the Botanical Gardens this morning and then have lunch at a café. It would please us if
you would accompany us.”
Amanda smiled. “You don’t need your mother intruding on a date.”
Spock exhaled and looked at his future bondmate for help.
“Actually,” Jim started. “We planned this with you in mind—we’ve already arranged a private
tour of the experimental xenobotany lab at the gardens for you. One of your degrees is in
xenobotany, right?”
“Yes, my Masters.” Amanda stood and nodded. “Very well, I will go change my clothes and
we can go. If you are both certain?”
“We are,” Spock said quickly and relaxed when she left the room. “Are you sure this is a good
idea? There is no such thing as Mother’s Day on Vulcan.”
“And that’s a shame,” Jim returned dryly. “Yeah, this is a great idea. She’s going to love it
once she figures it out—which won’t be a problem at all. There is a huge banner across the
front of the Botanical Gardens exclaiming ‘Happy Mother’s Day’.”
*****
His mother had looked toward them amused at the private car they’d arranged but hadn’t said
anything about public transportation which Spock was grateful for. Spock hated public
transportation. The press of humanity was just too much for him to endure. He did wonder
how Jim felt about the holiday they’d planned to celebrate. Had he ever had the opportunity to
spend this day with his own mother in the past or Winona Kirk had even deprived him of that
as well? It was infuriating to think about so he pushed that thought deep so Jim wouldn’t pick
up on his anger.
The trip to the Botanical Garden was done mostly with Jim chattering away with his mother
about an experiment he’d heard the scientists at the facility were doing on producing a variant
of grain that was disease resistant. His mother’s PhD was oddly enough in xenolinguistics.
He’d always found her other interests fascinating.
“So, why did you get your PhD in xenolinguistics when you’re interests are in biology,
chemistry, and botany?” Jim questioned suddenly, voicing the question that Spock never
would have.
“To gain the attention of the man I intended on marrying,” Amanda answered without pause
and Spock turned to stare at his mother in shock. “What?”
“You rearranged your entire academic career to…”
“Get your father’s attention?” Amanda questioned with a small smile. “Yes, absolutely. It was
either that or astrophysics which was and remains your father’s intellectual passion.”
“But…” Spock trailed off.
Jim laughed. “Spock means to ask—how long did it take you get the Ambassador’s attention
with your plan?”
That really wasn’t he’d meant to ask at all but he was interested in the answer so he turned to
look at his mother with a raised eyebrow which made her laugh.
“His complete attention? About a year, actually. He always received a lot of interest from men
and women at Earth’s Embassy and Federation Headquarters. He was involved with another
individual when I first met him so I wasn’t even sure I had a chance. When they parted ways, I
maneuvered myself into being his date for a diplomatic function. My own father worked in the
Earth Embassy so he was able to do Sarek a favor by providing him with a suitable companion
for an important event. At the time, the Federation was in the midst of trying to work out an
arrangement with the Orions that would make it a violation of Orion law to take a Federation
citizen as a slave. The talks were very important even if they ultimately failed.”
“How many times did you have to trick him into dating you?” Spock questioned.
Amanda grinned. “Four but I think he caught on by the third time I was miraculously
available to be his date for a diplomatic event. On the fourth, he asked me to dance. In the
month in between date three and four—he’d learned to dance for me. A week after that he told
me it would be his preference that I not see any other men but him.”
Jim laughed as the car came to a stop. “And the rest is history?”
Amanda inclined her head. “Yes.”
They exited the vehicle quickly, Spock confirmed the pick-up time with the driver, and turned
to find his mother staring at the large banner above the sign for the gardens. It was just as
obvious as Jim said it would be. The Botanical Gardens were actually hosting a special event
for the holiday so it wasn’t surprising but he felt distinctly uncomfortable. More
uncomfortable for never having known about this particular Earth holiday. It was something
he’d wanted to discuss with his father but hadn’t really known how.
*****
Amanda took a deep breath and glanced between Spock and James. They both looked
distinctly uncomfortable—Spock was easy to read. He felt guilty for all the years he’d never
acknowledged a day he knew nothing of. James Kirk was harder to read which was startling.
His emotions were usually displayed on his face without exception. How hard had it been to
help Spock plan today in the face of his own mother’s lack of care?
It made Amanda hurt to think about it so she pushed it deep down like her husband had
taught her to do. She felt Sarek stretch out over their bond, his mental touch determined and
concerned. It took seconds to ease that concern and settle herself. They would have a
conversation later but for now she had something more important to do.
She smiled brightly for them and they relaxed minutely. “I believe I am promised a very
unique tour of this facility?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jim curled his fingers into Spock’s in that way that Amanda thought was
charming but Sarek not so secretly found scandalous. “Dr. Jorges is waiting on us.”
“Very well and after this—where shall we have lunch?”
“Café Berlin,” Spock answered. “You mentioned wanting to visit it last week.”
*****
Sarek had spent the entire morning distracted by his bondmate’s distress and even after
Amanda had gently pushed his concern away he’d been preoccupied with contacting her to
find out what had upset her so much.
“Sarek are you ill?”
He lifted his gaze and focused on T’Pol. “No, my apologies. Amanda is upset and it is
distracting.”
“Do you need to go home or contact her?” T’Pol questioned as she stood up from her desk.
“We can rearrange our meetings with Ambassador and Dr. Deloia if necessary.”
“No.” Sarek shook his head. “She is not at home. She is at the Botanical Gardens with Spock
and James. They sent me a message earlier with the details of their outing.”
“Ah, Mother’s Day.” T’Pol brought him a cup of tea from the replicator and settled with her
own at her desk. “Spock requested that I cancel my standing appointment with Amanda so
they could take her out to celebrate the Earth holiday.”
“Mother’s Day,” Sarek repeated. “I do not understand.”
“It is a day where women who have birthed or adopted children are celebrated—children
prepare gifts for their mothers, eat special meals with them. It is a celebration of motherhood.
Spock and James wished to plan a day for Amanda to celebrate how important she is to them.”
He set aside his tea untouched. “Amanda has never once mentioned such a holiday to me. She
celebrates other holidays—Christmas and Thanksgiving whether I approve or not. Why would
she not speak of this one?”
T’Pol lifted an eyebrow. “I do not know. Perhaps she felt you would not approve and that the
disapproval would be painful.”
“I find it to be one of the more logical holidays celebrated on Earth,” Sarek admitted. “If there
is anything more worthy of celebrating than motherhood—I cannot name it.”
T’Pol inclined her head, her eyes lit with approval. “Yes, I agree. My own children were raised
partially on Earth as you know—they often brought me home gifts from school. Items made at
the direction of the teachers to celebrate Mother’s Day. I received messages from them this
morning conveying their thanks for my exceptional parenting. Perhaps Amanda was just
unprepared to have such a celebration with Spock after never having it before.”
“Perhaps.” Sarek inclined his head and both stood as the door to T’Pol’s office opened and her
admin escorted their guests in.
Alexa Deloia was always a vivid presence but in the presence of her bondmate, Sarek realized
she practically glowed. He knew their marriage was relatively new—just a standard year and
Ravan Deloia was often off planet for scientific missions. There was a Human male with them
that he hadn’t expected.
“Sarek, T’Pol—I’m pleased to see you both again.” Ravan touched the Human with him on the
shoulder. “This is Dr. Noah Burke—he is a geologist and will be heading up the Federation
Task Force on dilithium processing standards. I believed he would be beneficial in this
meeting.”
“Ambassadors.” Noah Burke nodded to them both briefly but his gaze lingered on T’Pol. “It is
a pleasure to see you again T’Pol. Your correspondence on the Oris XI Reserves has given me
much to think about.”
T’Pol flushed and motioned them all to sit. “We are pleased to have you with us today, Noah.”
She looked pointedly at Alexa and sat.
*****
He found his wife sitting at her vanity table in their bedroom tears streaming down her face.
“Amanda.”
She brushed trembling fingers over her face to get rid of the tears and took a deep breath.
“Sarek. How was your meeting?”
“Do not…” Sarek came to her; set aside the roses he’d purchased, and sat down on the bench
with her. “What has upset you so much? Did you not enjoy your day with Spock and James?”
“It was lovely,” Amanda whispered pulled several tissues from a dispenser to blot at her face.
“They arranged for me to tour a private part of the gardens—they are doing amazing work
there and we had lunch at the Café Berlin which you know I’ve wanted to visit for quite some
time.”
“Then why are you crying?” Sarek asked. “This is not because you are happy.”
“I am happy,” she insisted and then frowned at him. “How could I not be happy?”
“I do not know,” Sarek admitted ruefully. “T’Pol explained to me that today is… Mother’s
Day. I did not even know this holiday existed.” He touched the roses that were now resting on
front of her. “Sixteen. One for each year you’ve been the mother of my son.”
“It never seemed important on Vulcan,” Amanda admitted as she touched the petals of the
blood red roses. “These are beautiful. Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “The calendar is so
different and it wasn’t like it was Christmas. My parents always sent communications on
Christmas and my birthday. Those holidays were not easily misplaced. Even after they both
passed, I felt the need to keep those traditions to remember them.”
He did understand that and tried hard during their marriage not to push away the remnants
of his wife’s life on Earth in favor of the life she built on Vulcan with him. “Is Mother’s Day
not a day to honor one’s mother? Is that not what Spock and James did for you today?”
“They were wonderful,” Amanda admitted and then tears started to fall again. She turned into
her husband and sobbed quietly against his throat for several minutes and then asked the
question that had no answer. “How can she not love her son?”
“I do not know,” Sarek admitted roughly. “He is a strong, intelligent, brave, and thoughtful
young man. Anyone would be honored to have James for their child.”
“Do you know why I fell in love with you?” Amanda asked softly.
“I have never allowed myself to question my good fortune,” Sarek admitted. He trailed his
fingers through her hair gently and reveled in the silky cool feel of it gliding over the sensitive
skin of his palm. She rarely wore it down unless they were being intimate.
“You love so fiercely,” she admitted. “The first time we melded and you showed me memories
Sybok. Your love for him was so intense. I knew that I could trust you with my child. I knew
you would love any children we could conceive together.”
“A species survives by insuring the proper care for their off spring,” Sarek murmured and
allowed himself a minute smile when she laughed against his throat. He turned her face and
kissed her mouth gently. “Wife.”
“I tried very hard not to let them see how upset I was,” Amanda admitted. “I don’t think I
kept it to myself entirely.”
“Perhaps neither will guess the reason behind your upset and assume you were merely
overwhelmed by their intentions.”
“I made sure not to make any skin contact with Spock and James makes every effort to honor
my privacy.” Amanda slipped out of his arms and off the bench. “I should wash my face.”
Sarek nodded. “T’Pol sent you a message. She appeared to be perturbed with Ambassador
Deloia today during our meeting.”
“That’s because Alexa brought Dr. Burke from the Federation to the meeting when T’Pol
specifically told her not to,” Amanda informed as she returned from their bathroom with a
damp cloth in hand. She blotted at her face carefully in an effort to reduce the puffiness under
her eyes as she sat back down on the bench beside him. “T’Pol is attracted to him but denies it.
Alexa feels it is her duty to throw them together as much as possible.”
“She is trying to encourage a relationship with a Human?”
Amanda shrugged. “T’Pol has enjoyed casual relationships with Human males before and on
one occasion might have had something less casual. She doesn’t discuss it and I try not to pry
as the topic upsets her greatly. Dr. Burke is attractive and certainly appears to be interested in
T’Pol.”
Sarek had no wish to discuss such a thing so he took a deep breath and asked, “Do you feel
better?”
She raised an eyebrow. “And if I said no?”
“I would endeavor to make you feel better. It is my duty to see to your mental well-being.” He
trailed his fingers through her hair again, allowing the tips of his fingers brush against the
back of her neck. “It is a duty I have always taken seriously.”
She sighed, her eyes shining. “Very well, if you insist upon making me feel better—you may
take me to bed. I am prepared to endure the full measure of your duty in this circumstance.”
*****
Jim sat down in front of the comm station and activated it. This was probably the biggest thing
he kept from his Dad but he wasn’t sure how Pike would feel about it. He set up the message
to deliver in an hour—after he planned to be out of the house so he wouldn’t have to talk to
her and hit record. “I just wanted to say hi.” He slouched down the chair. “School is almost
out for the summer and I have some plans to attend a seminar at Starfleet with my best friend.
I’m about to go out—I’m meeting Bones and Captain Pike at HQ. Everything is good with me
and I guess that’s all I wanted to say. Bye.”
He ended the message and input the code that would deliver it to Lt. Commander Winona
Kirk. He rubbed his face briskly as he left the communication’s station. Jim hadn’t allowed
himself to call her ‘mother’ in years so actually wishing her a happy Mother’s Day was so
beyond him that it was ridiculous. The comm beeped gently letting him know the message
had been sent to the Starfleet communication system and would be routed to her.
A few minutes later he was on his bike, riding hell-bent down a highway aware that Pike was
going to own his ass over it. His communicator was vibrating in his pocket as he turned off the
highway and into Starfleet. He answered the call through his helmet communicator as the
security gates swung open for him. “This is Kirk.”
Pike sighed. “You’re late and you were speeding.”
“I know. I’m an asshole.” Jim sighed. “I need some time by myself.”
Pike was silent for a few minutes. “Alright—but I’m altering your bike when you get home so
you can’t go over sixty miles an hour ever again.”
“Yeah, that’s right—just suck the fun out of my life.” He parked the bike and swung off of it
easily. It was quick work to pull out his comm and activate it before taking off his helmet.
“It’s my job,” Pike retorted.
Jim let his head hang a little. “You do great you know that? It’s not your fault I’m an asshole.”
“Kid?”
“I’m good, Dad. I promise—I just need some space. Lots of things going on.” He dropped
down on the ground beside the memorial and stared at the night sky. “Nice night—how many
ships are in orbit right now?”
“Two Starfleet. Four registered Federation vessels in the system on third tier orbit,” Pike
answered automatically. “Don’t distract me—you’re really upset.”
“It’s Mother’s Day.” Jim listened to Pike swear under his breath for a few seconds. “It’s not
like you need to remember it, Dad. Your mom has passed and you don’t have a wife to get
pissed off if you forget.” He put the communicator on the center of the chest and cupped the
back of his head with both hands. “We took Dr. Grayson to the gardens and then to lunch
today—it was the first time Spock has ever celebrated Mother’s Day with her. She was really
pleased but also upset—I think upset about me but I didn’t press deep enough to find out.”
“Upset that you went along?”
“No, not at all. Upset because she thinks I’m upset about Winona.”
“And you aren’t?”
“Not the way Dr. Grayson thinks—it isn’t like I’ve ever really had a Mother so you know I
don’t even think I knew what I was missing until I met Spock. I’ve probably spent four months
total with Winona Kirk my entire life—because she was off planet within weeks of my birth
and barely returned yearly after that.”
“So why are you upset?”
“Now I know what I’ve been missing since practically the minute I was born,” Jim admitted
roughly. “Did you know she wouldn’t even hold me after the Kelvin exploded? She handed
me to a doctor and refused to touch me after that. Starfleet medical said she had PTSD. I just
think the part of her that could’ve loved me died with him and what was left just didn’t give a
fuck.”
“I did know about the problems she had but I wasn’t aware that you knew.”
“I hacked her medical records a few years ago,” Jim admitted. “Don’t tell anyone in Starfleet
but their computer security is for shit.”
Pike laughed softly. “Do you need me to come to where you are?”
“I suppose you’ve already tracked me.”
“Of course, I know exactly where you are and I’m kind of worried.”
“I’m good. I just wanted to talk to George.” He picked up the communicator. “I’ll meet you
and Bones for dinner instead?”
“Yeah, that works. One hour and then I’ll come get you regardless of what you want.”
“Understood.” Jim closed the communicator and shoved it back into his pocket, it started
vibrating immediately and the small burn along his empathic link with Spock spiked. He
pulled it out again and flipped it open. “Hey.”
“You went one hundred and forty-two miles an hour on your bike.”
Jim blinked at Spock’s cool tone. “Wow, you added yourself to my parental monitor?”
“Of course I did.” Spock paused. “After you were grounded from the bike for speeding.”
Jim laughed softly. “It was very exhilarating.”
“That level of speed is unnecessary.”
“It was exciting.”
“There are other less dangerous ways to get excited, I assure you,” Spock responded frostily.
“Don’t be mad at me,” Jim implored.
Spock was silent for nearly a minute and then he spoke. “I have already experienced your loss
once—I would rather not experience it again.”
Jim closed his eyes. “I’m an asshole.”
“I would not go so far but your reckless behavior is upsetting.”
“Spock, I promise…”
“Stop.” Spock interrupted. “Do not make promises you cannot possibly keep. No one can live
forever. Just be careful. Spock out.”
Jim blinked in surprise at the abrupt end of their conversation but he felt the burn in his mind
lessen dramatically in the seconds after and he relaxed. He closed his communicator and took
a deep breath. “You know what, George, I don’t think I got the life you wanted me to have but
everything is pretty great right now. Spock and I are going to bond at the end of the month.
Just the Vulcan telepathic one to start. I don’t think he could handle the Betazoid part, yet. I
worry that maybe he won’t ever be able to handle it.” He sat up and leaned against the glass.
“Jaret doesn’t agree but I just think he doesn’t want me to worry about it. Or maybe his own
desire to bond with his own Vulcan as completely as possible makes him blind to how
dangerous it could be to give a Vulcan an empathic bond. The small link I already share with
Spock—hurt him when I was attacked by that jerk.” Jim sighed. “I sent Winona a message
tonight. I couldn’t bring myself to actually to talk to her. How horrible is that? I figure you
might be disappointed in that. That’s certainly not how a big damn hero’s son acts.”
“Your daddy couldn’t be anything but proud of you, son.”
Jim rolled to his feet and looked around. He took a deep breath when he saw a puppy tugging
on his leash in his direction. Admiral Archer moved out of the shadows. “Sir.”
“Security told me you were out here,” Archer said. He sat down on the bench in front of the
memorial that Jim always avoided. “You’re something of an institution around here, did you
know that?”
“No, sir.” Jim blushed.
“No one talks much about it but security has protocols just for you—since the first time you
came. Sorry about the cameras on the anniversary. I demoted the person responsible and put
them on Delta Vega with the communications relay.”
“Harsh.”
“Well, it was pretty harsh to use a big damn hero’s son for public relations, too.”
Jim picked up the puppy and sat down beside the Admiral. “Cute guy.”
Archer smiled. “Named him Oscar after the writer. He’s descended from the dog I had on the
first Enterprise.”
“Very cool.” Jim nuzzled against his face, pleased with the soft fur and sighed. “There is
something awesome about dogs—innocent and uncomplicated affection. Cats are kind of
snotty, like you would expect them to be. But, dogs are just really great.” Oscar wiggled in his
hands and Jim rolled him gently so he could rub his belly. “So what is your favorite work by
Oscar Wilde?”
“I like the Picture of Dorian Gray, of course but I saw a performance of The Importance of Being
Earnest last summer that was amazing,” Archer admitted. “I’m surprised you made the
connection. Most kids don’t like to read the classics.”
“I like old books,” Jim admitted. “I have an antique edition of the Picture of Dorian Gray. I have
to keep it in a stasis box when I’m not reading it. It was printed in 1944.” He put Oscar down
on the ground and watched the puppy stalk a small bug across the pavement. “Is it okay that I
come here? If it’s a problem…”
“It’s not a problem,” Archer interrupted. “Not at all. You can come talk to George any time
you want and if anyone gives you a problem you send them to me.”
Jim took a deep breath and nodded. “It’s Mother’s Day.”
“Yeah.” Archer sighed. “Did you want me to get you a direct channel to your mom? I will if
you want.”
“No. I sent her a message.” Jim frowned and looked away. “It’s not like… well… you know.”
“I do know,” Archer admitted. “You probably don’t remember it, kid, but I was in court that
day with Chris.”
Jim blinked in surprise. “The day I testified against Frank?”
“Yes and the day the judge awarded Pike custody of you,” Jonathan admitted. “I’m not
surprised you don’t remember—you were out of it.”
“Drugs,” Jim admitted. “I know they were trying to keep my stress levels low so I wouldn’t
have a psychotic episode or something but I really wish they hadn’t loaded me down with
anti-anxiety medications.”
“Doctors suck,” Archer commiserated. “I can’t even take a piss without some busybody in
Starfleet Medical making note of it in my chart.”
Jim choked back laughter and sighed. “Those bastards.”
“Right.” He looked at the memorial. “Does it help? Talking to this thing? I remember when
they proposed erecting it—I was reluctant to allow it. It just seemed like a publicity stunt for
‘fleet and I’d never want anyone who died in the service to be used that way.”
“It helps,” Jim whispered. “It’s the only place on Earth that I even feel connected to my Father.
You know—he gave me his telepathic legacy just before he died. It’s been in me since I was
born and I can touch it in my mind—feel his emotions—experience his thoughts. The last few
minutes are the most vivid, of course, but it’s being here that lets me connect with him. He
loved Starfleet—believed in the mission, knew it was his destiny.”
“Hell, kid.” Archer sighed. “I didn’t know about the legacy thing—McCoy keeps an iron fist
on your medical records and I don’t think anyone but Pike has seen the full version. That must
be hard.”
“No,” Jim shook his head. “Not at all. One day—I’ll have a child and I’ll pass my legacy to him
and George Kirk will live on. He’ll be eternal—immortal. A part of this universe as long as the
blood in my veins run in the veins of those that come after me.”
“Pretty poetic,” Archer admitted and then looked at the monument. “Best way I can think for a
big damn hero to be remembered.”
Jim nodded. “Yeah. Agreed.”
A
Affinity
Jim paused in the doorway of Sarek’s office and watched the Ambassador for several seconds.
The Vulcan let him hover for nearly thirty seconds before he put aside his PADD and regarded
him with a raised eyebrow.
“Sir.”
“James, something is bothering you.”
“Elder T’Pau arrives tomorrow,” Jim began as he closed the door to Sarek’s private home
office. “I’ll see her privately on Wednesday after school.”
“You are concerned she won’t approve?”
Jim had the grace to flush as he shook his head. “No, not exactly. Spock has already made it
quite clear to me that her disapproval won’t mean the end of our relationship. I want her
approval—we both do but we’ll survive without it.”
Sarek inclined his head as if to agree. “Then where is your concern?”
“She’ll meld with me,” Jim began. “I understand why it is necessary—it would be
irresponsible for her to bond us without knowing the mental landscape so to speak. I was told
I will be the first Betazoid she’s ever worked with.” He sat down in a chair in front of the desk.
“It’s just that—I’ve only ever melded with Spock and I know it will be different with her.”
“Very,” Sarek responded. “T’Pau is powerful and you will likely find her telepathic touch
invasive. Not painful, she would never seek to hurt you, but uncomfortable. You guard your
mind more than anyone I have ever known—Betazoid, Human, or Vulcan. I have discussed
this with her already and she has agreed to tread carefully with you as a result.”
Jim’s hands clenched on his thighs. “I didn’t have a lot of privacy as a kid. Even before my
abilities manifested, my mind was the only place that I had that I managed to keep safe from
my stepfather. I could make myself go somewhere else when he was hitting me.” He looked up
and blinked at the anger that washed psionically over him from Spock’s father. “That kind of
physical abuse must be rare on Vulcan.”
“Unheard of,” Sarek clarified. “My wife had to explain it to me—what child abuse was. Early
in our marriage, before Spock was born we discussed how we would raise him. She was firm
about no physical discipline. She was relieved to discover that Vulcan’s do not believe in
physical discipline at all.”
Jim nodded. “My mind was my only safe place and in some ways it still is. It’s difficult to let
others touch me there—even with Spock he lets me control how much access he has without
complaint.”
“Have you tried to let Spock direct the meld so you can prepare for T’Pau?”
“I’ve asked him and his reluctant to do it,” Jim admitted. “And I don’t want to push him into
it. This is my issue and it’s not fair to make him uncomfortable with a very important part of
our relationship.” He sighed. “I’m just afraid I’ll freak out and be an idiot with T’Pau.”
“You would like me to try to meld with you so you can ‘freak out and be an idiot’ with me?”
Sarek questioned.
Jim grinned. “Well, it wouldn’t be the first time you’ve seen me be an idiot and I doubt it
would be the last.”
“Very well.” Sarek inclined his head. “Spock, you may enter.” The door opened and Spock slid
into the room with a brief glance in Jim’s direction. “T’Pau will insist on a private interview
but I think in this instance it would be best if you were close by if he handles it badly.”
“What will T’Pau look at in my head?” Jim questioned.
“It is her job to evaluate you for the bond and for compatibility with Spock. Incompatibility is
rare but dangerous among Vulcans but we have found that there are cases when we try to
blend with other species. It is unlikely to be a problem with the two of you as you meld easily
and with much success from your own reports.” Sarek stood up from his desk and moved to
the chair beside Jim. “The best thing you can do is relax. I realize that trust does not come easy
to you—no one could really expect it to.”
“My biggest concern is that I might hurt her,” Jim admitted. “She’s completely unknown to
me.”
Sarek placed his fingers on Jim’s face. “My mind to your mind… my thoughts to your
thoughts.”
“James.”
Jim flinched but lifted his head. He glanced around the courtyard that always served as his mental
gateway and found nothing but black where the walls and doors should be. Sarek was standing a few feet
away from him—near the empty water fountain.
“Your control is stunning,” Sarek murmured.
Jim stood up slowly and took a deep breath. “It’s not normally like this.”
“You fear me—this process. It is to be expected.”
Jim walked to the fountain and after a few seconds, water began to flow. “This is George Kirk’s
telepathic legacy. I’ve carried it since the day I was born. When I first built my mental vault—this
place—it was the only thing here. The first time I touched it—I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t speak
for a full day. My Dad had me in observation at Starfleet Medical for two days after that.”
Sarek glanced around the courtyard but held in his surprise as the walls started to appear. The doors—
each one different and unique finally appeared. “Spock told me your mind was like nothing he’d ever
known before.” He glanced at Jim who was blushing. “I thought perhaps it was the romance of finding
his bondmate that made him believe that.”
“I find him just as unique and fascinating,” Jim admitted.
Sarek nodded. “These doors are the gateways to your mental vaults—how you store and organize your
telepathic and empathic impressions?”
“It’s how I store everything,” Jim corrected. “The organization goes beyond my abilities. Once Jaret
taught me to do it—I found it very easy to store all of my knowledge this way. He’s kind of baffled by it
as most Betazoids don’t separate their intellectual knowledge from their emotional knowledge.”
“It’s very Vulcan,” Sarek responded neutrally. “T’Pau will be impressed with this.”
Jim walked across the courtyard and touched a glossy green door. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t let you see
what I’ve gathered for Spock in here.”
“His mother?”
“Yes.” Jim pushed open the door and let Sarek enter. “She keeps you in here, too.” He walked to the desk
and touched the book. “I meant for the two of you to share this place but your wife shelters you within
the pages of this book.”
“This place is for Spock?” Sarek questioned softly.
“It is likely that the two of us will outlive her.” Jim frowned as he said it. “I wanted to keep some part of
her alive for him as long as it was possible.” The book doubled in thickness under his hand and he lifted
it away. “Some part of you as well—so that he’ll always have the two of you close like I have my Dad
and George’s legacy in the fountain.”
“This is a gift beyond any price,” Sarek admitted roughly and then turned to leave the room. “Come—I
have one more thing to ask of you before I end the meld.”
Jim dutifully followed him back out into the courtyard, closing Amanda’s door firmly as he did so.
“Okay.”
“It is difficult, James, but T’Pau will see the pain you carry in your mind. The pain that will linger in
you the rest of your life. She will demand to see the source of it.”
Jim wanted to protest but the part of him that so desperately wanted to be fully accepted by Spock’s clan
interfered and he could only nod. He went to a dull red door. The paint was peeling on the cracked
wooden door. “My mother, my brother, and Frank—my step-father are in this room. It’s not pleasant.”
“I am prepared.”
Jim pushed open the door.
*****
Spock nearly dropped his PADD when his father and Jim separated abruptly—Jim gagging
and his father shaking with undisguised fury. The door opened to the study abruptly and
Amanda rushed in.
“Sarek!” She went to him but he held out a hand to stop her from touching him.
“No, wife, it is not safe.” Sarek left the chair, his fingers trembling and distanced himself from
everyone in the room. “I need to meditate. Spock, take James to your room. Help him relax as
much as possible but he should not sleep until he has had at least an hour of meditation
himself.”
Spock helped Jim stand from the chair and spoke out in surprise when Kirk’s knees buckled.
He picked him up easily, despite the muttered protests and took his mate from the room with
one look of concern in his father’s direction. In his room, he put Jim down on the bed and
secured his door.
“What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Did the meld hurt you?” Spock rubbed Jim’s hands briskly—
his normally cool skin was frigid. “Jim, talk to me.”
“He…” Jim leaned forward and buried his face against Spock’s neck. “He said I had to open
Frank’s box because T’Pau would ask. She would demand to see the root of the pain I carry.”
Spock rubbed his hands down Jim’s back steadily. “We expected that.”
“When I told my Dad what Frank did—when he finally got the whole story out of me he—he
cried,” Jim whispered. “He was so angry and hurt that he cried. I didn’t know what to do for
him because I barely knew what to do for myself. Bones? Bones got drunk. He sat there in his
office and drank a whole bottle of brandy without a glass. I just sat there and watched until my
Dad could come get us.” He sat up and looked at Spock’s face. “Please don’t ever ask to see it.
I wouldn’t be able to tell you no and I don’t think I can ever take having someone that furious
in my mind again. I’ve never felt anything like it.”
“Did he hurt you?” Spock questioned tightly.
“No, of course not. He broke the meld abruptly but I’m fine. He would never hurt me by
accident or on purpose—your Dad just doesn’t have that in him. But, he’s seen that in
someone else and I regret showing it to him. No one should have to carry the memory of that
around.” Jim rubbed his face and took a deep breath.
“When my mother is upset she takes a bath,” Spock inclined his head towards the bathroom.
“Did you want to soak in the tub?”
“I’d like that,” Jim admitted.
Ten minutes later, he was lowering himself into a steaming bath under Spock’s watchful gaze.
“You got over that being embarrassed by my nakedness pretty quickly.”
“I’ve seen you naked quite a few times in melds; it would be illogical to have a problem with it
in the flesh.” Spock pulled a stool out of the cabinet and sat down. “Would you like me to
wash your hair?”
Jim quirked an eyebrow. “Your mom used to do that for you?”
“Sometimes,” Spock admitted with a blush. “Are you making fun of me?”
“Not at all. I think your mom is the best person alive to emulate when it comes to offering
someone comfort in times of stress. She’s the best at it.” Jim relaxed in the water. “And yes on
the hair washing thing—I’d love that.”
Spock retrieved the shampoo and soap from the shower stall. “You need a wash cloth.”
“Yeah, that’d be great.” Jim ran his foot along the edge of the tub. “This thing is built for a
party of four.”
Spock tossed a cloth at him with a frown. “You will not be bathing with three other people.
Ever.”
Jim laughed softly and slid under to wet his hair. When he emerged, Spock was back on the
stool. He turned so that his back was to his mate and sighed when Spock immediately started
to work shampoo into his hair. “You have the best hands, ya know.”
“We take care of our hands,” Spock admitted. “It is important that they be strong and flexible
when it comes to the use of our gifts. That over-protection could be one of the reasons why
they are so sensitive. Most Humans are not as careful as my mother is—I never realized that
she made such a big effort not to touch without warning until I came to Earth. I have learned
more about shielding myself and protecting my mind in the last seven months than I have
learned in my entire life.”
“What did you do the first month you were here?”
“We searched for our home, purchased it, and set about furnishing it exactly as my mother
wished it. Father and I made a pact between us that she would have exactly what she wanted
for the rest of her life. Her time on Vulcan was not always pleasant. While the members of our
clan were never cruel to her—she told you how others treated her. I would never want you to
suffer that in silence. Not ever.”
“I won’t,” Jim promised. “I believe I’ve already proven that with T’Pring.”
“She deserved more than she received for what she tried to do to you,” Spock murmured. “If a
male Vulcan had treated you like that—I am afraid my reaction would have been physically
violent.”
“You’d kick somebody’s ass for me?” Jim questioned amused.
“I believe I have already kicked someone’s ass for you,” Spock returned dryly.
Jim laughed and sighed. “Right, you did. They day you turned into a ninja at the mall.”
Spock said nothing but pulled on Jim’s hair briefly, which made his mate laugh all the more.
He prodded him under the water to rinse out the shampoo. “Did you wish to talk about it?”
Jim wiped his face and shook his head. “Not really. I know—you have every right to know
what happened to me when I was a kid but it’s horrible, Spock.”
“It won’t change how I feel about you.”
“No, I know it won’t but all knowledge changes you in some way—good or bad. You won’t
come away from the experience unchanged, uneffected.”
Spock nodded and took up the cloth that Jim had left on the edge of the tub. He wet it and
worked soap into it as he considered his words. “You have nightmares about it and that is my
concern. And I agree with you—I have every right to know what bothers you, what hurts
you.”
Jim shifted so Spock could wash his shoulders and back. “He hit us both a lot. Sam got the
brunt of it until he ran away. He would make Sam chose between taking a beating or letting
me take it. It was sick and sadistic. A couple of weeks before my mom would be due to come
home—it would all stop and the one time I told her he was beating us when she wasn’t
around—she called me a liar. She said I wasn’t going to ruin a good man and that I’d better
keep my lies to myself.”
Spock’s fingers clenched in the washcloth. “She never helped you? Never tried to help you?”
“No, not even when she came home and my arm had been broken in two places. Frank said I
fell and she looked at me—with this look like she was just daring me to say something
different. And I just said nothing. I didn’t say a single word to her the entire week she was
home until the day she left. She came to tell me goodbye and I told her—‘maybe he’ll kill us
both while you’re gone and you won’t have to come back at all’.” Jim pulled his knees to his
chest and trailed one hand through the water. “The tub is heated right?”
“The water will stay hot as long as you need it,” Spock promised. “What did she say?”
“Nothing. She just turned around and walked away. I didn’t see her again for a year.” Jim took
a deep breath. “When I was seven, about six months after he broke my arm—he brought home
a girl. She couldn’t have been more than thirteen years old. Sam was weird all through dinner
and I didn’t understand why she was there. I couldn’t figure out what the hell Frank could
want with the girl. I didn’t figure he could get away with beating on someone else’s kid.”
Spock said nothing in the silence but continued to diligently wash the skin available to him
with gentle swipes of the thick cloth.
“I think he raped the girl,” Jim finally said. “He made us both watch—Sam tried to stop him.
He begged Frank to let me leave the room but Frank had the door locked and we couldn’t get
out.”
Spock’s hand stilled. “Jim.”
“I know, Spock.” Jim took a breath. “I don’t know how many girls followed but it went on for
years. Most were prostitutes, others just runaways with no one to turn to for help when Frank
finished with them. Sometimes he asked them to pretend not to want it—to scream no while
he had sex with them. Sometimes it was real. I can’t keep the memories separate anymore. I
didn’t even bother to tell my mother because I knew she would ignore me again. Sam ran
away when I was ten. He couldn’t take it anymore and he couldn’t take me with him—I knew
that. I didn’t even blame him. If he’d taken me, mom would’ve probably reported him for
kidnapping and neither one of us would’ve gotten away. Without Sam there to take some of
it—Frank never let up on me, never let me forget that I was a burden.”
“Then you tried to kill yourself,” Spock murmured.
Jim sighed. “Yeah, but I backed out at the last possible second.” He turned his head slightly so
he could look at Spock. “I couldn’t kill myself—Frank would have won and my father gave up
his life so I could live. I couldn’t dishonor that no matter how messed up my life was.”
“This man is in jail.”
“Yeah, for a few years more,” Jim admitted. “He’ll get out when I’m twenty-two—a few weeks
before my birthday in fact unless they parole him for good behavior. They do that—even with
violent offenders. He didn’t even get prison time off-planet. He’s in a minimum-security
facility in Iowa. My mom didn’t divorce him until he’d been in jail for over a year.” Jim
swallowed hard. “Starfleet brought her home for the trail. She hired Frank a lawyer, testified
on his behalf, and sat behind him like a good little wife in her dress uniform.”
“She is not invited to our bonding and she is not ever welcome in our home, Jim. I am sorry—
but not ever.” Spock pushed the cloth into his hands and stood. “I’ll get you a towel and some
clothes.”
“You could set up the fire pot if your Father isn’t already in there using it,” Jim murmured.
*****
Amanda hovered, first standing a few feet away from her husband and then moving to kneel
beside him as he centered himself and settled his mind. She hadn’t seen him so emotionally
compromised outside of his Pon Farr in all the time she’d known him. Her husband was a
deeply passionate man, he loved fiercely and when he moved in anger, he was a force like
none she’d ever known. However, he kept it contained and controlled nearly one hundred
percent of the time.
“I have never truly understood the Terran concept of evil,” Sarek murmured. “It is a construct
that is so beyond the scope of most Vulcans that we are truly mystified by the religions that
once held such power over the people of Earth.”
“Sarek.”
“I am well,” he finally said. “But I believe I can explain the depth of evil to anyone should they
ever ask.”
“We knew,” Amanda whispered. “Captain Pike told us.”
“I felt it with him,” Sarek finally said. “He tried to prevent it but he could not—his empathy is
outside of his control in that particular circumstance. It is a credit to Christopher that James is
as balanced as he is. I do not believe he would have survived another year in that man’s care.”
“How will this affect his interview with T’Pau?”
“I will meld with her first so she need not experience the brunt of the emotional experience. It
will have to satisfy her. I will tell her that she cannot ask Jim to go through that again.” Sarek
reached out and touched his wife. “You should check on them.”
Amanda blushed. “No, I really shouldn’t.”
Sarek paused. “Why not?”
“I took a peek earlier and Spock was washing Jim’s hair. I doubt seriously they would
appreciate my intrusion now.” Amanda shrugged when Sarek looked at her pointedly. “You
did say Jim should relax. We have to be able to trust them and frankly any physical intimacy
they might share pales in comparison to the mental intimacy they’ve already shared.”
Sarek rose gracefully from the floor and pulled his wife to her feet with easy strength. “I
would like to go speak with Christopher.”
*****
“Come on,” Chris muttered as he pulled on a t-shirt. He buttoned his jeans as he headed
towards his front door with a glance toward his bedroom where McCoy was sprawled naked
and boneless on the bed. “It could be the kid.”
“The kid has a code,” Leonard called after him. He rolled out of the bed and shut the bedroom
door after a truly obscene hand gesture in Pike’s direction.
Pike opened the door and started in surprise. “Sarek, what’s wrong? Are the boys…”
“They are physically fine,” Sarek responded shortly. “I apologize for intruding. I realize that
you had plans for evening.” He slid past Chris and into the house without asking and dropped
down in a chair without another word.
“Hell, I’d offer you a beer but it wouldn’t do you a damn bit of good.” Chris sat down on the
coffee table in front of Sarek. “So, don’t leave me in the dark here.”
“James requested that I mind meld with him as a test on his ability to handle a meld with
T’Pau. He is nervous about his interview with her.” Sarek paused as McCoy came into the
living room. He lifted a single eyebrow at Pike who smirked a little. “I do hope I arrived after
the debauchery was accomplished.”
“We’re both thoroughly debauched,” Leonard assured as he went to the replicator and
ordered two beers and a chocolate liqueur. He gave the beer to Pike and offered the glass to
Sarek. “It doesn’t have a lot of chocolate but it will calm your nerves, not to be rude but you
look like shit.”
Sarek took the drink with a nod. “It is not a bad description of my current mental and
emotional state.” He sipped the liqueur in silence for several minutes and then cleared his
throat. “This man—Frank Edgars—he will be released from prison. He will be free to hurt
other children.”
“Yeah.” Pike nodded.
“I saw what he did,” Sarek murmured. “I saw it all and no creature so foul as that should
live.” He paused. “Even at our most uncivilized and dangerous—we did not have such men as
him among my people. If we had we would have killed them.”
“If he comes near Jim after he’s released from prison—I will kill him,” Pike admitted. “I didn’t
know the worst of it until he was out of my reach. I don’t think I even understood how bad it
was until the trial and they made sure to keep a lot of security between the two of us.”
“Winona Kirk—she is worse than this man Frank,” Sarek finally said. “To be given such a gift
as two sons and to leave them in the hands of someone so unfit and unworthy of fatherhood.”
He looked down at his drink and frowned, startling both Humans in the room. “I have another
son—from a previous relationship. My first bondmate died in childbirth. We have not spoken
since Spock was young. Sybok was six years old when the Kelvin was destroyed. He wasn’t
adjusting to my marriage to Amanda as well as I’d hoped. When I returned to Vulcan, I found
that he had struck her several times because he believed me dead and blamed her. After that,
their relationship was never the same. She tried very hard but he was angry and sullen. The
children at school were not kind to him and eventually he combated that treatment by
fostering a deep-seated xenophobia. I had no choice but to send him from my home when he
was sixteen—he encouraged Spock to go into the desert alone and Spock was almost killed.”
“Jesus,” Chris muttered. “Have you seen him since?”
“No,” Sarek shook his head. “I provided for him financially but I couldn’t trust him with
Spock. He went to the Vulcan Science Academy and eventually to Gol where he completed the
Kolinahr. It is the ritual purging of all emotion permanently. I received a communication
shortly before he finished his training where he apologized for his actions. Nothing since
then.”
“It sounds like he regretted the hurt he caused,” Pike offered.
“Yes,” Sarek nodded. “Children are precious and valuable—the heart of a society. I do not
understand how they can be so mistreated here on Earth and no one stops it.”
“You aren’t the only one,” McCoy said from his place by the window. “Jim fell through the
cracks of an overworked rural system. His mother was a Starfleet officer, the widow of a dead
hero, and the locals thought she could do no wrong.”
“Why did none of those young girls report what he’d done to them? There were at least a
dozen of them.”
“He paid them or threatened them. From the sounds of it, they were living on the streets or
were runaways. He picked his victims well—some of them might have already started turning
tricks by the time Frank Edgars found them.” Pike paused when Sarek lifted an eyebrow at
him. “Tricks. When someone pays for sex. They call that a trick, it’s old slang term but nothing
else really fits the activity in Standard.”
“Prostitution.”
“Yes.” Pike nodded. “A horrible life style but some don’t feel they have a choice.”
“I have been the Ambassador to Earth for Vulcan for nearly twenty-five years,” Sarek
murmured. “The people of this world alternately amaze and horrify me.”
“How much chocolate was in that?” Chris demanded with a glare in McCoy’s direction.
*****
Spock woke as his mother moved to stand in the doorway of his bedroom. He’d left the door
open so neither of his parents would question the two of them sharing a bed. “Mother?”
“How is he sleeping?” Amanda questioned.
“There have been no dreams,” Spock slipped out of the bed, rearranged the blankets around
Jim, and walked to stand with his mother. “How is Father?”
“He came home an hour ago and has gone to sleep. He will be fine.” Amanda touched him
hesitantly and relaxed when he didn’t flinch away from her hand. “It is best that this
happened here in the privacy of our home than for it to have taken place with T’Pau at the
embassy.”
Spock nodded. “I agree.”
*****
Jim woke wrapped in heat. It was so perfect that he couldn’t help but snuggling back into the
warm, firm body. “Spock.”
“James.” He nuzzled against the cool flesh of his mate’s neck. “How do you feel?”
“Great,” Jim admitted and sighed as they shifted together. “We’re going to get caught.”
“My parents are at the embassy already. T’Pau arrived early,” Spock explained as he
maneuvered Jim onto his back. “And I have locked my bedroom door as a precaution.”
“You’ve been plotting while I was asleep,” Jim laughed softly and wiggled a little as Spock
settled on top of him. “What do you have in mind?”
Spock placed several kisses along Jim’s jaw as he settled his weight. “I want to make you
come.”
Jim shuddered and groaned. “Spock, you can’t talk to me like that!”
“I believe that is exactly how you want me to talk to you,” Spock responded as he clenched his
teeth on Jim’s ear lobe and shifted so that his cock was pressed against his mate’s thigh.
Jim spread his legs as his eyes darkened. “Like this or did you want something more?”
“I want to touch you,” Spock whispered against his skin. “I want to touch your cock like I
touch my own when I am alone.”
Jim closed his eyes and groaned. “You’re fucking killing me, Spock.”
Spock shifted his weight and slid one hand between them. “Tell me I can touch you, James.”
“Yes, yes—anything you want, Spock.” Jim buried his face against Spock’s neck and moaned
softly as a warm hand pressed against the flat of his stomach and slid slowly into his pants.
“Show me,” Spock murmured. “Show me how it feels, T’hy’la.”
Jim sucked in a deep breath as Spock slipped his hand around his cock and started to stroke
him carefully. The pleasure was fierce and beautiful. Jim wrapped it around them both
mentally as their mouths met in a sweet, open-mouthed kiss. Spock met his every need before
he even knew—keeping his touch tight, firm, and speeding up the strokes until he was coming
with a harsh groan.
Spock released him gently and kissed him again. “Good?”
“That was perfect,” Jim murmured. “I want to wake up with you every day for the rest of my
life.”
“Your goals coincide with my long term plans,” Spock said as he moved to lie on his side
beside his mate.
Jim turned and tucked his face against Spock’s neck. “Can I return the favor? Are you
comfortable with that?”
“Yes, your touch would please me.” Spock kissed the crown of Jim’s head and then trembled
with anticipation as Jim hand trailed down his side.
“I love how warm and smooth your skin is,” Jim whispered against Spock’s jaw as he pulled at
the waist of Spock’s pajama bottoms. “I like that you wear silk against your skin. I know you
wear it because it feels good—sensual, sexy on your body.”
“Such material is a luxury on Vulcan,” Spock whispered and trembled when Jim’s fingers
skimmed over his hardened sex. “Mother insisted on buying me several sets of sleep clothes in
silk when we arrived. I cannot deny that the material is pleasant to wear.” His breath hitched
as Jim rubbed his thumb over the head of his penis.
“You said cock,” Jim murmured. “That was so filthy, Spock. Filthy and adorable.”
He exhaled sharply as Jim took him hand. “It excites you when I talk that way. I wanted to
arouse you.”
“You do that by breathing,” Jim admitted. “You turn me on so much, Spock, from the very
moment I met you. It was so hard to concentrate on giving you a tour of the school when I
wanted to push you into a closet and do something dirty to you with my hands and mouth.”
“Mouth?” Spock asked with a gasp as Jim fondled his testicles gently. “That wouldn’t be…
what would you…”
Jim chuckled, low and dirty. “You’re a very smart man, Mr. Spock. I’m sure you know exactly
what I’d want to do with my mouth.” He sucked the tip of Spock’s ear into his mouth as he
pressed against the hard ridge of flesh under his mate’s testicles. “This is a weird time to ask
this—but we’re basically the same right? I mean, you know biologically.”
Spock shuddered against the stimulation. “Humans and Vulcans are fundamentally the same
but we have some differences beyond the copper based blood that Vulcans are somewhat
famous for. My foreskin is thicker than yours but our testicles are much the same.”
“Do you have a prostate?” Jim questioned.
“Vulcans don’t have a prostate gland—no.” Spock groaned softly. “I do. I also have f’alia – it is
the equivalent of the human prostate.”
“Best of both worlds,” Jim responded with a small smile as he sat back a little. He curled his
fingers around Spock and watched the Vulcan’s eyes go wide. “How does this feel?”
“Good.” Spock sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and swallowed a groan. “Better than
when I touch myself.”
Jim leaned in and brushed their mouths together in a soft kiss as he started to stroke Spock just
as gently and as carefully as he’d done for him. “You feel good in my hand. I love how hard
you are—hard for me.”
Spock lifted his hips helplessly and whimpered. “Jim.”
“I’ve got you.” Jim pulled Spock close and started to rock their bodies together as he jerked his
dick faster and faster. “That’s it, come for me.”
Spock jerked and curled into Jim with a harsh groan as he came. Jim gentled him through it—
stroking him until he was soft in his hand.
*****
T’Pau was formal and rigid but Jim had known she would be. He was doing his very best not
to look like he’d been getting a hand job from Spock two hours before. Since he was probably
mentally vibrating with afterglow he doubted he was succeeding but at least none of the
Vulcans would be so rude as to comment on it.
T’Pau had brought a ship full of family to attend the bonding ceremony and Jim had spent an
hour meeting cousins, aunts, uncles, three different men that claimed to be Spock’s
‘forefather’. Spock had explained that they were his step-grandfather, great-grandfather, and a
step-great grandfather. Jim had met Elder Stavik before, so he understood basically what he
was to Spock. What he’d learned fairly quickly was that Vulcans did not stay single long after
they reached adulthood and would immediately bond again if they lost their mates
prematurely. It unnerved Jim a little—because it made him feel like he could be replaced
easily. Not all of the guests were clan as Jim had also been introduced to several young people
that were given no familial connection at all.
Amanda had been relaxed and friendly through most of the event until the last group of
Vulcans had arrived. Jim had been stunned, really, to watch her shut down and become so
subdued that he wondered if she were ill. He’d maneuvered himself around the room until he
was her side and hadn’t left her since. Anyone that had felt inclined to meet him had started
making their way over to them.
“James Kirk. This is T’Yal and her sons Stonn and Stavar. They both attended school with
Spock.” Amanda’s voice was tight but not unpleasant.
Stalar looked him over in a way that felt insulting as his mother nodded to them both briefly
and drifted away to join a nearby conversation without actually speaking to either of them.
“You’re very Human. I was told that you were a gifted telepath.”
Jim smiled at him. “I am. My empathy is, of course, stronger. It is a gift of my father’s people.
I’m sure you were also told that I’m Betazoid.”
“I was, informed of such, yes. Many on our world are interested in seeing the man that has
been lured into a bond with Spock.”
“You think I was lured?” Jim questioned, he cut his eyes at Amanda who’d paled and sighed.
“I would love to play catty word games with you, Stavar but you’re upsetting the woman I
will one day have the honor of calling Mother. I find that unacceptable. Go away before I make
breaking your nose a family tradition.”
Amanda coughed to cover an abrupt laugh as the two brothers quickly moved away from him.
“James.”
“I adore you, too,” Jim murmured and offered Amanda his arm. “Let’s go sit with
Ambassador T’Pol and say rude things about the people we don’t like. Trust me on this; she
has a lot to say she just needs an audience.”
Spock watched from his place at his Father’s side as Jim sat his mother in a small area with
T’Pol and ordered her a glass of wine from a nearby replicator. Across the room, Jim looked
up and offered him a very deliberate wink. Spock blushed and averted his gaze—mostly
amused that he’d been caught staring so obviously at his bondmate.
“I met your Human.”
“I took note of the introduction you and your brother,” Spock returned evenly and allowed his
gaze to flick over Stonn’s face. “You should keep your distance. He’s more Betazoid in
temperament than many would expect. If you irritate him—he will air your personal business
for his own amusement without a second thought. I realize this is your first time off Vulcan
but I believe you were taught in school how indiscreet the Betazoid people can be when
provoked by someone they view as an inferior.”
“I am not inferior to him.”
“I did not say you were,” Spock said as he refocused on Jim and his mother. Even with his
hearing, the room was too crowded and Jim was too far away for him to make out what was
being said. Jim was waving one hand as he spoke and his mother was laughing behind her
hand. The pale drawn look gone from her face. He returned his attention to Stonn. “James,
however, has his own opinions and he has no fear of sharing them. It is one of his more
fascinating qualities.”
Stonn’s nostrils flared. “Could I speak with you privately, Spock?”
“If you insist,” Spock answered in a dry tone that had his father lifting an eyebrow. He
inclined his head towards the balcony doors. “The balcony will suit your purpose?”
“Yes.”
Spock shared a pointed glance with his father and then followed Stonn out onto the balcony.
They were only eight months apart in age and had gone to school together until the very day
Spock had left Vulcan. There had been in a time in the first days that they’d known each other
that Spock had harbored some hope that Stonn would be his friend. It had quickly proven to
be a foolish hope.
“Why are you binding yourself to this Human?”
“I am half-Human.” Spock walked to stand at the railing on the balcony. “And my relationship
with James Kirk is none of your business.”
“Despite your disadvantage, you are one of the most gifted minds on Vulcan. You are of the
House of Surak and you have the wealth to secure a proper Vulcan bondmate.”
Spock looked at Stonn for several seconds. “My mother is a brilliant and courageous woman.
She has a strong and honest heart. Never once in my entire life have I doubted her love for me.
She is loyal, self-sacrificing, and generous with her time and her attention. Being her son has
never once been a disadvantage and it never will be. If all you plan to do is insult the woman
who gave me life then we have nothing left to discuss.”
“Wait.” Stonn reached out to touch him and Spock recoiled. “We have disagreed in the past
but we are both reaching an age when it is time to set aside those differences and work
towards the betterment of our people. Spock, you should come back to Vulcan and allow your
Father to bond you with the right kind of person. One who can benefit your clan and help you
contribute to the future of our people.”
“What game are you playing?” Spock demanded. “I have never had a place on Vulcan and I
have accepted that. I had the opportunity to take what you would call a proper bondmate and I
refused it.”
“T’Pring has Romulan blood,” Stonn responded. “It is obvious why you rejected her and now
everyone knows it. You are a son of the strongest, wealthiest clan on Vulcan. My Mother says
that it is obscene that T’Pau and your father are bonding you with that boy. He does not
deserve a place in your clan.”
“James Kirk is my t’hy’la,” Spock said in the wake of Stonn’s quiet tirade. “I will have no other
in this life but him—no matter the circumstances or consequences.”
“Your t’hy’la?” Stonn questioned. “Spock, you cannot believe that. It is the height of illogic to
believe you would find a connection so profound and rare with an off-worlder. There has not
been a true t’hy’la bonding in a thousand years. Is that how you convinced T’Pau to allow
this? She will see through the mistake you have made and deny this farce.”
“I am prepared to break completely with my clan if I am denied my choice of bondmates,”
Spock returned evenly and glanced towards the door just as Jim appeared in them. “Jim.”
Kirk offered him a slow and intense smile. “Your Mother was concerned the two of you were
out here fighting.” He strolled out onto the patio and offered Spock his hand, as he got close.
Spock caught the hand casually and threaded their fingers together with ease. “I told her I was
hardly the person to send out here to break it up if that were the case.”
Stonn was staring at their hands; his mouth quirking minutely in what Spock figured was
carefully suppressed horror.
“Stonn and I have never come to blows. His younger brother was not as fortunate.”
Jim moved confidently and easily into Spock’s space and rubbed the top of his hand with his
thumb—the casual, intimate contact was scandalous by Vulcan terms. “Finished out here?
Elder T’Pau and one of the forefathers are about to throw down on the limits of anti-matter
and your mother is too amused to be a proper referee in what could be become the biggest free
for all in your clan’s history.”
“Quite finished,” Stonn murmured and turned to leave without another word.
Jim said nothing else until they were alone. “What is his deal?”
“He comes from a very conservative clan,” Spock murmured. “He’s expressing his disbelief
that yet another Human is being welcomed into the House of Surak.”
Jim snorted. “Spock, he’s jealous of the freedom he perceives you to have. He is trapped in his
step-mother’s political games.”
Spock glanced out over the city. “Jealousy is illogical.”
“Stonn isn’t very logical,” Jim responded seriously.
“He’s always hated me.”
“His mother has been trying for years to get him to make friends with you—especially after
you weren’t bonded when you were small. She wanted to use her step-son as an in-road into
your clan. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Stonn was one of the people offered up to
T’Pau has a potential bondmate for you.” Jim paused and frowned. “And he doesn’t hate
you—never has. Whatever he feels for you, Stonn keeps it buried pretty deeply and is
disturbed by it.”
Spock grimaced before he could help himself. “I would have definitely told him to die in a fire.”
Jim grinned and then laughed very softly. “Come on—let’s go rescue your step-great-grandpa
from T’Pau. She’d already graduated to finger pointing when I left.”
*****
“How did the informal dinner go?”
Jim unbuttoned his suit jacket with a sigh. “His family is huge Dad, and the relationships are
complicated as hell.” He threw his jacket over the couch and sprawled out next to Bones who
was reading intently from a PADD. “My formal interview with T’Pau is on Wednesday and
then we’ll be all set for the ceremony.”
“Sure this is what you want, kid?” McCoy questioned softly. “You can change your mind.”
“I want it,” Jim said without hesitating. “It must seem pretty weird from your point of view.”
“No, not really. I’ve dealt with enough telepathic species in my career with ‘fleet that I
understand how important such bonds are. I just wonder if you wouldn’t be more fulfilled in a
bond with another Betazoid. I’ve researched the matter and there isn’t a recorded example of a
successful bond between a Vulcan and a Betazoid. When logic butts heads with emotion the
results aren’t always the most rewarding.”
Jim toed off his dress shoes with a small frown. “Bones, you know—it’s too late for this
conversation. I’m so wrapped up in Spock emotionally and intellectually that I don’t know
how I’d live if he were decide suddenly not to bond with me. My mind is primed to bond with
him in every way that is possible.” He glanced up and saw a frown on Pike’s face. “What?”
“Jim, did you… how long have you needed to bond? Have you been suffering this whole time
because you didn’t have a bond? Suffering because I refused to let your grandmother have a
bond created for you on Betazed when you first manifested?”
“No.” Jim shook his head and leaned back on the couch. He closed his eyes and took a deep
breath. “I wasn’t suffering before. Jaret told me early on, in my training that when I met the
person that was for me—that I would know it on a bone deep level. I kind of thought he was
just being sappy. I didn’t understand it at all until that day with Spock, when I held him and
protected his mind after that woman hurt him.”
“Are you suffering now?” McCoy questioned setting aside his PADD and grabbing his
tricorder off the coffee table. “Physical pain or some kind of psionic feedback?”
Jim laughed softly. “No, Bones, nothing like that. Sometimes I just reach out for something
that isn’t there—my mind searches for a bond I haven’t had the opportunity to make yet and I
ache for it. It sounds melodramatic to say it like that. I was never lonely in my mind before I
met Spock but now—the only time I’m not lonely that way is when I’m with him.”
“And you think that the bond will sate this urge you have—that you won’t be lonely
anymore,” Chris murmured.
“I think the bond will satisfy that desire—yes. I think a bond is the only thing that will. It’s not
loneliness in the traditional sense—I’ve had that. I spent most of my childhood lonely and
depressed. It’s like Spock woke some part of me and only he can keep that part of me
company.” Jim looked at Pike then. “George kept part of you—you know.”
“What?” Chris asked wide-eyed.
“He kept part of you in his mind; even after he severed the bond between you. It’s part of his
telepathic legacy and now I carry it. He carried this awareness of you—like he had to know
where you were at all time.”
Chris nodded and then paused. “Wait. Do you have sex memories of me and your Dad in that
legacy pool thing you’ve got going on?”
Jim laughed softly. “Hmmm, well, he gave me everything he valued in his legacy. Every
moment of his life, that was important, special, and worthy of being passed on to the next
generation. I leave his intimate memories alone—one of the first things Jaret taught me was
how to interact with the legacy without seeing things I wasn’t ready for. His emotions were so
intense in the moments before he died so that is what I feel most from his legacy. I rarely delve
deep—I don’t need to.”
*****
“It is a simple question.”
Sarek raised an eyebrow at his son’s impatient tone. “I chose not to tell you about the offer
from Stonn’s family because it was obvious to me that you would never truly be welcome in
their clan and the animosity you have for his brother Stavar has not dimmed with time.”
“He called Mother a whore,” Spock ground out and then took a calming breath. “I would have
wished to have known at the time that such an offer had been made. I would have been better
prepared for the conversation I had with him this afternoon.”
Sarek finished preparing his tea and stared pointedly at the chair Spock had abandoned until
his son returned to it. “I should have told you. What unfortunate thing did he have to say?”
“He told me that I should bond for the good of my clan and people. Jim pointed out his
personal interest in me later. I also had no response for that.”
“Was James upset?”
“He appeared more irritated on my behalf than anything else. Jim realizes he has nothing to be
concerned about. I have done everything I can to assure him of my affection and regard.”
Spock focused on his shoe and rubbed at the slick wood floor for a few seconds. “I need to
know that you will take my side if T’Pau declines to bond us.”
“Spock.”
He looked up and met his Father’s gaze. “I need to know.”
“I will always be on your side,” Sarek responded. “I have already lost one child—I will not
lose another.”
“Sybok lives.”
“We are little more than strangers to him now.” Sarek stood up from his desk. “I was not a
good father to him and the path he chose when he went to Gol insured that I would never get
another chance with him. When he took his final step in the Kolinahr, he severed his parental
link with me. It was—it damaged me in a way I was not prepared for. When the scholars speak
of Gol and of the Kolinahr, they do not tell you how much damage you will leave in your
wake if you follow that path. But then, why would they? They abandoned their emotions and
families so long ago that such damage cannot seem important.”
“Why were there no children after me?” Spock questioned. “Was one hybrid child enough?”
“The healers did not believe it would be wise for your mother to risk carrying another child.
We considered an artificial womb but in the end, she focused her attention on you and was
satisfied. As you’ve gotten older, we’ve both come to regret that decision. It would be pleasant
to have more children.”
“You still could,” Spock pointed out. “The artificial womb technology has never been more
secure than it is today and I would not be displeased to have younger siblings.”
Sarek inclined his head. “Perhaps I am too old to begin again.”
“You are not old.” Spock hated the very idea that his father might be considered old.
*****
“Do you know what the word t’hy’la means, James Kirk?”
Jim paused. “Someone who is a friend, a lover, a brother—the perfect bondmate to another’s
soul.”
T’Pau inclined her head. “There has not been a documented t’hy’la bonding in over a
thousand years. Spock has claimed before several witnesses that he believes you to be his
t’hy’la. Such a claim is, in itself, rare.”
“Do you think he’s wrong?”
“I could not make such a determination without a mind meld,” T’Pau responded. “It is a
romantic and fanciful notion—the idea of a t’hy’la. Most Vulcans do not allow themselves the
freedom to make such a connection. If it is the case, your pairing will be honored in our clan.”
“Even if I’m Human?” Jim questioned.
“I do not care about blood runs in your veins, child.” T’Pau motioned him to kneel on a pillow
near the window. “I attended to the bonding of Sarek and Amanda. It was a unique
experience—to find a Human mind attuned with a Vulcan and ready for a bond.” She knelt
easily on the pillow in front of him with a lifted eyebrow at his aborted attempt to offer her
help. “Getting down here is easy. Getting up is a different story.”
“I will remember,” Jim murmured and smiled softly.
T’Pau arranged her robe carefully and then focused on him. “I melded with Sarek this
morning and we will not touch on the memories of your early childhood. I have the
information I need regarding those events.”
Jim nodded. “Okay.” He flinched under the warm, dry pressure of her fingers but forced
himself still. “Don’t let me hurt you.” He barely had time to register the startled look in her
eyes before his eyes closed involuntarily.
“My mind to your mind… my thoughts to your thoughts.”
His mind rushed like it had that day in the car—foot on the gas, revenge in his heart, and a ‘fuck you’ to
the world ringing in his ears. She slipped into his mind like a snake—slithering through his thoughts,
respecting the dark areas of his mind that he guarded closely, but giving him no control—no power over
what was to come.
They landed in his mental courtyard so swiftly that he felt jolted and disconnected from his own mind
for a few seconds. The sun was bright in the too blue sky; the water fountain was rushing and more
gorgeous than ever. Everything was revealed—the beautiful climbing roses that grew on the walls. All
of the doors but three were clear as glass. The three that remained were the ones that Jim guarded the
most closely.
T’Pau looked at the red door first. “The monster is there.”
“Yes.”
“And this black door?”
“That vault is for my Betazoid teaching master, Jaret. It is private and beyond your purview.” Jim
glanced at her hoping she understood his resolve and the unspoken apology. He was relieved when she
only nodded.
She went to the final door. “And this one? What is here that you guard so fiercely? It is the most heavily
guarded place in your mind—held precious in way I have never encountered before in any mind—not
even among bonded individuals.”
“It is my imzadi,” Jim murmured. “It is Spock. The memories and experiences within are private and
personal. I guard it most closely now because it houses the empathic bond I’m building for Spock.”
“May I see this bond?”
“I will bring it out—but you may not enter his place at this time.”
“Understood, James Kirk.”
Jim slipped into the room, careful to pull the door shut behind him. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust T’Pau
to honor her agreement—the contents of the space were so intimate that sharing them even accidently
was beyond the pale. He picked up the box that held the bond he was creating and when he returned to
the courtyard, he found T’Pau sitting on the ledge of his father’s fountain.
“That is the telepathic legacy of George Kirk.”
“It is fascinating,” T’Pau admitted. “We have often heard that Betazoids do this with their children but
I have never had the privilege of seeing it like this.”
Jim nodded and knelt on the ground near her. “I’ll ask you not to touch—I realize it is your natural
inclination and the psionic impression of the bond will be attractive to you.”
T’Pau stood and tucked her hands behind her back. “Will you tell me why you focus so much of your
mental energies on making this place in your mind aesthetically pleasing?”
Jim paused as he unlatched the box and looked around. “I don’t. It has always been beautiful like this—
since the moment Jaret taught me to find it and use it in my mind. Jaret’s mental vault is a large house
with hundreds of rooms. I imagine as I grow older that mine will expand in much the same way.” He
pointed towards a place where the north and east wall did not meet. A winding sidewalk spilled out into
the darkness. “There is already something new developing. I think Spock is responsible for it. It appeared
during our third meld.”
Jim opened the box and the rope of psionic energy flowed into his hands eagerly. “I started building it
several months ago. While I can create a Betazoid telepathic bond quickly—the empathic bond is more
like a work of art. It requires patience, a profound love, and soul deep commitment.” He looked up at
T’Pau and swallowed. “This is what I will give Spock when we wed on Betazed. I hope that by then our
telepathic bond will be strong enough that he can accept and thrive with the empathic one.”
T’Pau stared in silence for a long moment and then nodded. “I believe, James Kirk, that you have chosen
to love wisely and well.” She looked at the fountain. “Return your bond to its safe place and we will
separate. Before the bonding, you will need to secure it and your intimate memories away from Spock’s
place in your mind. We will build the Vulcan telepathic bond there.”
“Yes, Elder.”
*****
Spock stood the moment doors to T’Pau’s temporary office on Earth opened. He bit back a
question when only T’Pau emerged. The door shut quickly behind her. She turned to him and
stared for a long moment. “You have much training to do, Spock.”
“Elder?”
“You will undertake special training with the Betazoid, Jaret Molia. I will speak with him
concerning the matter at the first opportunity. If you are to properly bond with that young
man—you must be prepared to meet him on an equal footing and accept the empathic bond he
will one day offer you. Nothing you’ve been taught on Vulcan will prepare you for that.
Therefore you must educate yourself as much as possible with Jaret.”
“Of course, Elder.” Spock relaxed in relief. “I will do all that is required of me.”
T’Pau nodded. “The bonding ceremony will take place as scheduled. James is having some tea,
you may join him.”
*****
Sarek was barely able to concentrate on the conversation going on between Amanda and T’Pol.
He hadn’t been this unnerved since Spock’s birth. The doors opened abruptly and T’Pau swept
in without speaking. She went to the replicator and ordered herself coffee before joining them
in the chairs by T’Pol’s balcony.
“They do not need me to bond,” she said without preamble. “If they were not so disciplined—
they would already have a full bond. On Wednesday, when they give themselves permission
to reach out for the other—the bond they will create under my direction will be strong and as
durable as any fully consummated marriage bond.”
“They are…” T’Pol paused. “They are t’hy’la.”
“Yes—the bonding will be intimate and for the lack of a better word—explosive. The level of
mental intimacy they already share would not be out of place in a pair that had been bonded
for a hundred years.” She paused and looked at Sarek. “You did not tell me that his mind was
so…”
“Beautiful?” Amanda questioned. “Spock says that James’ mind is beautiful.”
T’Pau stared into her coffee cup. “Your child has always been a romantic, Amanda.” She
looked up, her dark eyes curiously bright. “James Kirk is a fascinating young man and I look
forward to seeing how his presence in our clan changes us—just as you have changed us over
the years.”
*****
Jim entered the house through the garage and put his helmet on the kitchen counter. “Dad?”
The house comm had a message waiting so he activated the station as he started browsing the
replicator menu for dinner.
“Jim, I have dinner with Archer this evening—I’ll be home before you go to sleep. Pike out.”
Jim shot the comm station a mild glare and wished he’d stayed at Spock’s for dinner. Dr.
Grayson had been experimenting in the kitchen and it had smelled awesome. With a sigh, he
made himself some pasta and settled down in front of the vidscreen in the living room. He
flipped to the news more out of habit than an actual desire to watch it. His Dad always
watched the news during dinner.
The evening anchor for the Federation News Network was an Orion and she was gorgeous. Jim
was mostly convinced she got the job because men all over the galaxy would feel compelled to
watch her as often as possible. She had a great voice and her eyes were wicked sexy. The front
door chime sounded half way through a report on the Neutral Zone and Jim rolled off the
couch to answer the door.
For a few seconds he was so startled that he all he could do was stare. He cleared his throat
and took a deep breath. “Winona.”
His mother flushed. “I’m your mother, James. You shouldn’t call me by my given name.”
“It’s either Winona or Commander Kirk,” Jim returned evenly. “You lost the right to be my
mother a long time before a Federation court judge took it from you legally.” He stepped back
and let her enter. “What can I do for you?”
“You can tell me why I received a communication from the First House of Betazed announcing
your betrothal to some Vulcan.”
“Betazed is a matriarchal society and despite your lack of a legal claim to me—they do
recognize that you gave birth to me which means you get copies of official announcements. I
will tell them not to bother in the future.”
Winona took a deep breath and crossed her arms. She glanced around the house and then
exhaled dramatically again. “You’re actually going to bond yourself to another man?”
“Actually, T’Pau of Vulcan is going to do the bond for us. You aren’t invited to the ceremony.
My future bondmate has no interest in ever meeting you and I see no reason to taint our day
with your anger.” Jim dropped back on the couch and picked up his food even though his
appetite was completely gone.
“I cannot believe Pike agreed to this!” Winona snapped. “You’re barely sixteen and it is
barbaric for you to be bonded at all. What the hell is he thinking?”
Jim picked up the remote and turned off the vid. “I may be mostly human from a genetic
perspective, Commander, but my psionic profile is entirely Betazoid. I have mental needs that
can only be met by the creation of a bond with another person. I’ve chosen that person—the
person I will spend the rest of my life with. You don’t have to like it or approve of it. On
Betazoid, where I am in fact a citizen—I am of age to not only bond but to marry. Spock and I
are going to wait a few years on the marriage thing but only out of respect for his mother who
thinks we should let our bond mature first. Dad agreed to the bonding because he knows that
a bond will protect me.”
“Pike is not your father!” Winona shouted.
“No, George Kirk was my father and Christopher Pike is my Dad. I choose to call him that—he
earned that from me because he’s in my life every single day being a parent to me. He’s the
one teaching me what it means to be a good person—a good man,” Jim responded as he
gathered up his dishes and took them to the recycler.
“The only thing he’s teaching you is how to roll over and take it from another man,” she
ground out through clenched teeth.
Jim’s mouth dropped open in shock. “He has never laid a hand on me, Winona. If you repeat
that bullshit to anyone, I will petition the courts and have Frank’s trial unsealed so that
everyone will know exactly what my childhood was like and why Pike has custody of me. I’m
asked a couple of times a year for my permission because some reporter has sunk their teeth
into the story and wants the court transcripts. The only reason they are sealed is because of
me.”
She grimaced and took a deep breath. “The only reason those records are sealed is because
Pike doesn’t want anyone to know how damaged and fucked up you are. It would ruin his
image—the man who rescued the dead hero’s son. Frank kept you out of jail for what you did
to your Father’s car and you repaid him by blaming your injuries on him.”
“You are insane,” Jim murmured. “Do you have any idea where Sam is? When is the last time
you saw your oldest son?”
“Sam is dead,” Winona returned. “He was killed on Tarsus IV.”
It was like being stabbed in the gut. Jim’s knees weakened and he reached out blindly for the
counter. “Get out. Get out and don’t ever fucking come near me again.”
“You’re the only son I have left.”
“I am no child of yours!” Jim shouted and blinked back tears. “You bitch—you vicious bitch.”
“What the fuck is going on in here?”
“Bones.” Jim rubbed his mouth with the back of his hand. “Get her out of here. Make her
leave.”
McCoy glared at her. “Lt. Commander Kirk, you’ve been asked to leave.”
“I don’t take orders from you.”
“You’ll get the fuck out of this house or I’ll call Starfleet and report you for violating the ruling
of a Federation court. How would you like to spend a month in the brig?” McCoy demanded
as he moved between her and Jim.
Winona turned on her heel and left with one final glare in McCoy’s direction.
Jim blinked rapidly but tears were streaming down his face anyway. “She said Sam was
dead.”
“Hell.” McCoy reached out for him. “Come on, kid, I need you to calm down.”
“Tarsus IV. She said he was killed on Tarsus, Bones.” Jim knotted his fists in McCoy’s uniform
shirt. “It’s a lie, Bones, tell me she’s wrong. Tell me Sam didn’t die in that horrible place.”
McCoy pulled him close and sucked in a breath as a sob was muffled against his neck. He
pulled out his communicator. “Chris.”
“Hey are you and the kid… what’s wrong?”
“Come home. Now.”
*****
“You sedated him.” Pike glared at his lover. “You sedated my kid.”
“I sedated my patient because he was so emotionally overwrought that he started speaking
several languages at once—none of which I understood,” Leonard snapped. “Why didn’t we
know she was back on the planet, Chris? You usually get a notification.”
“She didn’t come back on a Starfleet ship. Betazed informed her of the bonding ceremony. She
used it as an excuse to get leave and her Captain approved it without a second fucking
thought,” Pike ground out. “She said Sam was dead?”
“She told Jim that he died on Tarsus IV,” Bones murmured. “A lot of the bodies were cremated
and the colony records were destroyed. There is no way to know if she’s telling the truth.”
Chris dropped down on the couch and rubbed his face. “It fits. I haven’t gotten a single clue to
his whereabouts in about four years. If he went to Tarsus… we might be able to get a hold of
records of him traveling to the colony. She must have a reason for thinking it.”
“Sam is a smart kid—like Jim.”
“Yeah.” Chris nodded. “Very smart. Their father was brilliant like that.”
“Maybe he used Tarsus IV to fake his death—to escape her permanently.”
“Do you think he would do that to Jim?”
“He left that kid to suffer with that bastard when he could’ve come to you and told you what
was going on,” Leonard murmured. “I know Jim doesn’t see it that way—but Sam was
fourteen years old when he ran away. He had the balls to leave. He should’ve had the balls to
save his baby brother, too. All he had to do was leave a message for you.”
“Another reason to bury his past and never look back,” Pike said. “The shame of that must be
eating him alive.”
“If there was enough good left in him after being in that house for all of those years to even
feel guilt or shame. That kind of long term abuse can twist a person—make them as fucked up
as the person that is doing to abusing.”
“It didn’t twist Jim that way.”
“Jim had something extra special inside him that protected him—he had George.”
Chris nodded but didn’t have time to respond before his front door alerted him to a visitor. “If
she came back…”
“I doubt she’d risk coming here when you’re here,” Bones said.
Chris went to the door and opened it with frustrated sound. He blew out a breath of surprise.
“Spock.”
“He’s upset. Why is he upset?” Spock demanded.
“His mother visited while I was gone.” Chris motioned Spock in. “Bones has him sedated so
we can talk a few minutes.”
“Very well.” Spock pulled off his jacket and put in it the small closet near the front door. “I
had to call for a car or I would’ve been here sooner. My father had a meeting at the embassy
and I’m not allowed to travel on public transport at night without Jim. Mother says it’s not safe
to travel alone even though I’ve made it quite clear I take care of myself.”
“Yeah, you’re a real ninja,” Chris returned dryly and accepted the soda that McCoy brought
him from the replicator. “I don’t have the whole story because Bones sedated him before I got
home but his mother was here—probably to complain about the bonding. She’s not very
tolerant of homosexual relationships. She told Jim that his older brother was one of the people
murdered on Tarsus IV by Kodos. We don’t know if it’s true.”
Spock’s gaze widened briefly and then he took a deep breath. “That is… why would she wait
until now to tell him something so important? She must have known for years.”
“I don’t know when she found out but this is the first time she’s seen Jim in two years,” Pike
said as he rubbed his face with his free hand. “I’m going to file charges against her for
violating the custody agreement. I can’t let her get away with this bullshit repeatedly. I just
don’t know how to fix this for him.”
Spock nodded and took a deep breath. “I have a confession to make.”
McCoy paused and Pike focused on him. “Okay.”
“I have no idea what a ninja is.”
Pike stared for several seconds and then he laughed softly. “Well, hell, kid I can fix that.”
*****
Jim woke wrapped in the warm body of his bondmate. It wasn’t exactly an unusual
circumstance for him as he snuggled with Spock every single chance he got—he’d even gone
so far as to institute a ‘nap time’ after school that the half-Vulcan didn’t need but endured
regardless. Dr. Grayson had teased them mercilessly about it when she’d first found out.
Spock ran a hand over the back of his head and down his back. “We’ll find out if it is true,
T’hy’la.”
“I hate her,” Jim whispered. “How can I hate my own mother?”
“Your cause is… sufficient. She has never been a mother to you, not ever.” Spock rubbed his
back carefully. “Think about her no more—perhaps it is best if you chose to believe your
mother died the day you were born.”
“In some ways, I think she did,” Jim admitted. “She’s nothing like the woman my father
married.”
“Captain Pike is concerned. You should get up and speak with him.”
*****
Pike and McCoy were in the kitchen when Jim found them. “I’m okay. Sorry about the minimelt down.”
“Sit.” McCoy pointed to a chair and went to the replicator. “You need to eat. Spock?”
“No, thank you, Dr. McCoy. I had a large meal earlier. My mother is… experimenting with
Andorian foodstuffs. It has been interesting.” Pike lifted an eyebrow and McCoy made a face.
“Very interesting.”
Jim laughed softly. “She’s a great cook.” He accepted the glass of milk that McCoy brought
him with a sigh. “Winona has a real problem with the bonding.”
“Figured she would,” Pike acknowledged.
“She…” Jim flushed. “She inferred that I’m gay because of you.”
“Because of me?” Pike questioned. “As in she said… what exactly?”
“That the only thing you’ve ever taught me was to roll over and take it from a man.” Jim
winced at the instant fury that bloomed in his Dad. “Seriously, I can’t take it if you blow up so
can you swallow that and maybe explode later when I’m not around?”
Pike nodded abruptly, his hand curling into a fist on the table. “Yeah. I can… sorry.”
“The only one that should apologize never will. It’s like she’s broken so badly that she doesn’t
even understand what reality is. How does she continue to pass psych exams with Starfleet?”
Pike shook his head. “I don’t know. The admiralty is aware of the issues surrounding her loss
of custody. I couldn’t keep it from them and she’s hit a glass ceiling. She’ll never get a
command—and was passed over promotion last year. She filed a complaint and tried to say
that I was interfering with her career. I didn’t even know she’d been denied a promotion until
the complaint was filed. She’s a decent engineer but people have a hard time trusting a woman
who lost her rights as a parent. The vast majority don’t even have a small hint of what
happened and they still don’t trust her.”
“Is Sam… do you think Sam was on Tarsus IV?”
“I don’t know. I never heard anything like that about him and I’ve been looking for him for
five years. I had a few leads that dead-ended but nothing has… nothing that pointed towards
Tarsus IV. Most of the colony records were destroyed but I can send a message to the current
governor.”
Jim nodded and stared at his food.
“So which one of you wants to tell me how Spock knew you were upset?” Chris asked, his
tone casual and neutral.
“We have an empathic link—not much different than the one I have with you. Jaret says it is
the kind of link that members of the same family form on Betazed due to proximity,” Jim
admitted. “Spock can tap into it because of his own abilities.”
“So you know when I’m upset or pissed?”
Jim nodded. “And when you’re feeling pretty awesome, too. I don’t feel it with you or
anything—the link isn’t that strong. It’s just a knowing.”
McCoy pulled out his tricorder and took a few scans of all three of them with a disgruntled
look on his face. “The interesting news is that we showed Spock the Internet while you were
playing the part of Sleeping Beauty. I’m frankly a little stunned you that let the kid live here
for going on eight months and never bothered to show him the monument to the narcissism of
humanity.”
Jim sighed. “You did warn him that he couldn’t trust everything he reads on there, right? I do
my best not to expose him to parts of Earth culture that could damage him mentally forever.”
“We had to show him what a ninja was,” Chris defended. “And we showed him how to verify
content for accuracy by looking for the Federation Seal.”
Jim looked at Spock and lifted an eyebrow when the Vulcan blushed. “Well?”
“I am not a ninja as it is impossible for me to be a spy for the feudal country of Japan.”
“That’s just semantics!” Jim protested.
“I assure you, James, semantics are everything.”
*****
His Dad and Bones were useless when it came to the Vulcan clothes he’d been given to wear
for the bonding ceremony. However, Spock had given him a thorough lecture on each piece of
clothing so Jim was content to let them pace around his dressing room at the embassy
nervously.
The door chime signaled the arrival of Jaret, who Jim figured would be no better prepared to
deal with the Vulcan clothes. He pulled on the thin linen shirt that was the final piece of
clothing before he put on the formal robes and turned to look at his teacher. Jaret was carrying
a medium sized ebony box and Jim took a deep breath. “It came.”
Jaret nodded. “Your grandmother brought it personally. She’s already been seated in the hall
where the ceremony will take place. Alexa has her on a short leash so do not worry that she
will cause you any problems today. She’s been properly chastised for her actions and is
brimming with guilt. Hence the substantial gift she has given you and Spock.”
Jim took the box and sat it on the table. The psionic stone inside was larger than the one he’d
secured to give to Dr. Grayson and so clear it was practically invisible in the box. Light danced
over its surface and bounced rainbows all over the room when he lifted it gently from its
protective nest.
“It’s four times the size I could afford to purchase on my own,” Jim murmured. “I didn’t
expect…”
“The First and Fifth house made this purchase together,” Jaret explained. “It is your
grandmother’s way of apologizing.”
“What will you use it for?” Pike questioned.
Jim actually blushed. “It’s for me and Spock to use together.”
Pike glanced at the stone and then at Jaret and then focused on Jim. “It’s a sex toy.”
“No.” Jaret laughed. “Well… not exactly. All psionic stones are storage units for empathic
impressions and telepathic projected memories. We give them to new couples to store the
memories of their relationship. It could most certainly be used to store sexual experiences as
easily as it could any other experience the owners would like. This one is for Jim and Spock to
use as they will in their bonding and eventual marriage.”
McCoy leaned over and peered at closely. “I wish I had my tricorder.” He looked up at Jim.
“Why was it important for today?”
“I wanted to have it for when we bonded,” Jim admitted. “Since we’re both above average
telepaths—it will absorb our reactions to the bonding.” He reached out and put his hand on
the stone and blue color burst into it. “Jaret, will you take it to Spock so he can imprint on it? I
don’t want to open the box in a room full of Betazoids and Vulcans until it’s imprinted on us
both.”
“Of course.”
*****
His father had rearranged his collar four times and Spock had endured it without complaint.
“You weren’t like this when you wanted to bond me to T’Pring.”
“That was a necessary measure in case your Pon Farr came early. I never expected you to
actually marry her or to spend your life with her if the marriage had to take place,” Sarek
admitted.
“Father.”
“I realize how it sounds,” Sarek returned and stepped back. “It was and remains my duty to
see to your welfare. I will not lose my remaining child to insanity or worse.” He inclined his
head. “That being said I am relieved that you chose that day to defy me—to finally speak your
mind. Your mother is happy here and you have found a contentment that I never thought
possible for you.”
Spock swallowed hard and was saved from having to respond when the door chimed. He
finished fastening the buttons on his robe and turned to watch Jaret enter. The box he was
carrying drew his gaze immediately. “It came.”
“Yes.” Jaret nodded. “James’ grandmother brought it. Alexa has her under control so do not
worry about her at all.” He sat the box down on the table and opened it carefully. “Just do as
we practiced last week—introduce yourself and then close the stone. After you close it—only
you and James will be able to give it thoughts or impressions.”
Spock nodded and placed his hand on the stone. There had been several stones at the Betazed
Embassy that were used for training and he’d interacted with several of them in preparation
for this moment. Structures within the stone lit dark red in response to his touch and then
Spock spoke to the stone mentally—closing it gently so it would only ever respond to him and
Jim. Light flared vividly and then it went dormant as he lifted his hand.
“Very good,” Jaret murmured. He brushed his fingers over the stone and then nodded.
“Excellent.” He closed the box and latched it. “I will take this to T’Pau and instruct her on its
use for the ceremony.” He paused and then glanced briefly at Sarek before he spoke. “I’ve had
several conversations about your future training with both your father and T’Pau over the last
two days. While I would like you to continue joining James for sessions—I will require that
you meet with me privately as well so that we can go over topics and training methods that
pertain to you specifically.”
“Of course, whenever your schedule will allow. I do not wish to displace any of your current
students.”
“It has already been arranged,” Jaret explained. “And no one was displaced. My student
population is fluid due to the coming and goings of diplomats at the embassy. I will meet with
you privately on Tuesday afternoons after school—every Tuesday without exception. Your
father and T’Pau will receive regular reports on our progress as per our agreement. One of my
students, Devone, will undertake training here at the embassy with Healer Stopak in
exchange.”
Spock nodded his agreement. “Devone will find Healer Stopak interesting, I am sure. Though I
hesitate to think how Healer Stopak will respond to Devone.”
Jaret grinned broadly. “It promises to be fascinating, right?”
*****
Spock had a vivid practical recall—he had memories of his life from two years old and
forward. Yet, he could barely remember the minutes before he’d almost been bonded to
T’Pring. His anger had clouded his mind so much that the words of the aborted ceremony
were a complete mystery. He did remember her face and the speculation burning in her eyes
in the seconds before he’d refused to participate in the meld.
Jim was nervous but he looked composed and completely at ease as he knelt in front of him.
Spock had been in this place before but it was entirely different and suddenly being the center
of attention for two hundred and fifty people didn’t seem worrisome at all. T’Pau joined them
and placed the box holding their psionic stone between them on the floor.
“Greetings to everyone present. We gather here in this place for the bonding of S'chn T'gai
Spock of the House of Surak, son of Sarek and Dr. Amanda Grayson and James Tiberius Kirk
of the First House of Betazed, son of Christopher Pike and godson of Jaret Molia.” T’Pau
focused on Sarek as she continued. “Sarek, son of Skonn, is your child of the age of bonding?”
“He is,” Sarek murmured.
“Christopher, son of Joseph, is your child of the age of bonding?”
“He is,” Chris responded and Spock relaxed. He wondered briefly how long he’d harbored
some concern that Jim’s Human father might change his mind about allowing the bonding.
“Jaret, first son of the First House of Betazed, is your House satisfied with the bonding that is
to take place?”
Jaret inclined his head. “My House is satisfied with the bonding and we welcome Spock of
Vulcan, son of Sarek and Amanda into our family.”
T’Pau reached out and carefully opened the box that held their stone. “I would ask all those
who are present to quiet your minds in preparation for the bonding of these two young men,
as they are t’hy’la.” She focused on Spock and Jim. “Spock, son of Sarek and Amanda, are you
prepared for the bonding?”
“I am.”
“James Kirk, son of Christopher and George, are you prepared for the bonding?”
Jim took a deep breath. “I am.” Soft blue light danced in the stone between them, followed by
a spark of red that looked like lightening.
T’Pau touched Spock’s face first; finding the meld points with practiced ease and then did the
same for Jim. “Our minds, one and together . . . Touching, yet not touching; apart, yet never
apart . . .”
“Where are we?” Jim questioned wide-eyed.
“These are the sands of the Fire Plains on Vulcan,” Spock responded.
“This is how Spock sees you, James Kirk.” T’Pau walked around the pair of them as she spoke. “A feast
of light, fire, and passion for his katra. He will always see you thus.”
Spock felt the rush of pleasure from Jim and relaxed. He’d known he would be thoroughly exposed in the
bonding—thought he’d been prepared for it but the fear of rejection had lingered. The three volcanoes
that framed the Fire Plains rumbled around them.
“Touching, yet not touching; apart, yet never apart . . .” Spock murmured and light streamed
around him from the psionic stone—enveloping him completely in a soft blue light.
“Reach out, Spock. Claim your place in your bondmate’s mind.”
He gave in to it—the desire he’d harbored since the moment he’d met James Kirk and suddenly they
were in Jim’s courtyard. The door to his room was open and it beckoned to him. He hesitated—Jim had
made it clear that he wasn’t allowed in the place where his bondmate kept their private moments
protected.
Jim appeared in the doorway and held out his hand. “It’s okay. Come.”
Spock took his hand and allowed himself to be pulled into Jim’s most private mental space. It wasn’t at
all what he expected because it wasn’t a room at all. The door was a gateway to cool, damp forest like
he’d seen pictures of in his research on Earth’s past and current environment.
T’Pau was moving among the trees, appearing and disappearing randomly. Jim pulled him along the
forest path and they entered a clearing were a high, wide waterfall fed a deep, surprisingly clear pool.
“You need not worry—he has secured the empathic bond elsewhere in his mind to protect you both. This
is how he sees you, Spock—pure, mysterious, and beautiful. The calm in his storm, the sanctuary in the
chaos of his life.”
“Touching, yet not touching; apart, yet never apart . . .” Jim said and red light flowed from the
stone. The light was warm, loving, and in its wake flowed Spock’s telepathic bond.
They’d thought the unique telepathic bonds their minds would create in the bonding process
would meet and blend in the middle. Instead—they wrapped around each other tightly and
merged into something so strong and shocking that for the barest of seconds, they ceased to be
individuals. Then it was done.
“We are one,” Jim and Spock said together.
T’Pau’s voice broke over them. “The bonding is done…” She lifted her hands from their faces,
her fingers trembling. “When you burn you will return to the safe and private embrace of your
clan for the kun-ut kali-fi. Peace and long life.”
Spock lifted his hand and offered his fingers. Jim accepted the touch without hesitation and
the light that danced around them retreated into the psionic stone like flowing water.
“Peace and long life,” Spock murmured and met Jim’s gaze as his bondmate repeated the
words.
The bond hummed and throbbed between their minds so strong that it was impossible to
ignore. Reluctantly, they parted and the bond slowed inside him until he felt separate but still
irrevocably connected. Jim reached out and closed the box to shield the psionic stone.
Spock picked the box up as they stood from the pillows. He paused in surprise when Jim
offered his arm to T’Pau who inclined her head and accepted his help to rise to her feet. She
patted Jim’s cheek as she released his arm.
*****
“You have a very closed mind, child.”
Jim had spent most of the evening at Spock’s side—meeting more family and meeting
members of the First House for the first time. Each more delighted than the next to meet him.
“I value my privacy. There is nothing wrong with that.”
“It’s very Human,” Kastann allowed. “I blame myself—I should’ve come to Earth to inspect
you upon your birth as I did with your brother Sam. That failure led us to this.”
Jim grimaced and his end tightened on the railing of the balcony. “Yes, perhaps if you’d had
more interest in your dead son’s children—Sam and I wouldn’t have suffered so much. He
probably wouldn’t be dead.”
She reached out and touched him then. “Sam is dead?”
“Winona told me he died on Tarsus IV. There is… we are looking for proof but as you must
know that could be difficult to come by.” Jim moved away from her hand and focused on the
night sky. “He often spoke about escaping to the stars, especially when Frank was in one of his
moods or drunk. I think he would’ve taken any opportunity to travel off world.”
“Your departure from our House has been difficult to accept.”
“You gave me to a grown man. A man who would eventually attack me and nearly murder me
in his attempt to force a bond on me,” Jim snapped. “I realize he was putting pressure on you,
Grandmother. I understand that you felt trapped but you could’ve turned to anyone for help.
Instead, to save face you just gave into him and proved to me how little I mean to you.” His
hand clenched in a fist. “Maybe it would be different if my Father hadn’t died—I don’t know.
He had fond memories of you and loved you so much. I can’t imagine how disappointed he
would be in the role you’ve played in his son’s lives.”
“You’ve mastered the legacy he gave you then?” Kastann questioned. “When you were on
Betazed—the healers said you’d probably never be able to tap into it. They felt that your
Human genetics would always be a detriment to your mental development.”
“Jaret has sent you progress report after progress report. You know very well how much I
have learned and what I’m capable of.”
“I read the reports and frankly after seeing you again—I begin to think he lied. You’re
practically psi-null—I can’t even reach out to you for a proper conversation.”
Jim laughed softly and turned to face her. “Because I haven’t let you. No one touches my mind
without permission and that is even more important now—I have something precious and
private to protect.” He watched the shock filter over her face. “You’re out here because you
want to touch what George gave me, right?”
“He was my son,” she murmured. “My last words to him were not kind. I regret that we
parted as we did.”
“You wanted him to come back to Betazed?”
“I didn’t want him to stay married to your mother. She refused to bond with him—it was
obscene that my son should suffer such a selfish situation when he’d already had a
relationship with someone who fulfilled him so completely.” Kastann looked away from Jim.
“He wanted children—Winona said all the right things.”
Jim nodded. “It’s always been one of her better skills. I think I was born with a built in bullshit
detector because I never bought it. Sam… worshipped her and always believed that she would
just one day realize what Frank was. I think he believed that up until the day he left. Maybe
that’s what broke him—when he finally gave up on her.”
“One of the first abilities to develop in empathic children is the ability to detect dishonesty,”
Kastann murmured. “James, may I see?”
“I will show you but you will keep your own mind to yourself. I’ll give you what you seek but
if you try to take more from me that I’m willing to give—you’ll regret it.” Jim grasped her arm
gently and led her to a chair. “Just relax.”
He reached out to her and was honestly surprised by how easy it was to reach into her mind.
The trust she gave him was stunning considering the circumstances of their relationship. Jim
kept his mental touch soft and easy as he placed a copy of George’s last psionic imprint in her
mind. When he released her—he looked up and tears were streaming down her face.
“I’m sorry. Was that too much?”
“No.” She shook her head and wiped her face with shaking hands. “It was… I believe if
anything Jaret has under reported your abilities. It is wise to protect you in such a way. I’m
very sorry for my actions and for my part in Delis Brise’s actions. My George had so much
love for you and I dishonored that. His death broke my heart but that is no excuse—I am no
better than your mother.”
“You wouldn’t have left me in Frank’s care if you’d known what he was doing.”
“No.” Kastann shook her head. “I‘ve considered having him killed. If he were not in jail—if
he’d managed to not be convicted of what he did to you—I would’ve certainly had him
executed.”
Jim’s mouth quirked in a half-smile. “You realize that would be a violation of Federation law?”
“As if I care,” Kastann rolled her eyes and patted the bench beside her. “Come, sit, and tell me
about your love life. Your bondmate is quite charming in his own Vulcan way and he’s very
pretty when he blushes.”
Jim laughed softly. “I can’t discuss my love life with my grandma. I’m sure it violates some
kind of code somewhere.”
She sighed. “Well, then, tell me about Captain Pike’s love life. He has a look about him—like
he’s in love.”
“He’s been dating a fellow Starfleet officer—a medical doctor for a few a while now. I didn’t
notice because I was busy with Spock.” Jim relaxed on the bench. “You know I can’t… turn my
back on what Jaret has given me.”
“I would be mortified if you tried,” Kastann responded dryly. “Despite the irritation of some
of our family by your departure from the Fifth House—it serves me well to have my grandson
so well placed in our social society. The telepathic heir to the First Son of the First House. It’s
quite a boon for you.”
Jim rolled his eyes. “I hate politics.”
“Your father did, too.” She sighed. “You have his face—I’m sure it drives your mother mad.”
“Yeah.”
“Too bad. My son was a beautiful man.” She nudged him gently. “Has it occurred to you that
you’ve all but married into the Vulcan royal family.”
Jim sighed. “I kind of figured that out actually—but you know it’s not about any of that.”
“No, obviously.” Kastann nodded. “Your affection for him spread out over the entire room
during the bonding. The psionic stone was vibrating in the box at one point. I believe you
might have freaked a few Vulcans out.”
“They’re pretty easy to freak out actually,” Jim responded with a small laugh. “They just
normally hide it really well.”
*****
Amanda frowned at the doorway leading out to the balcony. “Are you sure he’s okay out
there with her?”
Spock nodded. “Yes, Mother, he is fine. In fact, if anything they seem to have mended some
things between them in their sharing of George Kirk’s legacy. She expressed regret for her
actions and he is in the process of forgiving her.” He paused. “He has a great ability to do
that—to forgive.”
“You believe it a weakness?”
“I believe I will spend my life making sure the people he forgives for transgressions against
him are actually worth forgiving,” Spock returned neutrally.
“How do you feel?”
Spock paused and considered his words carefully. “I am grateful and relieved.”
Her eyes widened briefly and then she focused on the contents of her wine glass. “If I had not
stood in the way—your father would’ve secured a bond for you when you were seven.”
“And I would have suffered for it,” Spock responded. “Thanks to you—I have received a
priceless gift.”
Jim strolled back through the open doors and moved easily through the crowd toward them.
He stopped at Spock’s side and cleared his throat. “Oddly enough, being out a balcony with
my grandmother isn’t nearly as much fun as being out on a balcony with my bondmate.”
“Are you inferring that I have failed you in some way?” Spock questioned.
“Nope, just pointing out how unromantic it is to be hanging out with my grandma under the
stars.” He smiled when Amanda laughed. “So, I was thinking that we could, you know,
pretend to sneak out of a room full of telepaths.”
“You want to sneak out of our own betrothal reception?”
“Yep,” Jim offered him a smile. “We have at least thirty minutes until it’s time to sit for the
meal.”
Spock glanced around the room. “If you were to take the east exit and I were to take the west
exit. We could meet on the small balcony next to my father’s office. It has a view of the ocean.”
“Deal,” Jim responded. He scoped out his exit and just offered Amanda a grin when she shook
her head in amusement.
They departed in different directions and Sarek joined his wife as Spock exited the room.
“They fooled no one.”
She shrugged. “They hardly meant to.”
“It is highly irregular.”
“I suppose they just want to hold hands and kiss under the stars,” Amanda murmured. “What
could be wrong with that?”
“No answer I could provide to that question could possibly serve my own future interests.”
Sarek straightened his sleeve and focused on her. “More wine, Wife?”
*****
“You surprised me,” Jim whispered as Spock pulled him close. “The Fire Plains?”
“Unpredictable, aesthetically very pleasing, fascinating, and so volatile that situations on the
ground can change in a second.” Spock pressed a kiss against his jaw.
“You forgot hot,” Jim complained with a small laugh.
“You do not ever need to be told you are hot,” Spock returned dryly. “I want to kiss your
mouth.”
“You may,” Jim whispered as he moved in. “All of my Betazoid relatives were quite
disappointed at the lack of kissing in the ceremony.”
“Most of my relatives are inappropriately curious about the psionic stone. Five of them have
asked to study it and were quite disappointed to learn that it wouldn’t respond to them.”
Spock’s hands fisted into Jim’s robes as he pulled as close as possible. “We can expect some
interest in our bond due to T’Pau’s public proclamation that we are t’hy’la. Such a pairing has
not been seen on Vulcan in a thousand years.”
“I love it when you talk history and stuff but we have twenty minutes until we need to be
seated so kiss me already.”
Spock pressed a kiss against one cheek and then another. “21.87 minutes.”
“I’m going to mess up your hair if you don’t stop teasing me,” Jim warned. “You will look
thoroughly scandalous when I’m done, Spock. I mean it.”
Spock’s lips brushed over his and Jim curled his hand against the back of his bondmate’s neck
to pull him closer. Spock opened his mouth for the sweep of Jim’s tongue and they both
groaned. He pulled away and then leaned in to kiss him again.
“We have to stop.”
Jim sighed. “We have at least fifteen minutes.”
“17.45,” Spock corrected off hand. “But if we don’t stop—I am going to have a physical
reaction that I would prefer not to ever have in public.”
“You mean I’m making you hard,” Jim whispered against Spock’s neck. “I could see how that
might be a problem.”
“James.”
Jim sighed and stepped back. He linked his fingers with Spock’s and smiled. “At least we’re at
a point where your father won’t feel compelled to hire a chaperone for us.”
Spock nodded and took a deep breath. “That would be unfortunate—we’d have to spend a
great deal mind melding.”
Jim laughed softly. “There are other ways you know—Betazoids can share mental space
without a Vulcan mind meld.”
“I look forward to the experience.”
*****
They were the recipients of looks that varied from outright amusement to carefully repressed
disapproval on their return. Jim just gifted every single person that looked their way with a
smile and prodded Spock into his seat next to his mother.
Pike leaned in close and whispered. “You look like you’ve been…”
“Making out?” Jim questioned innocently.
Pike laughed and shook his head. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you, kid.”
Jim just laughed and settled in for the meal. He listened with a half ear as McCoy bitched
softly to his Dad about the vegetarian meal but for the most part didn’t involve himself in
conversations until Spock’s tone turned decidedly sharp.
He was speaking with a distant cousin who Jim had met earlier in the week. Her name was
T’Wia and she was an xenobiologist. She’d asked Jim some very pointed questions about his
Betazoid heritage when they’d met that had made him uncomfortable.
“As you are both out of the school for next several months—I fail to see why it would be
difficult to return to Vulcan so that the academy can do a review of your bond.”
Jim’s eyes widened when Spock’s fingers clenched around his wrist and he sent a warning to
his mate mentally. Spock turned to him immediately, his touch going gentle and apologetic in
an instant.
“Your interest in our bond is frankly a little disturbing, T’Wia.” Jim set aside his fork and
regarded her seriously. “Mental privacy is very important to me and I won’t sacrifice it for
anyone’s scientific curiosity.”
“As you are an off worlder, I can not expect you to understand the significance of your
pairing…” T’Wia began.
“I understand perfectly well. I also understand that for the sake of science that Spock has been
subject to the observation of the Vulcan Science Academy all of his life. He has zero physical
privacy as a result—every single cell of him has been catalogued and studied as if he weren’t
even sentient. It may be entirely logical to study his development for the safety and medical
welfare of himself and but that study will not extend to our bond. You can’t recreate it in a
lab.”
“Agreed.” T’Pau set down her glass with a hard thump. “You will forgive T’Wia for her
curiosity, James. She is a gifted scientist but often her zeal for knowledge overwhelms her
logic.” She inclined her head. “As for James understanding of what it means to be t’hy’la, I
assure you, T’Wia I did not let him enter this bond without a full understanding.”
“Of course, Elder.”
Jim felt the anger the older Vulcan was too disciplined to display settle and a flow away.
T’Wia’s control wasn’t effortless but it was admirable. He relaxed in the chair and the tension
drained out of Spock in response.
“We actually do have plans for the summer but they are a surprise.” Jim shared a look with his
Dad who laughed softly. “Though Spock has informed me several times in the past week that
he does not personally appreciate the value of a surprise.”
“I, too, prefer to be fully informed of an event before hand,” T’Pol offered from her place next
to T’Pau. “But in dealing with Humans as long as I have, I have come to realize that more
often than not they mean their surprises to be pleasurable rather than distressing.”
*****
The thing about formal Vulcan dinners is that they happened in three stages and the final
stage always involved tea. Spock would admit to no one, but he really didn’t like Vulcan teas
all that much. Being a hybrid, he found some Vulcan foods difficult to stomach and the tea his
people preferred was often entirely too bitter for his liking. Over the years, his mother had
developed a mixture of teas that Spock found enjoyable but they were teas from Earth—most
were bitter and spicy but nothing like the traditional teas on Vulcan.
He sat aside his cup and watched Jim from across the room having a conversation with Elder
Stavik that was oddly energetic for them both. Stavik had waved his hands several times and
Jim was regarding the elder Vulcan with amused affection.
“Your clan accepts this Human boy far easier than many would expect.”
Spock swallowed a sigh and tucked his hands behind his back. “Stonn.”
“The bonding ceremony was fascinating and enlightening. We were unaware that a Betazoid
psionic stone would be used until Elder T’Pau opened the box.” Stonn inclined his head.
“What did… what was it like?”
“The stone is a shell, Stonn, nothing more. The experiences, impressions, and memories that
get placed inside it is what makes it fascinating. During the ceremony, it was simply making a
record of our bonding at our direction. It is psionically linked to Jim and me.”
“Fascinating,” Stonn admitted. “The stones are such a mystery. I understand you refused an
invitation to the VSA to have your bond reviewed.”
“It is private and we do not wish to be studied.”
“I do not I blame you,” Stonn admitted and inclined his head when Spock looked his way in
surprise. “I would not want my bond inspected by the VSA. I would say that most Vulcans
would be opposed to this. It is a violation of the highest order. Of course, I am unbonded at
present.”
“You were bonded as a child.”
“Yes, but it was dissolved just after you left Vulcan. She found a connection with another that
could not be ignored. I released her from our bond willingly.”
“It was an honorable choice on your part,” Spock responded. The confusion settling in him
wasn’t pleasant. “I understand your mother offered a bonding between you and me before
T’Pau.”
“I was already aware of my bondmate’s choice to sever our connection and I was open to one
with you. I realize our childhood was turbulent, Spock, but I have grown and changed since
then.”
“You still think my mother is a disadvantage in my life,” Spock said, his voice hardening.
“It is how I have heard her described constantly since I was a child,” Stonn defended. “My
entire clan… Spock… everyone regards her thus. I do realize the insult of it.”
“You could not possible understand the insult of it,” Spock responded. “You do not remember
your biological mother and your father’s bondmate barely tolerates you.”
Stonn nodded abruptly and looked down briefly. “You are right of course. T’Yal would have
preferred that I died with my mother at the time of my birth. She has never mistreated me but
I am not the same as the children she conceived for my father and we do not share a parental
link.” He was silent for a nearly a minute. “I am, however, deeply sorry for what I said about
your mother in the past. I would apologize for my brother as well but it would mean nothing.
He is in every way his mother’s son. T’Yal has always been very vocal in her disapproval of
your mother and I allowed her to influence me.”
“Then why was she pushing a bond between the two of us?”
Stonn inclined his head. “Politics and it is not as if she planned to sacrifice one of her real
children in a marriage with a half-breed.”
“That is contemptible,” Spock observed and then inclined his head. “That young Betazoid who
is staring at you—his name is Devone.”
Stonn flushed. “I noticed him. It would be difficult not to. Are they all so… attractive?”
“You mean Betazoids?” Spock questioned. “I believe so—he is half-Human and as far as I can
tell is not bonded. They only bond full Betazoids genetically at birth. He is pleasant to be
around when he is not flirting with my James.” He looked toward Jim then and found him still
with Stavik. “I wonder if one of them needs rescuing.”
“When I passed by Elder Stavik was instructing your bondmate on the proper way to process
dilithium,” Stonn explained. “If your mate was not interested—he was making an effort to
pretend he was.”
“Why are you here still on Earth? Surely you did not come for my bonding.”
Stonn glanced his way. “No, Spock, I am not pining away for you. I have always found you
stimulating whether I was comfortable admitting it or not and could have tolerated a bond if
you had been inclined. I believe we could have made it work. That being said—I am actually
on Earth to attend an educational opportunity at Starfleet. Elder Stavik is my mentor and we
are attending the Warp Corp Dynamics Symposium with Dr. Scott. I just finished an
internship on T’Lena’s research vessel so the timing is good. T’Yal and my brother Stovar
accompanied me here because this is the first time I’ve traveled from Vulcan. Additionally, I
believe she hoped to interfere in your bonding in someway but T’Pau did not give her an
opportunity.”
Spock was not jealous but he was to use a Human term, pissed. He’d asked the embassy to get
him and Jim into the symposium months ago only to be told that there was absolutely no more
room to be had. “What about the VSA?”
“I may take the exam next year but I am finished with all of my course work. I wanted to
spend some time exploring my options before I chose my path as a scientist.”
“It is admirable,” Spock allowed and then suppressed a smile because Devone had obviously
decided that staring was not enough. He watched the young Betazoid slip through the crowd
easily. “I should warn you that Betazoids are… emotionally and sexually mature at an early
age compared to Vulcans.”
Stonn opened his mouth to reply but was prevented from responding due to Devone’s arrival.
“Spock,” Devone smiled. “Congratulations. The bonding was beautiful. I’ve never seen a stone
respond so well to a pairing. It was as if you were one mind.”
“Thank you, Devone. Jim and I both were pleased with how well the stone received the
duality of our mental connection.” Spock inclined his head. “Stonn of the House of Suwal,
meet Devone Jax of the Second House of Betazed. Devone is studying here at the embassy
with Healer Stopak on the Vulcan mental principles.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Stonn.” Devone’s black eyes glittered with amusement. “I’m
curious to know what you thought of the psionic stone and its use during the ceremony.”
“The stone is a mystery to my people,” Stonn admitted. “I admit to being intrigued by its
properties and the various possibilities that it could be used for. I understand from a
conversation I had earlier that the stones are used to teach on Betazed.”
“Yes, I learned all of my basic empathic and telepathic skills from a stone that carries lessons
gathered from of all of my ancestors. The family psi-stone that belongs to the Second House is
bigger than me. As an infant, my parents often placed me on it so that I could interact with it. I
was speaking mentally before I was physically able to make words.” Devone admitted.
“Thanks to the bonding between Spock and James—we are in a unique position to share such
things now. I hope to bring one for Healer Stopak soon.”
Stonn raised an eyebrow. “The bonding between James Kirk and Spock is that relevant to the
Betazoid people?”
“From some perspectives—they have not only bound themselves but our planets as well.
Despite their mixed genetics, they’ve proven that our peoples cannot only interact successfully
but that we can create life long bonds together. It is not something that most believed possible
on Betazed before now. It has made our government reluctant to share not only with Vulcan
but with the Federation as a whole which is highly influenced by the Vulcan Council.”
Jim appeared at his side and mingled their fingers together, hiding the physical connection in
the folds of their robes. “Elder Stavik is surely the most brilliant man I’ll ever meet in my life
but if you leave me in his clutches alone for more than fifteen minutes ever again, Spock, I’ll do
something horrible to you in retaliation.”
“You did not find his explanation on dilithium processing fascinating?” Spock questioned his
eyes bright with laughter.
Jim huffed. “What is more interesting about that encounter is I’m fairly certain he was boring
me out of my mind on purpose. It was devious and I think he might have been casually
punishing me for encouraging you to sneak out of here with me earlier.”
“That was not sneaking,” Devone pointed out. “But then how could you sneak out of a room
full of telepaths?”
Stonn looked around critically. “If we were to render them all unconscious for thirty-six
seconds it could be accomplished.”
Jim paused and considered this. “Thirty-six seconds.”
“It would be sufficient time to make an escape if necessary.” Stonn stiffened minutely and
inclined his head. “If you will excuse me my mother has indicated she wishes my presence.”
Jim moved closer to Spock as he left. “Was he making nice?”
“Very much so,” Spock admitted. “I believe we have mended fences as you would say. He
offered me an apology and seemed sincere. His mother puts a lot of pressure on him with her
politics.”
“Unfortunate,” Devone said with a sigh. “He’s very pretty. Is he going home to Vulcan soon?”
“No, he will be here for a few months,” Spock said with a glance in Jim’s direction who looked
calculating. “Absolutely not.”
“Oh come on, Spock, he obviously could use some loosening up and if his mother is leaving
him here for the summer—we could you know, corrupt him completely.”
“I could help,” Devone pointed out with a grin. “I don’t think he’s ever had any fun at all and
that’s a shame.”
*****
Jim eyed the package that Spock had put on the bed and considered the PADDs that Starfleet
had sent him for preparation for Scotty’s seminar that he had in his backpack.
“Before…” Spock began and then took a deep breath. “Before you open your gift I want to
make it clear that there are no ulterior motives attached to it. It occurred to me recently that
you might construe it as a complaint or perhaps an indication that I want more from you than
you are willing to give. That is not the case. In fact, when I purchased it—it was only because
you responded so positively to it.”
Jim nodded and picked up the package. “Okay. Relax. I’m not going to have a fit or anything. I
do know you pretty well at this point.”
Spock sat down on the bed and folded his hands in his lap. “Very well.”
Jim unwrapped it carefully; a little surprised by the paper it was bound up in. He knew it was
from his favorite old bookstore and that the owner often wrapped valuable books in paper for
transport. Spock hadn’t opened the package since he bought it.
The book was a least three hundred years old, bound in leather, and the lettering on the front
of it was beautiful. “You.” He blew out a breath of shock at the pleasure he could feel vibrating
off the book. “You bought me an antique copy of the Gay Kama Sutra.” He opened the book
and grinned. “An antique, illustrated copy of the Gay Kama Sutra.”
“Yes. You seemed quite taken with it the day we were at the bookstore and I thought
perhaps…” Spock blushed. “That you didn’t purchase it because I was there.”
“I went back for it,” Jim admitted and then laughed softly. “The owner, Chelsea, sort of
laughed me and now I know why.” He put the book down and leaned forward. He kissed
Spock firmly on the mouth. “Thanks—it’s truly awesome and a great find. I was disappointed
when I found it was already gone.”
“I wanted to give you something special,” Spock admitted. “I didn’t… realize that it might
appear as if I were pressuring you for more sexual contact until recently.”
“I take it to mean exactly what you meant when you bought it, Spock.” He touched the leather
carefully. “I am surprised that you haven’t looked at it since you bought it. Weren’t you
curious?”
“I have a digital copy on my PADD complete with videos. I assumed it was more educational
than the traditional book. There is even a special section for… non-Humans.”
Jim stared. “You have a digital version of the Gay Kama Sutra complete with videos on your
PADD.”
“My father felt I should be fully educated on the matter of sexual congress between two males.
He gave it to me recently. He has never denied me anything when it comes to my thorough
education,” Spock said. “It is just one of many educational texts I have.”
Jim grinned. “You could send that one to my PADD.”
“I will.” Spock assured. “I would have already but I assumed you would have it. It seems the
most complete text on the subject of homosexual intercourse.”
“I adore you,” Jim said suddenly. “I adore every Vulcany inch of you beyond all reason.” He
leaned forward and kissed him again. “Really.”
“I find I am equally enamored with you,” Spock admitted.
Jim grinned. “Well, what I managed to arrange for us isn’t nearly as intimate as your gift but I
believe you will be very pleased. It has to do with our summer plans.” He picked up his
backpack and pulled out one of the official Starfleet PADDS. He handed it to Spock.
Spock took the PADD and activated it. “You…how did you manage to get… us into this?
Starfleet told the Vulcan Embassy no when I requested it.”
Jim inclined his head. “I have a lot of political capitol with Starfleet, Spock. The admiralty
really doesn’t deny me much unless it’s insane or illegal. My Dad went to Admiral Archer and
requested it. I got the PADDs last week with our security passes. The rest is at my house.
Scotty is excited that we’ll be in the class—he hasn’t really been very thrilled with the idea
lately. It’s put a lot of pressure on him to perform.”
“This is a very pleasant surprise,” Spock admitted. “I am… Thank you.”
Jim put his book in his backpack and took the PADD from Spock’s hand. He put it on the
bedside table and prodded Spock onto his back easily. “Yeah, well, happy anniversary.”
Spock settled on the bed and cupped the back of Jim’s neck to pull him close. “I do not
understand anniversaries.”
“It is a way of celebrating a relationship,” Jim responded and groaned a little when Spock
spread his legs to allow him a comfortable place to lie. “This is going to lead to some physical
reactions.”
“Yes, that is my plan,” Spock admitted. “As for celebrating our relationship—I fail to see why
that should only happen on a certain day of the year versus every day of the year.”
Jim smiled and leaned down to kiss him. “And you say that I’m the romantic.”
Spock took his free hand and settled it on Jim’s face, his fingertips ghosting over meld points.
“Vulcans are not romantic.”
Jim laughed and took another kiss. “Imzadi.”
“T’hy’la,” Spock responded and settled his fingers firmly into place. “My mind to your
mind…”
“My thoughts to your thoughts,” Jim whispered as he surrendered.
A
Envy
Spock pulled off his helmet and ran his fingers through his hair. “Elder Stavik and Stonn
mentioned arriving early so they could look around the campus.”
Jim secured his helmet to the bike and reached for Spock’s. “We could do that if you want—
I’m sure my Dad could get you a pretty detailed tour if you’re interested. You have to know
that Starfleet is keeping an eye on you.”
“As well they should, I am a gifted academic.”
“And very modest,” Jim said with his most serious expression.
“Modesty about one’s intellectual accomplishments is illogical,” Spock responded as he pulled
the leather satchel they were sharing out of the storage compartment under the seat. “While
taking pride in the turn of your face is a true vanity. It takes an interesting individual to be
proud of something they were given at birth and had nothing to do with.”
Jim laughed. “I think I’m pretty awesome intellectually as well. In fact, I’m confident I’m
utterly fantastic in about a hundred different ways.” He took the satchel and threw the strap
over one shoulder. “Come on. Did you want to get a translator headset? They are going to
have live translators for Vulcan, Andorian, and a handful of other prominent languages.”
“I am prepared to listen to Dr. Scott’s interesting interpretation of Federation Standard. I have
several of his presentations on my PADD and I believe I have mastered all of his language
quirks.”
The opening day of the symposium started with a breakfast. The food was top notch but Jim
had found himself at a table full of Vulcans. They’d gotten their plates and settled in at an
empty table. Stavik and Stonn followed and then four other Vulcans sat down, too. It wasn’t so
much that Jim minded the pointy-eared company. He was rather fond of people with pointy
ears. It was just really hard to enjoy his bacon with Elder Stavik sitting beside him radiating
with disapproval over the meat products.
Jim turned to him and smiled. “Did you know that a xenobiologist on Sorus II recently found a
sentient plant? It communicates by sending electronic pulses to her tricorder. In a few months,
she estimates that she will be able to put their language in the Universal Translator.”
Stavik looked at him Jim for several seconds and then at his plate that was heaping with
vegetables. “You fascinate me, James. Truly.”
Jim munched contentedly on his bacon. “It is my lifelong goal, Elder, to always be a source of
wonder and interest.”
“Has she given the plant species a name?” Stonn questioned from his place across the table.
“She said in the report that she filed with Federation that she waiting for them to tell her what
they wanted to be called. I can send the report to your PADD if you are interested.”
“Very interested,” Stonn admitted. “How did you come to have the report?”
“I belong to a few Federation listservs where non-classified data is distributed and discussed.
If you want—after the first session I could show you how to sign up for them.”
“Yes,” Stonn agreed quickly and then pushed aside his empty plate. “You have met Dr. Scott,
correct?”
“Yes, Spock and I received a tour a few months back of the Enterprise in Iowa. Lt. Scott is one
of the engineers on the project and he took a full day out of his schedule for us. It’s going to be
an amazing ship when they are finished.”
“Spock, what did you think of the Enterprise?”
Spock paused and inclined his head as he answered Elder Stavik’s question. “The plans allow
for crew comfort on a level that I found intriguing. My Father has indicated that Humans
value private space as well as public areas where they can gather to entertain themselves and
others. It was not what I expected from a military vessel.”
Stavik nodded. “I served for a year on one of the first Starfleet ships as a liaison officer for the
VSA. We were on a twelve month exploration mission. Despite their military purpose,
Starfleet has always been dedicated to exploration, the furthering of science, and of course the
protection of the Federation itself.”
One of the other Vulcans at the table, a man named Taval that Jim had been introduced to as
he’d taken a seat, reached for the tea pot in the middle of the table. “You volunteered for that
mission, did you not, Stavik?”
“I did.” Stavik admitted. “It provided me with a unique challenge and a change of pace
following the death of my first wife.”
Taval nodded his head in acknowledgement. “I have always found working with Humans a
unique and rewarding challenge.” He focused entirely on Jim. “I was told that you plan to take
the VSA exam.”
“Yes, I’m sure to be emotionally devastated for years afterward.”
Taval quirked an eyebrow. “Is that truly how Humans view the exam?”
“Aye it is. I cried for a bloody week after I took it.”
Jim turned and smiled at Lt. Montgomery Scott. “Scotty.”
“Hey there, laddie. I’ve been ordered to retrieve you for a conversation.” Scotty jerked his
head towards the front of the room where several Admirals were tucked in at a secluded table.
“I believe Admiral Archer wishes to convey his good wishes on your recent nuptials.”
Jim sighed and blew air out between his lips. “Spock, you can’t expect me to suffer this alone.”
“They did not request my presence,” Spock pointed out.
“That’s because they can’t go bossing an Ambassador’s son around,” Scott informed. “I believe
you are expected to volunteer.” He grinned broadly at Spock.
“Very well, inform them that we will join them once Jim has finished his meal.” Spock sent
Scott a narrow eyed glance when he opened his mouth as if to complain. “His father is the
commissioned officer, Lt. Scott. James is not subject to the orders or whims of the admiralty.”
Scotty laughed. “I’ll let them know you’ll be around before the meal ends.”
Jim watched him go and then focused on Spock. “I hardly need protecting from those guys, ya
know.”
“I disagree,” Spock responded without hesitation and nudged Jim’s juice closer to his plate.
“Dr. McCoy has threatened you with daily vitamin injections.”
Jim groaned and picked up his juice. “They really are just a bunch of nosy old men.”
“I am confident they have nothing so pressing it cannot wait.”
He nodded his agreement and glanced around the table to find all of the Vulcans staring at
them. “Is something…” he trailed off and bit down on his lip, “wrong?”
Stavik cleared his throat. “You’ll have to forgive us our curiosity, James. You are t’hy’la and
such a bond is so rare as to be alien. Watching the interaction between you is fascinating. Your
face is very expressive.”
“If you will forgive the observation,” Stonn began. “I am surprised by the level of verbal
communication. I would have believed that communicating telepathically would be your
primary choice.”
“I would consider that rude,” Jim admitted. “I put off a high level of psionic activity when I
communicate telepathically. You would feel it brushing over your mind because you are
young and unbonded. I realize that most Betazoids do not care if they make those around
them uncomfortable—but I can’t ignore it.”
Stonn’s eyes widened briefly and he flushed so prettily that Jim bit down on his lip. “Your
courtesy is unexpected but appreciated. But I would not want my unfortunate status to
interfere with your communications with your bondmate.”
Jim frowned and settled back with his glass of orange juice. “I don’t consider your status
unfortunate. You have the opportunity to meet and find the right person to bond with. That’s
not unfortunate at all—it’s a blessing.”
“I am in agreement,” Stavik said as he pushed his plate forward. “Bonding with someone you
chose is rewarding.”
“Some of the strongest bonds are made between two people who chose each other,” Taval
interjected. “We cannot sit in the presence of a t’hy’la bond and ignore that fact.” He inclined
his head towards Stonn. “You have time and options. And your choice to release your
childhood bondmate was honorable and logical.”
Jim offered Stonn an encouraging smile and set aside his empty glass. “Now, I have to go
engage in a time honored Human custom.”
Stonn lifted an eyebrow. “What would that be?”
“Ass kissing,” Jim responded cheerfully. He was proud to say that earned him three extremely
brief looks of pure, undisguised horror while Stavik merely snorted indelicately and Taval
eyed him with a warm, amused gaze. He decided that being a really old Vulcan rocked
because no one even looked at the old guy once for the almost laugh.
“That did not translate well at all,” Spock muttered as he followed Jim from the table.
“What are they saying?”
“Elder Stavik is attempting to explain to them what ass kissing is without actually using the
word ‘ass’,” Spock admitted with a blush as they crossed the room. “I believe you will have to
endure a lecture on the history of Vulcan space travel for that.”
“Has he always punished with lectures on really boring subjects?”
“When I was six—I broke a vase in his home. I spent two hours listening to a lecture on the
glass making process. I refused to leave my mother’s side for a year when ever we visited his
house,” Spock admitted as Admiral Archer’s current favorite Beagle puppy wiggled free and
made a beeline for Jim. “His space travel lecture is 4.56 hours long. I had a cousin who did so
poorly on the VSA exam that he had to visit Elder Stavik once a month for a year—to hear that
same lecture in its entirety.”
Jim scooped up the puppy happily. “Hey little guy.” He rubbed the dog’s head with his thumb
as they arrived at the table. “Admirals.” He glanced around the table and inclined his head at a
junior officer at the table. “Ensign.”
“Ensign Jeff Lindsey,” Admiral Archer explained. “He’s a senior at the Academy and interning
with Scotty this summer.”
“Lucky you,” Jim offered with a smile. “You’ll learn a lot.”
“More than I will ever will in a traditional classroom,” Lindsey admitted. “Lt. Scott is unique.”
Jim nodded his agreement. “Spock—this is Admiral Forest, Admiral Williams, Vice Admiral
Komack, and of course you know Admiral Archer.”
“Sirs.” Spock took the puppy when Jim handed him over the dog stopped wiggling to stare at
the Vulcan contently. “He is a very happy animal.”
Archer grinned. “Good to know, young man. I spoil Oscar like he’s a child.”
Spock looked up and found Komack staring at him intently. He lifted an eyebrow in question
and Komack’s gaze narrowed slightly.
“You have your mother’s eyes,” Komack finally said.
“Yes,” Spock agreed. “I do.”
Jim glanced between them and checked his wrist chronometer. Then he looked pleadingly at
Archer who laughed all the more. “Sir.”
“I just wanted to get a good look at your face, kid. You haven’t been to dinner at my house in a
while and you went and got married without an invite to yours truly,” Archer tried to look
wounded but it was ruined by the wide smile.
“Actually, sir, we are betrothed,” Spock corrected as he petted Oscar. “We’ll have a wedding
ceremony on Betazed at a later date—which you are more than welcome to attend.”
Archer grinned. “I haven’t been naked in public in sixty years.”
“Ambassador Deloia assures us she finds beauty in everyone, Admiral,” Jim said with a wry
smile. “I look forward to testing her mettle on this subject with a variety of guests.”
“I just bet you do, young man.” Archer accepted Oscar when Spock offered him and settled
the puppy in his lap. “I expect to see good things from you both while you’re here this
summer.”
“We won’t disappoint, sir. But we should go because if we’re late getting seated I’m sure to get
a lecture on the obscure mating habits of a practically extinct animal from Vulcan as
punishment.” Jim snagged Spock’s hand out of habit and at Archer’s wave of dismissal
hurried him away from the table.
“You know Elder Stavik probably heard that—you are just adding material to his already
expansive list of intellectual torture,” Spock hissed as they exited the dining hall.
“He’s one hundred and seventy-three years old. I doubt seriously I could add anything to his
already impressive list,” Jim claimed. “So, tell me why you hate Komack.”
“I don’t hate Admiral Komack.”
“You hate him like hell on fire,” Jim snapped. “Don’t lie to me, Spock. I’d rather you just tell
me to shut up then lie to me.”
Spock reached out and grabbed Jim when he started to walk away. “I apologize. I have never
met Admiral Komack before today but I did have a very strong emotional reaction to him
which made me uncomfortable.”
Jim frowned but relaxed. “Why?”
“He once tried to see my mother romantically and when he found out she was seeing my
father—he made an aggressive physical advance that my father interrupted.” Spock took a
deep breath. “She was saying no when my father found them and then Captain Komack was
ignoring her wishes.”
Jim leaned against the wall beside Spock and glared at the floor. “He… that son of a bitch.”
“He also told my mother she had no business dating an alien,” Spock whispered. “I wasn’t
prepared to be introduced to him. I should have looked him up when my father told me the
story so that I would know his face.”
“He got away with it,” Jim muttered.
“Hardly—my father broke his arm and his jaw.”
Jim turned to stare at Spock wide-eyed. “Your daddy kicked his ass.”
“My daddy kicked his ass,” Spock agreed. He ran his fingers over Jim’s. “I apologize, again,
for denying my emotions concerning the man. Often, on Vulcan I was accused of having
emotional reactions whether it was true or not. I denied your valid observation out of habit.”
“I overreacted,” Jim moved in closer and tucked his face against Spock’s neck. “I just… don’t
take being lied to well at all.”
Spock cupped the back of Jim’s head and pressed a kiss against his temple. “I will not ever do
it again.”
“You are going to get a lecture on the breeding rituals of sehlets if you do not separate from
each other before Elder Stavik walks out here.”
Jim laughed and backed away from Spock. “Thank you for the rescue, Taval.”
Taval inclined his head. “Jaret would be most displeased with me if his two favorite students
were bored into a permanent vegetative state when I could have prevented it.”
Jim’s mouth made a perfect ‘o’ for several seconds before he schooled his expression. “I…” He
trailed off before the words ‘didn’t recognize you’ came out of his mouth. He could only be
grateful for that. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, sir.”
Taval’s eyes were bright with amusement and curiosity. “I look forward to interacting with
you this summer.”
“I am sure Jaret is pleased to have you on Earth,” Spock responded neutrally.
“It is my hope,” Taval admitted. “His acceptance of a telepathic heir for his House has
provided us with an opportunity I did not believe possible.”
*****
The symposium had five hundred attendees. Originally it had been just four hundred but
when Archer had moved it to a new location on campus—he’d opened up another hundred
seats. Jim figured it had been moved so they could open up more seats at the lecture series and
wondered how much Pike had promised the admiralty in exchange for the favor. Jim doubted
being a hero’s son was enough to get him that kind of favor with Starfleet.
The new seats had been filled almost entirely by people from the Vulcan Science Academy and
Jim wondered if all of that serious attention was good for Scotty or bad. He was a vivid and
brilliant man—the first four hours of the lecture passed almost in a blur. They broke for lunch
finally and Jim dragged Spock to a small Chinese restaurant just off campus and sat him
down.
“You’re uncomfortable.”
Spock started to speak and then paused and then sighed. “Would you order me some food?”
“Yeah.” Jim went to the counter and placed a food order for both of them then returned to the
table. “Okay, so talk to me because you’re clearly bugging out.”
“Only to you, I hope,” Spock muttered as the server arrived with glasses of fruit juice for them
both. “As I explained to you in the past, there are Vulcans on my planet that disapprove of me
even existing. That I’m here—bonded to you, living on Earth, and dressing like a Human
solidifies their belief that I’m at worst a failed scientific experiment.”
Jim flushed with anger and sat back in his chair. “You heard someone talking about you?”
“Actually, about you,” Spock admitted. “They were near the back of the room. He spoke of
you like I’ve often heard such individuals speak of my mother.”
“What did he say exactly?”
Spock blushed furiously but was saved from an immediate response by the arrival of their
food. He inspected the rice dish and gamely picked up his fork. Once she was gone, he cleared
his throat. “I cannot say the words, James. Please do not ask it of me.”
Jim blinked in surprise at the tortured tone and focused on his food. “I’d never want you to
say or do anything that makes you that uncomfortable, Spock.” He took a deep breath to calm
himself down. “I’m sorry that this man ruined your morning.”
“I found the lecture interesting. He was difficult to dismiss from my mind but I have been in
similar situations all of my life. I will not let his small ideas and limited point of view interfere
with my goals.” Spock trailed his fork through his rice. “What is this exactly?”
“Vegetable fried rice. I figured we’d break you into Chinese food carefully and in stages. Fried
rice is the way to go. You’ll like it.”
*****
Jim settled into his place after lunch and set up his PADD for the second half of the lecture
day. Spock had been waylaid by Elder Stavik and since it had looked like ‘Vulcan business’,
Jim had had abandoned his bondmate to his relative’s clutches with an ‘every man for himself’
philosophy. Spock had retaliated with a burn of mild irritation along their bond that had been
both startling and a little bit exciting. Jim figured that might make him a bit of a freak but he
was okay with it.
“I was really surprised to hear that you were betrothed from the Admirals this morning.”
Jim looked up and set aside his PADD. “Ensign Lindsey.”
“Jeff is fine,” the man said as he leaned on the chair in table in front of Jim’s. “It’s just that
betrothals are really old fashioned.”
“I’m Betazoid and Spock’s Vulcan—it is traditional and expected on both of our worlds. In
fact, we should’ve been betrothed as children. It’s a twist of fate that we were both free to
choose each other when we met.” Jim lowered his shield slightly to get a read on Jeff and
found little on the surface to indicate his motives. He caught a hostile force edging in close to
him and glanced around to find another scientist returning to his seat. A Human scientist from
the feel of his mind but definitely hostile.
“Yes, but you’re mostly Human and he’s a hybrid. You also live on Earth. I can’t imagine the
kids you go to school with really understand the cultural significance of a betrothal.”
“Honestly?” Jim lifted an eyebrow. “I really don’t care what they think or understand when it
comes to my relationship with Spock. It’s not about anyone else but me and him.”
Jeff laughed abruptly, shocked amusement rolled off him in waves. “They said you don’t pull
your punches. I’m doing my dissertation on one of your Dad’s early missions. I met with him a
few months back and I have to say—Captain Pike is an impressive man and officer. I hope to
be half the officer he is.”
“I’m very lucky to have him in my life,” Jim responded.
Lindsey nodded and straightened up from the table he was leaning on when several Vulcans
passed them by. Jim shot the three men a curious look and scanned them without shame. If he
was going to spend the next two months in a room with a man who had upset Spock—he was
going to know who he was dealing with. Spock entered the room and came up the stairs in the
auditorium. Jim took the opportunity to ogle his bondmate. Spock was wearing a pair of jeans
that were purchased to look well-worn, a black long sleeved shirt. A belt highlighted his slim
hipped frame nicely.
He wet his bottom lip and grinned at the way Spock lifted an eyebrow at him. “Ensign
Lindsey was telling me how he’s doing his dissertation on one of my Dad’s early missions.”
“Interesting,” Spock murmured and sent the young ensign the same narrow-eyed look he’d
sent Komack’s way earlier in the day.
Jeff nodded at him briefly and cleared his throat. “Yes, it’s been an experience. If you’ll excuse
me, I have to get ready for the rest of the day.”
Jim turned to stare at Spock some more as Lindsey beat a hasty retreat down the aisle stairs.
“You’re so pretty.”
“I am not,” Spock responded immediately. “Ensign Lindsey’s interest in you is inappropriate.”
“He’s more interested in my Dad actually,” Jim leaned back in his seat and let his mind drift
over all of the people filtering back into the room. “He has a man-crush on him. I’m kind of
embarrassed for him.”
It was rather elementary—how it easy it was to find the source of Spock’s earlier discomfort.
Jim dropped his stylus in the aisle just as the man came up the stairs a little ahead of Taval
who had taken a table behind Jim and Spock. “My apologies, Elder Kovar.” He moved out of
the Vulcan’s way—feeling the shock at his knowledge of his name. Jim slid back into his seat
and then focused on the older Vulcan who had not moved from his place on the stairs. “I hope
you’re enjoying the lecture so far.”
Kovar inclined his head and continued up the stairs. Jim waited until he was seated up at the
top of the auditorium before he turned in his seat to stare at him. The Vulcan immediately
focused on him and Jim tilted his head. “Keep your mouth shut about us. We are not your concern.”
Kovar’s gaze hardened and he tried to push Jim from his mind. His skin blanched when he
realized he couldn’t.
“I won’t tell you again.” Jim turned around as Taval sat down in his chair.
He tangled his fingers with Spock’s under their table and smiled a little to himself. Spock was
curious about what he’d done and Jim wondered how much he’d ever be able to hide from his
bondmate.
*****
“I met your Vulcan today.”
Jaret lifted an eyebrow as Jim got settled in front of him. “Did you?”
“I did. He’s gorgeous. I see why you’d travel half-way across a galaxy to do anything he
wants.” Kirk folded himself easily into the lotus position. “Elder Stavik is at this conference
thing with us for the next two months along with about one hundred other Vulcans from the
VSA. They all watch us like they wish they could get us under a microscope.”
“A soul-bonding is so rare on Vulcan as to be a thing of legend and uncommon on Betazed.
I’m sure you can forgive their curiosity,” Jaret said as he settled on the floor in front of Jim.
“Where is Spock?”
“After I promised to take all of the scans he wants for his study on yours truly, he took himself
off to the embassy for an informal dinner his parents and a few members of his clan. Since my
Dad is back on the planet after a weeklong mission, I begged off the dinner so that I could
hang out with him tonight.” Jim stretched. “See, the thing is that I didn’t recognize Taval.”
Jaret inclined his head. “If you think about the features of his face in the memories I gave
you—you will realize that they were indistinct in the past. In the future, the memories will be
more vivid in that respect now that you’ve met him. Your mind will provide detail that I
purposely excluded from the memories for the sake of his privacy.”
Jim blushed. “Is he aware that I have the memories of his Pon Farr?”
“I discussed it with him before I shared them. He agreed that it was logical to prepare you as
much as I could for the future that may be yours. Taval agrees that it will be unlikely that
Spock will be spared the indignity of Pon Farr,” Jaret murmured.
“Is it really an indignity?” Jim questioned softly.
“To us—not so much because we are familiar with expressing our emotions and the pleasures
of the flesh are not something to be ignored. We embrace our sensuality and Vulcans suppress
theirs ruthlessly until it turns on them. Pon Farr is an explosion of emotion and physical lust.
There are ways, as you now know, to quiet their minds—to ease the fever that makes them
burn.” Jaret rested back on his hands and inclined his head. “It is important for your own
physical safety that you master these ideas fully and that you not hesitate to take control of the
situation when it finally does come upon you.”
“You’ve gone through it twice,” Jim started and then paused.
“Yes, and I imagine a third time is nearly upon us.”
Jim nodded. “Did you claim me as your telepathic heir so you could bond with Taval?”
“I claimed you as my heir because you were the first student I’ve ever had that I felt was
worthy of it and I feel as connected to as if I were your biological father. Taval was prepared to
wait as long as was necessary—we even discussed an arranged marriage for myself at one
point but I couldn’t go through with it.”
“You could’ve had children together.”
“He has two sons from a previous marriage and wants no more children of his own. I accepted
that long before I ever took him as a lover. My responsibilities to my House were my own and
not all clans on Vulcan are so accepting of hybrid children.”
Jim cleared his throat. “Will I be asked to provide a child for our house?”
“Yes, but you have years yet and your relationship with Spock is honored by his clan,” Jaret
murmured. “Nor would I allow anyone to pressure you into doing something you are not
ready for. I know you have plans for your future, Jim.”
Jim nodded and reached out for Spock—just to check on him as he often had since they
bonded. His mental touch was returned easily and he settled at the warm, soft affection that
brushed over his mind. It wasn’t as rich as it had been in the past—the empathic link had
dissolved in the wake of their telepathic bond. “Anyone that really believes that Vulcans have
no emotions are fools.”
“Agreed.” Jaret stretched his legs out and stared pointedly at his student. “You have a
question, Jim. Just ask.”
Jim blushed and swallowed hard. “I’ve studied the memories you gave me at length and I
can’t answer this on my own. When you’re with Taval in his Pon Farr—are you so influenced
that you experience your own version of it?”
Jaret frowned and sat up. “No, but we aren’t bonded. That’s never… I’ve never considered
that might be a possibility.” He stood up and pointed at Jim. “Stay there—I’ll be right back.”
Jim nodded and relaxed as much as he could. He wasn’t surprised when Jaret returned with
Taval. The Vulcan had shed the formal robes he’d worn during the day and was wearing a
pair of linen pants and a shirt. The meditation room was attached to Jaret’s personal quarters
at the embassy so the casual attire wasn’t entirely out of place—it was just that the only Vulcan
Jim had ever seen that way was Spock.
“Jaret has informed me of your concern,” Taval said as he sat down on a mat Jaret placed for
him. “Are you comfortable explaining why this occurred to you and why you think it is
possible?”
Jim nodded. “Even before Spock and I bonded—his moods influenced mine. Last night—when
he started meditating—I had to stop what I was doing because the lure of the activity was so
much that I eventually fell into the meditative state with him. We weren’t physically in the
same location.” He blushed at the look Taval and Jaret exchanged. “That didn’t happen before
we bonded but we were able to meditate very easily together even then. Now, when he is
upset—I feel the burn of it. It’s not painful but even before we bonded I did feel some concern
that his Pon Farr would affect me in much the same way.”
Taval shifted, obviously uncomfortable with a direct mention of Pon Farr, and took a deep
breath. “Vulcans consider an individual’s Pon Farr to be a very private matter. We could ask
Healer Stopak at the Embassy if the transference of Pon Farr is possible among telepathic
species. I do know a male Vulcan who is bonded with a Halanan female. They’ve been bonded
for nearly twenty years. If he has caused his mate to go into Pon Farr with him—there will be
records of it at the VSA.”
“Unless they’ve concealed it,” Jim interjected. “It’s a very private matter after all.”
Taval nodded his head. “We can contact him directly if there are no records. I’ll see this
question answered for you as it has bearing on your own mental health as well as any training
Jaret can provide you as Spock’s time nears.”
*****
Jim dropped down on the couch beside Pike and perched his dinner on his lap. “I think Dr.
Grayson considers us uncivilized for not eating at the table.”
Chris laughed. “Probably shouldn’t tell her about our bad habits then.” He picked up the
remote and turned on the vid for the news. “I’m surprised you’re not with them at the
embassy for this dinner thing.”
“We don’t spend a lot of time together anymore and you’ve been gone on a mission.” Jim
flushed when Pike glanced his way. “I just kind of figured that I was due some Dad-time.”
Pike smiled broadly and scrunched down on the couch as he picked up his soda. “I could use
some of that myself to be honest.” He muted the screen and took a deep breath. “Starfleet is
offering me a position on Earth. A permanent one.”
“Promotion?” Jim questioned.
“Commodore,” Pike admitted. “Archer wants me to take over advanced recruitment for the
academy and field training for the seniors.”
Jim frowned. “You want to give up being Captain of a starship?”
Pike laughed. “I don’t hold the same romance with the idea that you do, Jim. Besides, Bones
has all but agreed to take on a teaching position at the academy—a five year posting and I’m
kind of stuck on him. It would also be great to be here—to be a bigger part of your life. I only
have a few years left before you move on to bigger and better things.”
“No way.” Jim bumped his shoulder against Pike’s. “Spock is a mama’s boy. He isn’t ready to
leave the nest and Berkley has already sent us both offers after we graduate from Horizon.”
“What if Spock goes to the Vulcan Science Academy. You’ll go to Vulcan for that, won’t you?”
“He’s already decided that he won’t. We’ll take the exam because it’s kind of expected but
neither one of us expects to be admitted. They certainly wouldn’t offer me a place—not when
thousands of Vulcans apply every quarter for the twenty or so positions that are opened. I
think they will invite him but he doesn’t agree. He’s brilliant and of the House of Surak. I can’t
see how they can ignore that because he’s half-Human.”
“He’d tell them no if they ask him.”
“He says he will. Spock knows if he goes to the VSA that his mother will return to Vulcan to be
near him. The last thing he ever wants is for her to be subject to the treatment that she suffered
when they were there before.” Jim’s jaw tightened. “They call her a whore.”
Pike blinked in surprise. “Excuse me?”
“Human sexuality is offensive to more conservative Vulcans. While they would never do it in
front of Sarek or even a member of his House—she has been treated very poorly or ignored
most of her marriage to him. That’s why they came here—why Spock insisted that they move
to Earth. His parents were suffering the situation because of him; because they thought he
should be raised on Vulcan.” Jim sighed. “At the conference today—one of the Vulcans
attending really pissed Spock off because he said something about me. Later on in the day, I
caught a stray thought and found out what.”
“What?”
“He called me ‘Spock’s Betazoid whore’,” Jim winced when Pike jerked and swore under his
breath. “It’s okay, Dad. I can defend myself.”
Pike shot him a look. “What did you do?”
“Something highly unethical that would make Jaret spank my ass if he knew,” Jim admitted
and then shrugged. “I gave the guy an agonizing migraine in retaliation.”
Pike snorted his amusement and saluted Jim with his drink. “That’s my boy.”
Jim blushed. “Spock would be livid if he knew I knew so please don’t mention it. He all but
begged me not to question him about what the old racist actually said.”
*****
“Where is your Human this evening, Spock?”
Spock set aside his tea cup and focused on Kovar. He’d been furious when he’d discovered the
older scientist had been invited to the family dinner. Beside him his mother stiffened and
Spock resisted the urge to touch her arm in an effort to calm her down. “My bondmate is
spending the evening with his father.”
“It is unfortunate that he does not take his role as your bondmate seriously. He should be at
your side for such events.”
Spock’s gaze narrowed but he relaxed minutely in his seat. “You should be careful, Elder. It is
well known that bonding at my age can cause emotional instability and I’m Human enough to
enjoy whatever physical altercation I might find myself in where you are concerned.”
Kovar stared at him hard but before he could respond T’Pau cleared her throat and everyone
at the table turned to give her their attention.
“T’hy’la bonds are volatile, Kovar. In my recent research, I have learned that such bonds were
most common among the warriors of our people in our distant past. Individuals in such
pairings were known to fight to the death in the defense of their bond—no matter how small
the perceived threat may be.” She raised an eyebrow at Kovar. “Was Healer Stopak able to
treat your ailment sufficiently?”
“Yes,” Kovar admitted stiffly. “I had apparently developed a headache. It has never happened
to me before—Stopak believes it was a response to over-stimulation during the conference
today. I am unused to being around so many non-Vulcans and could not shield myself
properly. He has taught me a few techniques that he uses on such occasions.”
T’Pau inclined her head gently. “Perhaps that is the case. I am confident you will be much
more careful tomorrow.”
Spock reached out for Jim telepathically with the question, “Did you give Kovar a headache?”
Jim’s response was a tangle of amusement, an infinitesimal amount of guilt, and a half-hearted
apology that almost made Spock laugh. He resolutely focused on his meal to keep from
sharing his amusement with anyone else at the table. He did wonder what his bondmate had
picked up from the older Vulcan and if Kovar understood where his ailment had come from.
“It was my understanding that Spock and his bondmate refused to allow a study of their bond
by the Vulcan Science Academy. It does make it difficult to believe they are actually t’hy’la,”
Kovar said as he pushed aside his own meal.
Spock’s head jerked up. “Are you calling Elder T’Pau, the Matriarch of the House of Surak, a
liar?
“Of course not, but she could simply be wrong.”
Spock tilted his head and sat back in his chair. Before he could respond, however, the doors to
the smaller dining room opened and Jim entered. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a plain
black t-shirt. It was startling, really, how attractive his bondmate was. Jim offered him a smile
and quirked an eyebrow. “Wanna take a ride with me?”
“Yes,” Spock responded immediately. “But, my helmet is at home.”
“I picked it up on the way over,” Jim admitted. “My Dad had a meeting at headquarters come
up and as an apology he talked Dr. Hall into giving us some time at the observatory this
evening. Two hours on the Asimov IV telescope they just finished installing.”
Spock’s gaze widened considerably and he turned to his father. “Father…”
“You are dismissed,” Sarek said. “And I am intrigued. I was not aware that the Asimov IV
would be available until next year.”
“Starfleet won the prototype in a bidding war,” Jim admitted and shoved his hands into his
pockets. “Dr. Hall is going to let us calibrate it for the observatory. Our beam up to the space
station is in thirty minutes.”
“That is a complicated assignment for someone so young.” Kovar pointed out, focused entirely
on Jim as he spoke.
“I’m a genius,” Jim responded seriously. “And Starfleet indulges me when they can because
they want me to enlist.”
Spock stood. “We should go. When, exactly, is our beam up?”
Jim grinned and checked his wrist chronometer. “28.96 minutes.”
*****
“You’ve been irritated for the last hour,” Jim said as he watched Spock place his folded robes
in his parent’s car.
Spock inclined his head in agreement. “Kovar is disagreeable.”
“He’s a prick,” Jim returned as he offered Spock his jacket and then gloves. “Sometimes I’m
genuinely stunned by the level of assholery that can be found among Vulcans.”
Spock pulled on his helmet and settled on the bike as Jim started it. “I did warn you.”
“I know, Vulcan—Planet of the Two-Faces,” Jim said into his helmet’s comm system. “Dad
might join us on the station if his meeting doesn’t last too much longer.”
“I am sorry that your time with him was interrupted.”
“It’s okay.” Jim merged them into traffic easily as they rolled out of the front gates of the
embassy. “He’s actually in discussions about a promotion that would put him on Earth for his
next assignment.”
“Does he agree? I thought he enjoyed his time on the Yorktown.”
“He is ready for something different I guess and Bones is taking a job here on Earth for a five
year assignment. I think something is up with his daughter but my Dad didn’t say. You know,
McCoy’s ex-wife is a real piece of work and she’s engaged to a new guy. I mean her divorce
from Bones has only been final for six months.”
“You and I met and determined that we were life mates within six months.”
“We had a few things going in our favor—Humans can’t connect with another person’s mind
and see how compatible and perfect they are for one another. Besides I pretty much knew
minute one that you were it for me. One day I’m really old, I’m going to tell people how we met
and tell them I just knew you were mine the minute we met,” Jim said as stopped at the gates
of Starfleet Headquarters. He pulled out an ID and it was scanned by a bored looking guard
before it was passed back to him and they were allowed entry. “I think she was cheating on
Bones for a while. She’s always felt dishonest and kind of mean to me.”
“How old is Dr. McCoy’s child?”
“Five. Joanna is five,” Jim answered as he drove them through the office park that made up
Starfleet headquarters and tucked them into a parking spot near the Transportation Center.
The large facility was normally used to facilitate the delivery of supplies and crew for the ships
in orbit as well as easy of travel from Earth to the large space station.
He turned off the bike but put his hand on Spock’s when the Vulcan started to slide off the
back. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” Jim pulled off his helmet and hooked it on the front of the bike. “I just love having you
near me like this.” He leaned back against Spock when the Vulcan passed him his helmet and
sighed when his bondmate settled his leathered covered hands on his hips. “Sometimes it’s
like I can’t get close enough to you.”
“I understand,” Spock murmured and pressed a soft kiss against the back of Jim’s neck. “There
are times when I want to undress you and spread out on my bed. I wish to explore every inch
of you. I want to… claim your body like I do your mind.”
Jim shivered. “Spock.”
“You are everything to me, T’hy’la. I will allow no one to take you from me.” Spock pulled
him closer and pressed his hand flat against Jim’s stomach. “You are the only lover I will ever
know. The only lover I will ever want to know.”
“We cannot beam up to the space station with erections,” Jim muttered with a groan.
“Agreed,” Spock pressed another kiss against Jim’s neck and slid off the back off the bike.
“Though I have come to realize that Humans are likely to indulge our relationship and
courtship on a level that Vulcans will not because they seem to think we are adorable.”
Jim laughed. “You heard that somewhere, right?”
“Yes, Admiral Archer told Admiral Williams that we were adorable—like puppies.” Spock
pulled off his gloves and stored them in a pocket. “Since I believed he did not mean to insult
us—I chose not to be offended by the comparison to the canines he breeds as a hobby.”
*****
“Your son’s refusal to return to Vulcan so that the academy can study his bond with his
Human is disrespectful.”
Sarek’s gaze narrowed slightly and he glanced at T’Pau who was staring at Kovar as neutral
and cool as ever. “It was disrespectful and inappropriate for the academy to express interest in
studying his bond. Bonds are private and as sacred as anything we have as a people. You
would have it violated for the sake of curiosity alone. It is a vulgar notion, Kovar.”
“It hardly matters,” T’Pau said. “Even if Spock were to be willing—James Kirk is not and he is
already quite well-known for the amount of mental privacy he demands for himself and in
turn Spock. I was able to bond them only because he allowed it. His mental defenses are like
nothing I have ever encountered before in a non-Vulcan. That is to say nothing of what the
Betazed government would think. They hold the mental bonds between two people as
untouchable.” She lifted an eyebrow when Kovar started to speak. “Why does it concern you
so?”
“It is unthinkable that a hybrid Vulcan has achieved a t’hy’la bond with an off-worlder. It is an
insult to our people that they should be afforded such a distinction without a full
investigation.”
“Are you saying that my son does not deserve such a bond? Do you believe that he is unworthy
of it because he’s half-Human?” Amanda demanded. Her tea cup rattled as she set it abruptly
on the table in front of her. “No, do not bother with an answer.” She stood up and took a deep
breath. “You called me a whore once—when you thought I couldn’t hear.” Sarek stood but she
pulled back from him when he reached for her. “I can only think you believe that about all
Humans because the only time you can get one to willingly spend time with you is when you
pay for it.”
Kovar stood and opened his mouth to speak but Sarek spoke first.
“Do not speak to her,” Sarek said abruptly. “Not ever again.”
“She will not talk to me that way,” Kovar returned, his voice level and tight.
“My wife can talk to you anyway she would like,” Sarek responded coolly. “If you do not like
it—you can leave.”
“You realize taking her side is detrimental to your career.”
“I took her side twenty-two years ago, Kovar. Today will not be the day I change my mind and
if small minded men like you could have any bearing on my career—it would have happened
long ago.”
Kovar stared at Amanda for several seconds and then turned on his heel. The silence that
followed his departure of the room wasn’t exactly comforting but at least the remaining
Vulcans in the room weren’t discussing her like she was a ‘situation’. That had happened in
the past and Amanda figured she might have a stroke if they tried that now.
Sarek cleared his throat. “Wife, did you just infer that Kovar has to pay for sexual intercourse?”
Amanda crossed her arms and glared at him. “Maybe.”
“Maybe,” Sarek repeatedly faintly in shock. He straightened his sleeve and looked at Elder
Stavik who was staring at Amanda with amusement darkening his eyes. T’Pol and T’Pau were
studying their tea as if it held the answers to the biggest mysteries in the universe. Finally, he
turned to her—his wife of twenty-two years—and said the only thing he could, “I love you
more every day that I know you. It is a constant source of fascination for me.”
Amanda bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes widening in shock.
Stavik snorted and pointed a finger at T’Pau. “And you said I should rest because nothing
interesting would happen at tea.”
T’Pau opened her mouth to reply and then shut it.
*****
Pike leaned in the doorway of the lab and watched Jim and Spock argue from their places on
the big bench beneath the biggest telescope in the Federation. He’d been told by Hall that
they’d been done for nearly forty-five minutes and had been arguing over the name of a
nebula—Earth name versus Vulcan name. The argument was good natured and easy—the
tangle of the fingers together between them telling him far better than anything else that there
was no heat in the disagreement.
He cleared his throat and they both turned to look at him. “I spoke with your Dad, Spock. He
wants you to spend the night with us.”
Spock lifted an eyebrow. “Should I go arrange a comm channel to speak with him?”
Chris laughed a little and considered the very abrupt conversation he’d had with the older
Vulcan where Sarek had sort of demanded that he take responsibility for Spock for the rest of
the evening. “Actually, no. I think not.”
Spock nodded and Jim laughed. “We’re done here. Did you want to check it out?”
*****
It wasn’t the first time he’d spent the night at Captain’s Pike home. He rather liked the house
that Jim shared with his adopted father. It was informal but neat and orderly—with the
exception of Jim’s room. There were many options for entertainment including something
called a pool table in the large rec room in the basement. Pike’s bedroom was on the first floor
of the house in what Spock figured was a security measure. Jim had been living in a room on
the second floor when he and Spock had first met. But, thirty-six day ago Jim had taken over
the large loft space that made up the third floor.
Spock had his choice of two rooms on the second floor and he consistently picked the one that
Jim had once used as a bedroom because his bondmate’s scent lingered in the room. Subtle,
sweet, and a little musky—much the same way Jim smelled when he was aroused only not as
strong. He upped the temperature in the room so he would be more comfortable and relaxed
on his back. He’d meditated for an hour with Jim after they’d gotten home from the space
station and then reviewed his notes from the lecture.
He wished he was upstairs in Jim’s bed—at least then he could watch his mate sleep when he
couldn’t sleep himself. They didn’t share a bed often—out of respect for his parents and
Captain Pike. He hadn’t gotten to really touch Jim in private since the day they had bonded
and the desire to do so burned in him continuously. It was not something he’d been told to
expect from the bond.
Spock had visited a healer on Vulcan before he was to bond with T’Pring and the physical
ramifications of the bond had been discussed. He’d known he would feel echoes of his mate’s
pains or pleasures through the telepathic link. Small, easily ignored echoes. He rolled his eyes
as he remembered that conversation because it was all, as Jim would say, bullshit.
He stiffened in the bed when Jim’s mind brushed purposefully against his. Spock quirked an
eyebrow as he realized his bondmate wasn’t sleeping under the field of his psionic generator.
He wondered if being bonded was enough to protect him now and swallowed back an
immense swell of pride at the thought that he was such a source of comfort for his t’hy’la.
“Stop thinking so hard and think about us naked instead.”
Spock glanced towards his door and took a deep breath. He was confident that Captain Pike
wouldn’t breach his privacy but that didn’t mean he was comfortable masturbating in the
man’s house. “You are shameless, James.”
Jim’s laughter filtered over their bond and through the house. Spock closed his eyes at the
sound—at the reminder of how close his bondmate is to him. Then he felt Jim’s hand wrapping
around his cock and Spock closed his eyes. The depth of his bondmate’s ability to use their
bond never ceased to astound him. He pushed his own hand into the pajamas he’d borrowed
from Jim and shuddered as his penis all but jumped into his hand. The ghosting sensation of a
thumb brushing over the head—spreading his fluid over the sensitive flesh had his hips
jerking.
Spock reached out through the bond and let his psionic touch drift over the pleasure centers of
Jim’s brain. He heard Jim groan—soft and utterly gorgeous—above him. Spock sucked his
bottom lip into his mouth and squeezed his cock carefully. The small empathic link they had
once shared had been completely overwhelmed by the telepathic bond they’d created under
T’Pau’s direction and he missed it in moments like this.
When he touched his bondmate, Jim’s emotions would slide over him like water saturating
him in love and friendship. This physical pleasure was amazing but it wasn’t as rewarding as
the mental pleasure that came with touching his bondmate’s mind. His door opened suddenly
and Spock stilled on the bed only to relax when Jim shut the door and locked it.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Spock murmured as Jim crawled onto the bed. “If your father…”
“He’s sound asleep,” Jim whispered as he pulled the covers away and settled on top him. “I
promise. I’ll know if he wakes up.”
“Why are you here?” Spock whispered as he tilted his head to give Jim access to his neck. He
shuddered at the soft kisses his bondmate gifted him with. “What we were doing would’ve
been enough for us both to achieve release.”
“You need more than physical pleasure,” Jim whispered against his lips. “Touch me, Spock,
it’s okay to take what you need.”
Spock ran his hands up Jim’s t-shirt and groaned softly at the cool skin encountered. It was
perfect then and their arousal mixed together so easily that he almost came. “James.”
“Hold on,” Jim whispered. He slid one hand between them and pushed down his pants
enough to free his cock. “I want to feel us together. Skin to skin.”
“Yes,” Spock murmured hoarsely. “I want that.” He lifted his hips and Jim worked his
pajamas down so that when they resettled on the bed they were groin to groin.
“Fuck.” Jim tucked his face against Spock’s neck as he shifted his hips and pressed their cocks
together. “You’re so hot.”
Spock made a sound close to a laugh and clutched at Kirk’s back. “I think that is the first time
you have ever meant that literally.”
“Yeah,” Jim shuddered and hissed. “You feel so perfect against me like this.”
He pulled Jim’s shirt up and off easily—exposing so much skin that it was overwhelming.
Spock wiggled out of his own shirt gracelessly and they fell together. Their kisses turned
greedy as they began to move—rubbing together until they were gasping and coming in a
startlingly short amount of time.
Jim lifted his head and blew out a breath. “Wow.”
“Is your father still asleep?”
He nodded and then laughed softly. “Yeah.” He rolled off Spock and stared at the ceiling. “I
was…hmm… was that okay? Because all I meant to do was hold you and maybe play with
your cock until you came.”
Spock took a deep breath and then used his t-shirt to clean their mess off his stomach. “While I
appreciate your ability to make a plan and follow through with it—I’m no longer strictly
opposed to surprises.”
Jim laughed. “I always know that I’ve gotten to you—because you use a contraction. We
should clean up.”
“Yes.” Spock agreed. “And it was more than okay.”
“Yeah, it was.”
*****
Spock shrugged out of his jacket as he closed the front door and placed it in the closet. It was
lighter than the leather one he’d worn all spring and he preferred but knew it wouldn’t be
enough during the colder months. He was late for dinner but that had been unavoidable as the
afternoon session had gone long due to a protracted amount of time spent on Q&A portion.
He stepped into the downstairs washroom to clean his hands and wash his face before going
into the dining room. His parents were seated in their customary places engrossed completely
in each other. Spock was startled for a moment, unprepared for the obvious intimacy between
them. He averted his gaze as he took his seat.
“My apologies for being late. The afternoon session ran long.”
Sarek inclined his head. “We received your message. It was thoughtful to insure that your
mother would not worry.”
Amanda smiled and left the table. She reappeared quickly and set a plate in front of Spock.
He stared at it briefly as he settled his napkin on his lap and arranged his silverware.
“This…is… what is this?”
She laughed. “Try it. You will like it.”
Spock inclined his head and did as instructed. After a few bites, he glanced toward his mother
and paused. There was a small circular bruise on her wrist and another small one on her
neck—both looked almost healed as if they’d been treated by a dermal regenerator.
He returned his attention to his meal and considered how he’d reacted in the past to the
superficial injuries his mother had sometimes displayed. Injuries he could only assume were
the result of intimate encounters with his father.
He considered his own responses to Jim critically. The thought that he might damage his
bondmate had always been a concern—but seeing such bruises on his mother was like a slap
in the face.
“Spock, are you alright?”
“Yes, Mother,” Spock responded immediately and then took a deep breath.
“Have you had a disagreement with James?” Amanda questioned. “You seem unsettled.”
“I…” He took another breath. “No, we rarely argue.” Spock set aside his fork and sat back in
his chair. “May I be excused?”
“No,” Sarek responded. “Amanda, would you excuse us please?”
She glanced between them and then nodded. “Make sure he finishes his meal.”
“Of course.”
Spock let the hand in his lap curl into a fist as his mother left the room and calmly picked up
his fork. He ate in silence and was relieved that his father was going to let him collect his
thoughts before requiring discussion. His father and he had this conversation once before—
shortly after what Spock now knew to be his father’s Pon Farr.
Spock had been ten years old—far too young to have been informed of such a thing but the
sight of his mother bruised and exhausted and sent him into a rage. He knew intellectually
that his father would never abuse his mother but he’d been so instantly furious that it had
taken his father hours to calm him down.
“Your mother is unharmed.”
“She is bruised,” Spock returned evenly.
“She is unharmed. I would cut off my own arm before I would damage my wife. Every pain
she bears is mine to bear as well—our bond is profoundly deep after so many years.” Sarek
busied himself with the tea pot for several minutes while Spock absorbed his words. “You
worry that you will hurt your own bondmate?”
“Yes,” Spock admitted roughly. “I would never wish to do that.”
“Humans are not fragile. They are physically weaker than Vulcans but that does not make
them weak or even fragile. Your mother actually has a greater capacity to handle pain than I
do. She birthed you without medical intervention—while I had to enter a healing trance
during the event.” Sarek pursed his lips. “It is another reason why I was disinclined to have
another child. I would not wish to see her suffer in such a way ever again and she would have
insisted on carrying the child herself.”
“My self-control is limited when my emotions are involved. I worry that I will hurt him. If you
cannot control yourself…” Spock flushed and averted his gaze.
“Spock.” Sarek waited until his son lifted his head and met his gaze. “I did not lose control
with your mother. Outside of my time, I never have. While I am unwilling to discuss the
intimacies of our marriage—I will say that I have always given your mother exactly what she
requests of me.”
Spock felt his face heat even further and he wondered wildly if he’d developed a fever. “I see.”
“I am confident that you would never damage James. The bond creates an imperative that
makes physically damaging or even killing your bondmate impossible in normal
circumstances.”
“Even during Pon Farr?” Spock questioned quietly.
“It has happened in cases where pairs were not brought together quickly enough or when two
people who are completely incompatible are bonded as children,” Sarek admitted. “But there
are measures that can be taken and I have made sure that you were trained in the mental
principles required to calm your mind in the most trying of circumstances.”
Spock finished his meal quickly and set aside the plate. “I still have no idea what that was.”
“She said it was from a country called India,” Sarek admitted. “We can expect to be exposed to
a variety of different Earth cultures. She is attempting to broaden your palette.”
“And what of your palette?”
“I am to endure the experiments,” Sarek said. “Is our conversation complete or did you have
further concerns?”
“I have no other concerns,” Spock responded immediately.
*****
“That was most uncomfortable.”
Amanda bit down on her lip and watched her husband change his clothes with his normal
swift efficiency. “It would have been more uncomfortable for him if I’d had the conversation
with him.”
“It fails to impress me that his comfort in every conversation is more important to you than
mine,” Sarek responded.
She laughed softly and shrugged. “We did agree that he would come first in our lives—the
choice every parent must make.”
“He is my son and I value him,” Sarek said as he settled on his meditation mat. “I wanted a
highly intelligent child. But it would please me greatly if he were not always so observant.” He
offered her a mild glare when she burst out laughing.
*****
Jim settled down at a table and ran his fingers along the cold glass of soda that Pike had put
down on the table in front of him. “Wanna tell me what’s up with you?”
Pike frowned and then sighed. “Bones is suing his ex-wife for custody of their kid. She’s not
allowing visitation as ordered by the judge and the guy she wants to marry is kind of a prick.
He told McCoy that it would be best for Joanna if he just disappeared and allowed her to be
adopted.”
Jim blinked in surprise. “But Bones loves his kid.”
“Yeah, he does. It’s why he’s taken the posting on Earth and hired a lawyer. He’s a decorated
Starfleet officer in his own right—with commendations for saving entire planets.” Pike sighed.
“He tried to be fair in the divorce, you know? He didn’t try to demand full custody but
requested fair visitation. The judge granted it and now she’s playing this game like he’s not
even worthy of being his kid’s father.”
“She sucks,” Jim murmured. “You know—I think she was cheating on Bones long before their
marriage ended. I’ve never said anything because I didn’t want to hurt him but she started to
avoid me about eight months before they finally split. She would be really hostile towards me
mentally when she couldn’t avoid me. Like if she was angry—it would be easier to hide her
dishonesty.”
“I bet a lot of people think that.”
“Yeah,” Jim admitted. “It’s pretty stupid but I let them think it because it makes them more
comfortable around me.” He paused and then cleared his throat. “Is his relationship with you
going to be a factor in the hearing or do you guys plan on hiding it?”
“We can’t hide it—it’s hardly a secret at HQ that we’re lovers. Archer offered me the posting
on Earth after Bones accepted the one at Starfleet Medical because he figured I’d want to stay
close to Earth. He’s offered me a lot of positions in the past but we’ve always compromised
and kept my assignments close to Earth if possible.”
“Because of me.”
“Yeah, because of you.” Pike touched his shoulder. “You know I don’t regret a moment of my
life since you came into it, Jim. You’re the very best thing that’s ever happened to me. I don’t
even think I understood how alone I was in life until you came into it. I just wish I’d realized
you needed me sooner.”
Jim smiled softly and then quirked an eyebrow. “So, did Ambassador Sarek and Dr. Grayson
throw Spock at you last night so they could stay home and get it on?”
Chris laughed and rolled his eyes. “That is none of your business.” He bit down on his bottom
lip. “He didn’t seem like he was going to take no for an answer.”
“Wow.” Jim laughed softly and then stood. “Replicator or dinner out?”
“Let’s go out and get some food—take it Bones. He’s doing another shift at the Academy
hospital.”
*****
“Scotty!”
“What’s the matter, Laddie? You look like you’ve see a wee ghost.”
Jim reached out and very carefully took Oscar off the transportation pad. He stepped back and
regarded the Starfleet officer in all seriousness. “You cannot use the Admiral’s puppy as a test
subject, Scotty.”
“It’s perfectly safe!” Montgomery protested and frowned. “Now, put him back down there so
we can get this test out of the way before we have to return to the lecture hall for the afternoon
session.”
Jim shared a harried look with Spock. The half-Vulcan looked calm but inside he was just as
concerned as Jim. “You see, Scotty, it’s like this. I fully believe in your transwarp theory and I
know if anyone in the entire universe can make this work—that it is you. I just believe that
during this test phase that perhaps it’s best to err on the side of caution.”
Scotty looked at him hard and then huffed dramatically. “The test subject must be a biological
organism, Jim.”
“Right,” Jim agreed. “I understand—organic life. Right? Why don’t we use that big ugly tree in
the planter at the end of the hall?”
“That thing has to weigh three hundred pounds,” Scotty protested.
“I could retrieve the tree,” Spock offered. “It would be no burden at all for me, Lt. Scott.”
Jim clutched Oscar to him a little more and backed down completely off the transporter. “That
sounds great, Spock. Get the tree.”
“I only have a fifteen minute window on this test before the Faraday is too far from Earth for
the test to even be viable.” Scott glared at Jim. “I wouldn’t hurt an animal, ya know.”
“Scotty, I have faith in you. Really. I think you’re the best engineer in the entire fleet.” He
paused and took a deep breath. “But, just imagine for a minute that this first test goes badly.
Do you really want to get less than perfect results with Admiral Archer’s prize beagle
involved? This is a direct descendent from Porthos. You know the dog he had on the original
Enterprise? He’s practically sacred.” He held the beagle up. “Sacred puppy, Scotty.”
Scott blustered and rolled his eyes at Jim. “You’ve made your point. Where is your boyfriend
with my tree?”
Spock returned in that moment and with what looked like no effort at all—placed the tree on
the transporter pad. “I was waylaid by Ensign Dryer who is searching for Oscar.” He curled
his fingers into the sleeve of Jim’s t-shirt as he pulled his bondmate as far from the transporter
pad as he could and still remain in the room.
*****
“And what possessed you to use that tree?” Pike demanded. “It was a gift from the Denarian
Ambassador to Starfleet. That tree was two thousand years old.”
Jim cleared his throat. “Dad, that was my idea and in my defense—I didn’t know the tree was
two thousand years old. I just felt it was a better choice than say—a sentient life form.”
Pike looked pointedly at Scotty who was staring at the ceiling. “Mr. Scott?”
“I was, at the time, in possession of Admiral Archer’s beagle, sir. I am confident that the test
would have been a success had it not been for the transporter failure on the Faraday.”
Chris sat back in his chair and rubbed his hand over his face. “This is… Spock, I would’ve
assumed you’d be the voice of reason in this situation.”
“I agreed with Jim that it was not prudent to use Admiral Archer’s dog in the experiment. He
has demonstrated a marked preference for the animal. I believed at the time, and still
maintain, that the theory of transwarp teleportation is not only possible but viable. It was a
sound experiment but perhaps more consideration into the experimental subject could have
been undertaken.”
Chris stared. “You’re taking their side.”
“Sir, it is actually my duty to take Jim’s side in such circumstances.” Spock paused and then
continued. “And I would point out there was no plaque with the tree indicating that it was a
gift of some diplomatic importance.”
“You’re all three grounded,” Pike returned. “Scotty—all of your future experiments will be
cleared through me. James, Spock—since Mr. Scott has a full schedule this summer you will
undertake a thorough analysis of his data on the failure today and provide him with the
results before the new school year starts.”
“Oh, come on, Dad. That’s hundreds of hours of analysis.” Jim glanced at Scotty who looked
smug. “I wasn’t the one who tried to sacrifice Admiral Archer’s dog. I saved a life today.”
Spock inclined his head. “As the saying goes, Jim, no good deed goes unpunished.”
*****
After the bonding ceremony, Amanda had instituted a monthly ‘family dinner’ that Pike was
required to attend if he was on the planet. He brought Bones and inferred to the doctor that
Dr. Grayson had required it of him as well. He didn’t feel guilty about it at all.
When they arrived, a young Vulcan male answered the door. Pike had met him briefly at the
bonding and was honestly surprised to find him in Sarek’s home as he’d believed that Stonn
had a fairly hostile relationship with Spock. Elder Stavik was already seated at the table when
they entered the formal dining room. The old guy was probably Pike’s favorite old Vulcan
ever—because Jim and Spock were kind of terrified of him.
“What culture are we exploring this time?” McCoy questioned as he took his seat.
Sarek inclined his head. “I was not consulted.”
Pike laughed softly and picked up his water glass as Jim and Spock came in from the kitchen
and slid into seats. “How is your project going, gentlemen?”
Jim frowned but his eyes were bright with laughter. “I’m still debating whether or not I’m
going to file a complaint concerning your abuse of power.”
Pike grinned. “You go right ahead, kid.”
“I understand that our sons were instrumental in the destruction of a two thousand year old
tree,” Sarek started.
“Yes, but they saved a puppy,” McCoy defended cheerfully. “A really cute puppy.”
Chris laughed. “And Lt. Scott’s career. Archer wouldn’t have been kind in his next assignment
in Starfleet if he’d actually used Oscar for the experiment.”
“And what do we get?” Jim questioned. “Punishment.”
“I do not consider it a punishment,” Spock injected. “The data is quite interesting.”
Amanda entered at that point with two servants. Chris blinked in surprise. He knew that there
were servants in Sarek’s home—but they were so unobtrusive as to be almost invisible most of
the time. The meal was laid out quickly and efficiently then the staff disappeared as quickly as
they’d appeared. He thought it was kind of spooky.
Amanda offered them a smile. “Thai, gentlemen. I believe you will find everything
fascinating.”
*****
“The security footage of the experiment is funny as hell,” Chris confided. “Jim looked
absolutely horrified and Spock’s eyebrows kept getting higher and higher as Scotty explained
what he was going to do.”
Amanda snickered. “And the tree?”
“Jim called the puppy sacred,” Pike said. “And Spock went and got the tree.” He looked at
Sarek. “Your son actually said it was his duty to take Jim’s side and then pointed out that the
tree didn’t have a plaque indicating its diplomatic worth so he could hardly know.”
Sarek’s mouth quirked very slightly. “Sacred.”
Chris laughed then. “Sacred puppy,” he repeated and then he sighed. “Admiral Archer is
pleased with them for Oscar’s rescue and I get to keep the best engineer in the fleet on Earth. I
don’t even want to know where Archer would’ve sent the man.”
“It wouldn’t have been pretty,” McCoy muttered. “Or warm. Archer hates ice so he always
punishes people by sending them to really cold, horrible places.” He swirled his drink in the
glass and then set it aside without finishing it.
Chris found that kind of relieving and wondered how much his pending court date had to do
with his lover’s change in drinking habits. “We should go—we have an early day tomorrow.”
He stood up. “Are you two keeping my kid tonight or should I take him along home with
me?”
Amanda inclined her head. “I suppose it is our turn.”
Pike paused and then nodded. “Yeah, I agree. Come on, Len; let’s go when he’s not looking.”
“Like we can sneak out of a house while he’s conscious,” McCoy said amused. He stood up
regardless. “Thank you for having me Ambassador Sarek, Dr. Grayson. As always—the meal
was excellent and the company interesting.”
“You’ll bring Joanna around soon,” Amanda said. “I want to meet her.”
“As soon as I can,” McCoy promised. “I spoke with her yesterday and mentioned you—she
asked about visiting embassy.”
“That would be fun,” Amanda admitted. “Human children completely baffle Vulcans. I’d love
to see one crawl up in T’Pol’s lap. In fact, I’d probably pay for it.”
*****
Sarek entered his office and wasn’t surprised to find Stavik sitting at his desk. He’d given the
elder permission to use his private space for work after dinner. “Where is Stonn?”
“Observing James and Spock. He is intrigued by their pair bond but I do not believe it to be an
unhealthy interest. He doesn’t harbor any personal interest in Spock. I have melded with him
several times since the bonding ceremony—he found the entire experience overwhelming and
interesting.”
“That is not an uncommon reaction among those privileged to witness it,” Sarek offered as he
took a seat in front of his own desk. It was odd to be on the opposite side, he wondered if this
was how Spock felt during their conversations in this particular room. He made a note not to
sit behind his desk during personal conversations—it was isolating to have so much distance
between two parties. “Stonn’s family expressed interest in bonding him to Spock at one time.”
“His father’s bondmate understands the power to be had in such a position. She offered up her
step-son as practically a sacrifice. I told T’Pau it was offensive.” Stavik shut down the
computer and focused on Sarek. “It is one reason why I have taken Stonn as my apprentice. I
have time to devote to his education and his continued development. He has an impressive
mind—I would not wish to have it atrophy in the hands of his family.”
“You have a bondmate in mind for him,” Sarek guessed.
“No, not exactly. He has expressed no preference for the sex of his bondmate—as he was
previously bonded to a female and did initially agree to bond with Spock if the pairing was
available to him.” Stavik pointed out. “I brought him with me to Earth to broaden his horizons
and his perspectives.” He glanced towards the security monitor. “Do they always meditate in
that fashion?”
Sarek glanced at the monitor—though he didn’t have to. He knew exactly how Spock and
James were arranged. “It depends on their purpose. They hold hands when they interact with
their psi-stone and often sit together—as you see them now when they meditate at the same
time.”
“They are not melded.”
“Not in the Vulcan way, no, but I believe James’ abilities allow them to share mental space
without a formal meld.”
“You have not questioned them?”
“Their bond is private and none of my business,” Sarek responded coolly. “I believe my
position on this subject is quite clear.”
“Not as clear as your wife’s,” Stavik returned with a lifted an eyebrow.
*****
Jim relaxed back against Spock and flexed his fingers against his bondmate’s as they both
emerged from the meditative state. Stonn was seated a few feet away from the firepot with a
tricorder. It was on the floor and he wondered how long the Vulcan had taken readings before
he’d stopped. “Are you okay?”
Stonn inclined his head. “It was… James, did you know that when you meditate together that
you project your emotional state? Much like you did during the bonding. Had I not been
seated during that event, it would have brought me to my knees.”
Jim flushed as he moved out from between Spock’s legs and rolled to his feet. Spock shifted
and folded his body easily into the lotus position. “I can’t really help it. I’m sorry if it made
you uncomfortable.”
“No, not uncomfortable.” Stonn’s gaze dropped to the floor. “I have never… experienced
anything as powerful as that. I am not sure I could endure it for an extended period of time.”
“It was difficult to get used to,” Spock said. “But always from the very beginning I believed
myself safe. That makes the difference.”
Stonn nodded. “I understand.” He touched the tricorder briefly and then lifted his hands away
from it. “The readings are interesting. Your psionic fields were distinct and separate until you
achieved a meditative state. At that point, they blended together so perfectly that it was
impossible to discern that you were two instead of one. This is the state Devone spoke of
during your bonding. Were you capable of this before you bonded?”
Spock and Jim exchanged looks. “Yes,” Jim admitted. “It is one reason why we believed that
we were t’hy’la.”
“You are truly one.” Stonn passed the tricorder when Spock held out his hand. “How long
have you been studying each other and your bond?”
“Since almost the beginning,” Spock answered. He took the PADD that Jim brought to him
and transferred Stonn’s readings to their research folder. “Eventually—we will sanitize our
observations to remove personal information and make the data available to VSA.”
“It is intimate.” Stonn stood, the tips of his ears darkening as his face flushed. “I wish to thank
you for the privilege of being present this evening. I am honored. I will not discuss my
observations with anyone.”
Jim watched him leave the room and turned to Spock. “Did we embarrass him?”
“He is young,” Spock finally said. “Vulcans do not normally travel from our planet until they
are well into their fifties. He is, as you might say, impressionable. I am surprised that his father
allowed him to travel with Stavik.”
“But you all but said earlier that his family wanted to use him for political gain,” Jim pointed
out.
“I believe that is why he is here on Earth. Elder Stavik’s interest in Stonn as a student is a
favorable social and political circumstance for him. It has allowed him to be included in our
family in a way that is influential. He has met a few of the young, unattached members of our
clan.”
“So he’s looking for a bondmate,” Jim questioned. “He wanted you.”
Spock blushed. “He was open to a bonding with me but he was aware of my pending bond to
you before he even left Vulcan.”
“He tried to talk you out of bonding with me,” Jim said quietly.
“You heard that,” Spock surmised. “You heard what he said that night and managed to keep it
from me even with our bond.”
“You’ve kept secrets from me,” Jim pointed out. “You certainly didn’t share the conversation
with me.”
“Does that make you angry?”
“No. I don’t expect you to sacrifice the privacy of others in our bond. What was said between
you was more revealing to his circumstances than yours. I listened because I’m shameless and
kind of crazy where you are concerned. I won’t apologize for it.” Jim shrugged when Spock
lifted an eyebrow at him. “What?”
“You are fortunate that there is a security camera in this room,” Spock murmured. “That is not
the case in my room, by the way.”
“Are you threatening me?” Jim asked with a grin.
“No, Vulcans do not make threats. I am forewarning you.”
“Should I run?” Jim wiggled an eyebrow.
“I do not advise it. It might stir a predatory response in me.”
“Good grief, Spock, that is not a deterrent!” Jim scrambled to his feet and darted out of the
meditation room.
Spock waited until Jim hit the stairs and started towards the third floor before he followed. He
caught him easily and tackled him to the bed. Spock pinned his giggling bondmate to the bed
and slid astride his hips.
“You caught me,” Jim admitted breathlessly. “I’m at your mercy.”
“You are always at my mercy,” Spock pointed out. His fingers circled Jim’s wrists easily. He
could feel amusement and arousal battling under the cool Human skin in his hands. “You like
this. It excites you.”
“You excite me,” Jim admitted guilelessly. He relaxed and spread his legs. “Meld with me.”
“Not like this,” Spock said with some regret. “My parents are here. They could enter the room
while we are melded and neither of us would even know.”
Jim sighed but nodded. Spock rolled off of him and they resettled so they were sitting face to
face.
*****
“It is another ploy on behalf of the House of Surak to elevate themselves above us,” Kovar
said. “To claim such a pairing between a half-breed and someone so Human is an insult to our
people and our most sacred traditions.”
“The House of Surak has never found it necessary to elevate themselves above the rest of our
people. They have always worked for the benefit of our planet.” Taval glanced towards the
replicator and wondered if it stocked hot chocolate like Jaret’s did. He doubted it and that was
irritating. “Kovar, did you request that I come here for any other reason than to complain
about Spock and his bondmate?”
“My concerns are legitimate. Their refusal to be studied is an insult. If they are truly t’hy’la
Spock owes it to his people to allow study so that we can determine why they are connected so
deeply.” Kovar stood and walked to stand by the window in his small quarters within the
embassy. “T’Pau has already stated that she will not force them to submit to a study.”
“I imagine that our relations with the Betazed government would wither under such a
circumstance. James Kirk is important to them.”
“I fail to see why. He’s only ¼ Betazoid.”
“His father was one of the first of Betazoid blood to serve in Starfleet and he died heroically.
Starfleet and the Federation honors George Kirk and in turn honors his Betazoid heritage.
James was born the day his father died—one of the survivors of the Kelvin Massacre. That
alone makes him special. But he is special for other reasons that are internal to his people and
those circumstances are not discussed with outsiders.”
“You’re aware of the circumstances,” Kovar guessed.
“I am.” Taval went to the replicator and ordered some tea. It wasn’t what he wanted but he
figured he could return to Jaret and find stress relief in his mate’s arms. “But it is not for me to
discuss. I will not violate the confidence of a friend to further your curiosity about a bond that
is clearly none of your business. It is unseemly—your interest in Spock and his bondmate.”
“You do not wish such a bond for yourself?” Kovar questioned. “You’ve gone unbonded for
years, Taval. Isn’t that what you search for?”
“I’ve gone unbonded for years, Kovar, by choice.” Taval swallowed genuine sigh of
frustration. “Can you not simply accept that these two boys are in love? That they are t’hy’la
because they were allowed to come together on their own and find love.”
“Love is not the only requirement for a t’hy’la bond. There is a mental compatibility—a matter
of brain chemistry and psionic field harmonics. If we could study that—perhaps we could
arrange better bonds for our children.”
Taval inclined his head. “This is about your daughter T’Shea.”
“T’Shea died many years ago,” Kovar said neutrally.
“She died in her bondmate’s Pon Farr. He killed her because they were not compatible—a
discovery made too late to help either of them.”
“I bonded her to him as a child—nothing was amiss in the bonding. The healer said their bond
was sound.” Kovar’s hands tightened into fists behind his back and Taval lifted an eyebrow at
the display of emotion. He schooled his face as his cousin turned to face him. “If the VSA
could study Spock and James Kirk—they could determine what makes them physically
compatible. It would be invaluable to us as a people and we are denied that due to their selfish
concerns.”
“Privacy is not a matter of selfishness,” Taval responded gently. “Kovar, James Kirk might be
¾ Human on a genetic level but his psionic imprint is entirely Betazoid. They do not share
their minds at the level the VSA would require with anyone outside of a lover.”
Kovar scoffed. “The Betazoid are known for the indiscriminant mental contact.”
“Superficial, perhaps,” Taval allowed. “But there are parts of James’ mind that only Spock has
touched. Not even their healers breach so deeply into the mind of another without permission.
The circumstances have to be dire. Yes, they largely communicate telepathically but that
communication is like skimming the surface of an ocean.”
“You know a great deal about them as a people.”
“Yes. I’ve worked with them in the past; I count several Betazoids as friends.” Taval set aside
his tea, almost untouched and stood. “Perhaps when James and Spock are older they will
change their minds about allowing the VSA to study their pairing. I would advise you to
remember that they are very young and their desire to protect one another is fierce, practically
primal.”
“T’Pau said something similar. It is another trait of their bond worthy of investigation.”
Taval snorted indelicately. “Not if someone dies in the effort.”
*****
“I don’t want this!”
Jim and Spock stopped in the middle of the Vulcan Embassy lobby. Very few people actually
screamed in the Vulcan Embassy. The girl was rushing down the main stair case, tears
streaming down her face—a direct contradiction to the delicate up sweep of her eyebrows.
Dark brown hair covered her ears but Jim couldn’t think she was anything but Vulcan—at
least, he thought wildly—half-Vulcan.
Stonn who had been a few feet behind them in entering the embassy had come to stand with
them—and was watching with unabashed curiosity as the extremely attractive girl crossed in
front of them. Spock nudged Jim and Kirk had the grace to shrug and blush.
“T’Sar.” A woman rushed down the stairs after her. “Please, wait a minute.”
The girl stopped and turned to face the woman. “I didn’t want that stupid bond when I was
little but I accepted it because Daddy wanted it. I don’t care if I have another one. I won’t bond
with a stranger!”
“Your father is only trying to protect you,” the woman reached out and touched her daughter
but T’Sar hissed and jerked away. “Please, will you come back upstairs?”
“No.” T’Sar shook her head. “I won’t do it. They’ll just bond me to another boy who will never
accept that I’m half-Halanan and in a year I’ll find myself in the same situation. It’s not fair,
Mother.”
It did sound like bullshit, Jim thought idly and Spock’s fingers brushed against his.
“It won’t be the same.”
“I don’t trust him,” T’Sar hissed. “I will not… I will not do this.”
T’Pau appeared at the top of the stairs then and cleared her throat. “Saran. You are required
above for a conversation. T’Sar, you will go to my private salon and calm yourself.” She
focused on the boys with the kind of directness that made Jim shiver. “Spock, James, Stonn—
you will keep her company.”
All three nodded mutely and Jim waved a little when T’Sar turned to look at them. She
blushed a light green which Jim thought was adorable and averted her gaze.
Spock tangled his fingers with his in a truly blatant display of ownership that even made
Stonn start in disbelief. Jim thought he should be used to them by now but obviously that was
not the case. “T’Sar, if you will come with us?”
She nodded silently.
In the salon, Spock and Stonn sat and stared. Jim went to the replicator and ordered the tea
that Amanda always ordered for Spock when he was upset but trying to hide it. He set up the
tea pot, and poured for her first.
“I do not have tear ducts,” Spock said suddenly.
T’Sar frowned. “I wasn’t supposed to but you know they made mistakes with those of us who
came first.” She accepted the tea from Jim with a sigh. “I haven’t seen you in sometime, Spock.
I apologize if my outburst made you uncomfortable. I know how hard you work to be as
Vulcan as possible.”
Spock inclined his head. “It holds less appeal now. You were right—fighting to fit in against a
tide of disapproval is a waste of resources.” He cleared his throat. “James, this is my cousin
T’Sar. Her mother is Halanan. They left Vulcan when I was ten.”
T’Sar looked down at her tea. “I was nine. Spock is the reason I even exist, you know. My
parents did not plan to have children until Lady Amanda had Spock.” She looked toward
Stonn, her gaze widening slightly and then she looked away. “I apologize, Stonn, if my
outburst made you uncomfortable.”
“It would be illogical to expect you to be any different than you are, T’Sar. The Halanan are a
very emotive and boisterous people.” Stonn’s gaze dropped to his own tea and he cleared his
throat. “This tea is quite good. I have never had it before.”
“It is one my mother blended for me,” Spock admitted. “Traditional Vulcan teas do not suit
my tastes.”
Stonn inclined his head. “I have always thought the tea my step mother served was bitter out
of spite.”
T’Sar snickered and covered her mouth with a blush. “My apologies.”
“Don’t apologize,” Jim implored. “As Stonn has already said—it’s illogical to behave as if you
were something other than yourself.”
“My Father is disappointed in me,” T’Sar said bluntly. “He brought me here—because
Grandmother had found yet another bondmate for me. Stovuk, the male I bonded with as a
child found another and our bond was severed nearly a year ago.”
“I’m aware,” Stonn murmured. “Stovuk has since bonded with my former bondmate.”
T’Sar blinked in surprise. “It surprises me, Stonn. Stovuk’s clan does not offer the wealth or
standing of yours. I always believed T’Ela to be…”
“Greedy,” Spock offered. “The word you are looking for is greedy.”
Jim laughed softly. “Maybe they fell in love.”
T’Sar shrugged delicately and set aside her tea. “I behaved poorly upstairs but Grandmother
fails to understand the… Stovuk never intended to marry me. He made that clear before I left
Vulcan. He said he deserved better than a hybrid.”
“He was very young at the time,” Stonn murmured. “Logic escapes the youngest of us.”
“Perhaps, you were always a bit of a…” T’Sar shrugged and glanced at Spock who inclined his
head in agreement to her unspoken insult. “It is nice to see that some people can change.”
“So, how long will you be on Earth?” Jim questioned suddenly.
T’Sar’s eyes widened briefly. “We live here actually. My parents work for the Federation in
diplomacy and linguistics. We rarely visit the embassy because my mother isn’t comfortable
here. You have to know how poorly she was treated on Vulcan, Spock.”
“I am aware. She suffered more than my own mother due to her telepathic gifts. She didn’t
even have the refuge of her own mind,” Spock said. “You realize you need a bond.”
“Yes.” T’Sar nodded. “I know but why should I suffer such an arrangement to only have
another bond ripped from my mind when he changes his mind or finds someone better on
Vulcan? They try to tell you that it doesn’t hurt—that the emptiness of a broken bond doesn’t
linger. They lie. I ache with it and I cannot imagine that ache doubled on me again.”
Spock looked at Stonn who was staring at the floor, his eyes dark. “Stonn?”
“It is the same—emptiness in a place that has been filled since I was seven years old. The
healer said it would fade.” He cleared his throat. “It has been nearly seven months for me and
I still feel it—as if it is an open wound in my body.”
Jim shifted, horror drifting through his mind as he imagined such a pain living in his mind
and then glanced out the double doors leading to the small private garden on the embassy
grounds. “Stonn, you should take T’Sar for a walk in the garden to help her calm down. Spock
and I will stay here and distract Elder T’Pau should she return.”
Spock cleared his throat as Stonn and T’Sar did as his bondmate instructed without a
moment’s hesitation. He waited until Stonn closed the doors to the patio and then turned to
Jim. “Are you match making?”
“Absolutely. Look how cute they are,” Jim whispered. “Now I know why Admiral Archer said
we were cute like puppies because that’s adorable. She could be perfect for him—he’s
definitely interested in her and Halanan’s emotions aren’t as projected as powerfully as
Betazoids so she probably wouldn’t overwhelm him like I do.”
“His family would probably disown him,” Spock murmured.
“I thought his wicked step-mother wanted him to marry into your clan.”
“It was her idea and that makes all the difference,” Spock frowned. “Wicked step-mother?
Does that have some cultural reference?”
“Yeah. I’ll fill you in later—it’s going to require some explanation and maybe an old vid or
two.” Jim grinned and Spock’s obvious relunctance. The Vulcan had little use for old movies.
“T’Pau is her grandmother. How is she related to you?”
“She would be my great-aunt in Human terms. My grandmother and T’Pau were sisters.”
Spock stood when the doors opened at Elder T’Pau entered. “She is just outside in the
garden.”
T’Pau lifted an eyebrow and went to the doors. She watched for a few minutes in silence and
then turned to Jim. “Your doing I suppose?”
“It’s very cute,” Jim defended. “She’s still upset and he’s feeling oddly protective and he
doesn’t know why, yet.”
“They are compatible, you think?” T’Pau lifted an eyebrow at Jim.
“I don’t know. They are interested in getting to know each other again and they have both
experienced the trauma of a broken bond. I think she could learn to trust him not to hurt her as
her last bondmate did.” Jim blushed under her scrutiny. “Trust is important.”
“Very,” T’Pau allowed. “Very well, James, you can play match maker. I will inform her
parents that further discussions on bonding will have to wait. She is still too hurt from her
broken bond to consider a new one, perhaps.”
“Isn’t that a lie?”
“Vulcans do not lie, child,” T’Pau informed him with a cool eyed look as she swept from the
room.
“I call bullshit,” Jim muttered and then grinned as he watched Stonn hesitantly break off a
small flower and offer it to T’Sar. “You’ve never given me flowers, Spock. I think I’m hurt.”
Spock scoffed as he stared at Stonn and his cousin. “I do have this reoccurring thought about
you and flower petals.” He turned to Jim. “Did you know that rose petals are a delicacy on
Vulcan?”
“No.” Jim turned to look at him. “Me and flower petals, huh?”
“You, naked and lying in white rose petals actually,” Spock admitted and looked his
bondmate over. “I tried to picture red at first—but they were too garnish against your skin.
White, however, is perfect.”
Jim blushed even as his mouth slowly dropped open. “Spock.”
Spock inclined his head. “Will Devone be disappointed that he will miss out on corrupting
Stonn?”
“Nah, he’s involved in a slightly inappropriate and steamy love affair already. That should
keep him busy at least until his parents find out about it.” Jim took a deep breath. “We should
save that flower petal thing for a special occasion.”
“Agreed,” Spock murmured.
*****
T’Pau watched T’Sar in the garden from her balcony. Her youngest son and his wife were
staring intently at their only child. “She has time.”
“We do not know what will happen due to her Halanan blood,” Salak responded. He took a
deep breath. “I am prepared to force her to accept a new bond.”
T’Pau stiffened and shook her head. “No—not if we have a choice. She would not do well in
such a circumstance. She has always been such a sensitive child.” She inclined her head
towards T’Sar and Stonn. “James seems to think that these two might find their way together if
we give them space and time to do so.”
“You take this young man’s assessment seriously?” Saran questioned.
“He is a gifted empath, Saran and at this point it cannot do any harm to let him try his hand at
match making. Let T’Sar decide if she will spend time to reacquaint herself with Stonn. I’m
sure James will have a plan.”
“He amuses you,” Saran pointed out.
“Once Stavik questioned me regarding my position on the non-Vulcans in our clan. James Kirk
is the fourth to marry into my clan and it reminded me of the moment when Sarek came before
me and told me that he wished to bond with a Human female.” T’Pau let her hand rest on the
balcony railing. “I was unimpressed at first—that is no secret. But, I agreed to meet her. She
was aesthetically pleasing—I wondered if Sarek was merely enamored with her for that
reason.”
“You did my cousin a disservice,” Salak protested.
“Amanda was brilliant but so young. Her youth concerned me but when I melded with her I
understood why Sarek was so certain that she should be his bondmate.” T’Pau paused. “After
that I could not deny his right to bond with her and it is why I have never denied anyone in
my clan the right to bond with someone of their own choice. Were it not for other concerns, I
would refuse to bond the children of our clan at such a young age.”
“And this boy James Kirk?”
“He understands what it is like not to be loved by the person who should love him most,”
T’Pau finally said. “And yet he still opened his heart and mind to Spock without a single
hesitation, much like Amanda did with Sarek. It is no easy matter being the bondmate to a
Vulcan in such times and circumstances.”
*****
Jim accepted his lunch from Spock and watched his bondmate fuss with his place setting for
nearly a full minute before he was apparently satisfied with the arrangement. Stonn and Taval
had entered the small deli shortly after them so they’d made sure to get a table for four.
Stonn sat down beside Jim and took a deep breath. “I need to ask an inappropriate and
personal question.”
Jim grinned and Spock lifted an eyebrow. “Those are my favorite kinds of questions, Stonn.
Knock yourself out.”
Stonn paused briefly and then asked, “How am I supposed to ask you my inappropriate
question if I am unconscious?”
“Knock yourself out—it means go ahead, take your best shot, ask your question. It’s a figure of
speech.”
“Humans are odd,” Stonn responded with a very small huff.
“I have always found them intriguing,” Taval admitted from his place beside Spock. “Your
question?”
“T’Sar has turned down sixteen bond offers in the last year,” Stonn began and then paused.
“Five of which were from her mother’s home world. The last was actually from my own
house—my second cousin, Saric.”
“Sixteen,” Jim repeated. “Gorgeous and picky. It’s not a bad combination. So your question?”
“How did you get Spock?”
Spock almost frowned. “I am entirely certain I was responsible for our pairing.”
Jim laughed and patted his arm. “You keep telling yourself that. It’s adorable.” He focused on
Stonn. “Really? I mean she’s beautiful and smart but she’s not exactly what many Vulcans
would consider a proper bondmate.”
Stonn blushed and looked pointedly at Spock. “I find that recent events have made me
question what I would consider to be a proper bondmate for myself.”
“You mean our bonding ceremony?” Jim questioned.
“No.” Stonn focused on his food. “Not exactly. It was an enlightening experience. There have
been many essays written on it by the participants discussing what happened and their
personal reactions to it. Elder T’Pau’s is especially powerful. On Vulcan, I was never permitted
to spend a great deal of time in Dr. Grayson’s presence. My father’s bondmate… has strong
opinions about cross species bonding.”
“What does my mother have to do…” Spock trailed off when Jim nudged him mentally.
“I want a bondmate that will value my children,” Stonn finally said. “Like your mother values
you. I know my own mother loved me—but my parents did not have an arranged union. They
were allowed to pick their each other rather than be bonded as children. He lost her and
accepted an arrangement with T’Yal. I have always believed she resented me for the fact that
my father still grieves the loss of my mother.”
Taval nodded. “There was some concern that he would follow her in death—the healers at the
time believed he survived the loss of her because of you. His parental bond kept him from
succumbing to death. Your mother was brilliant and vivid person—many grieved her loss.”
Stonn nodded and set aside his fork. “T’Sar is… interesting.”
“She’s beautiful,” Jim corrected. “And exotic to you.”
“Perhaps,” Stonn allowed. “Is that wrong?”
“Not at all but I don’t advise you telling her you think that immediately. She’ll just think
you’re interested in her because she’s attractive.”
“That would be illogical.”
“Well she’s a girl and only half-Vulcan. She’s not going to be logical—probably never. She’ll
baffle you for your years if you’re lucky,” Jim warned. “She’ll cry when she’s happy, laugh
when she’s sad, and get angry at you for no discernable reason whatsoever.”
Stonn stared. “Are you trying to talk me out of pursuing her?”
“No.” Jim laughed. “Not at all. Okay, so you’ve never dated, right? Vulcans do not date.”
“Not unless we have to,” Taval said dryly. “Then we do not enjoy it and normally do it quite
badly.”
Jim laughed. “Okay, first we need to find out about her hobbies and stuff. It might require
some less than ethical behavior since we don’t actually know any of her friends. Where does
she go to school, Spock?”
“An all female school—The Sato Academy.”
Jim smiled. “Okay. That’s good actually—no in-school competition of the male variety.
Downside is she probably has a lot of friends—and females travel in packs on Earth. It’s a little
horrifying in some circumstances. Also, the Sato Academy is mostly an arts school with a big
nod to xenolinguistics. Music, dancing, etc. She probably is fairly talented if she is studying
there. They have auditions to get into that school.” He turned to Stonn. “Play any
instruments?”
“Eight,” Stonn admitted. “But only one from Earth—the violin. My grandmother enjoys Earth
music and specifically requested that I learn to play the violin for her. I am also familiar
enough with the piano that I could… fake it as you might say.”
Jim nodded and turned to Spock. “Do you play any instruments?”
“Yes, several.” Spock inclined his head. “We can discuss that later.”
“Yeah, cool.” Jim took a deep breath and refocused on Stonn. “Okay—so you probably have
music in common with her. Even if she’s a dancer or a singer—the music will be something
you can talk about. There are some topics you should avoid, like her former bondmate and
especially your former bondmate.”
“Why especially mine?”
“She doesn’t need to get the idea that you miss her or wish she hadn’t ended your betrothal—
it’ll make T’Sar compare herself to your former bondmate which is not good. She probably has
some issues about her hybrid status and about not being Vulcan enough. Which isn’t logical,
granted but it’s true,” Jim continued. “Is Elder Stavik going to let you date?”
“It has not crossed my mind to ask,” Stonn admitted. “While I discuss my plans with him—I
do not normally seek his direct permission in the planning of my spare time.”
“If you decide to pursue T’Sar, you should discuss your intentions with Elder Stavik,” Taval
responded. “He can make things easier for you both with Elder T’Pau and your own family if
they disagree with your choice. No one is going to tell T’Pau no—and T’Sar is her
granddaughter. T’Sar’s father has suffered politically due to his marriage, far more that Sarek
ever did because he had no power off world. Sarek’s position and fame within the Federation
itself insulated him quite a bit from the fall out of taking a non-Vulcan bondmate.”
“Are you warning me?”
“No.” Taval shook his head. “I would be in no position to do so and you have options when it
comes to your career. I understand you have all but decided to study xenobiology and
medicine. You’ll receive the best education here on Earth for that field as the many different
species within the Federation would be available to you as a student. The VSA would not
serve you well when it comes to the study of other species.”
“I am aware,” Stonn admitted. “Elder Stavik has worked diligently in the last few years to
change that but it will be many years before the academy introduces curriculum to address the
apathy that has existed in the past concerning other species. Our own desire to insulate and
isolate ourselves has created an education vacuum concerning biomedicine and biomedical
ethics as well.”
“How does your Father feel about your intentions?”
“He is concerned about me being on Earth for a long period of time but he understands that
my educational needs might require it,” Stonn admitted. “We are currently reviewing
academic institutions on Earth and he will visit them before we make a choice.”
“Okay, back to T’Sar. You’re going to have to court her and don’t even think about getting
your father to go to T’Pau for a bonding before you ask her personally.”
“I cannot ask her,” Stonn responded stiffly. “It is not done that way.”
“There is a reason she hasn’t bonded with any of those other guys—it was formal and
unnatural to her. You have to make it about her and you before you ever get to the stage of
getting T’Pau in on the discussion.”
“I reluctantly agree,” Taval responded before Stonn could protest further. “She will take you
seriously if you pursue her seriously. You cannot treat her as if she is entirely Vulcan.”
“Right and more importantly she’ll think it’s romantic and that’s what a sixteen year old girl
wants—romance.”
“I am out of my depth,” Stonn admitted.
“We’ll help you,” Jim promised. “Well, I’ll help you. I don’t even think Spock realized we were
actually dating for months.”
“I assumed we were dating on the second day of our acquaintance,” Spock said dryly. “You
would have discovered that had you tried to date anyone else during that time period.”
*****
“So what does a sixteen year old boy want?” Spock questioned as he watched his bondmate
casually strip out of his shirt.
“Orgasms,” Jim said immediately. “And we aren’t normally picky about how we get them.”
He grinned and pulled off his shoes and socks.
“When will your father be home?” Spock shrugged out of his jacket and pulled his light
weight sweater over his head.
“He won’t. He sent a message earlier—we’re meeting him and Bones for dinner downtown.
But, just in case…” Jim walked to his door and locked it. “We have about three hours before
that.”
Spock pulled off his t-shirt and took a deep breath as Jim pulled off his own belt and let it drop
to the floor. “The way we behave in private is… inappropriate. You realize this?”
Jim unbuttoned his jeans and wet his bottom lip as Spock stood up from the bed. “Yeah, by
Vulcan standards it’s pretty scandalous.”
“Very,” Spock murmured. “My father would be horrified.” Spock trailed his fingers over Jim’s
ribcage and then slid his hand around as he pulled him close. “I believe I have needs that
aren’t normal for Vulcans.”
“Like what?” Jim questioned. He sucked in a deep breath as their bodies came together;
Spock’s hands were strong and so warm on his skin.
“I think about touching you all the time. I want to be touched by you. Such skin hunger is alien
to Vulcans. I have been schooled since I was a very young child to touch as little as possible
and to allow no one to touch me if it can be avoided.” Spock nuzzled against Jim’s neck as he
trailed his hands over cool Human skin. “This was true even before we bonded.”
“Humans like to be touched,” Jim whispered and sucked in a deep breath as Spock’s hands
slid into the back of his jeans to cup his ass. “I’m safe for you to touch—probably the safest
person you could ever touch. It makes sense that you would be so eager.”
“Yes, eager,” Spock agreed. He brushed his mouth over Jim’s shoulder and then bit down
briefly. “I have no shame for it.”
“Good.” Jim sucked in a breath as Spock lifted him off the floor. He wrapped his legs around
the Vulcan’s slim waist without hesitating. “I’d never want you to be ashamed of us, Spock.”
“You are my life,” Spock whispered as he laid him out on the bed. “You spoke once of
destiny—mine and yours.”
“Yeah.” Jim took a deep breath and ran his fingers down Spock’s chest. His fingers catching in
a small smattering of silky black chest hair. Jim paused briefly at the waistband of Spock’s
jeans and then he pulled at the buttons slowly. “You’re mine, Spock. I’ll never let anything or
anyone come between us.”
Spock leaned down and kissed his mouth. “Neither will I.” Then he shifted to his knees. “I
wish to…” He rubbed Jim’s thighs as he bit down on his bottom lip. “I would like to undress
you completely.”
Jim nodded. “Yeah, whatever you want.”
Spock made a soft, pleased sound and unzipped Jim’s jeans with trembling fingers. “Lift your
hips.”
Jim groaned a little but did as instructed and stretched his arms over his head as Spock tugged
his jeans and boxers off his body. He curled his hands into the wooden bars of his headboard.
“You’re so gorgeous, Spock.”
“You are the beautiful one,” Spock corrected as he tossed aside Jim’s clothes. “The first time I
saw you—I was stunned by how you affected me physically. You are the only person I have
ever wanted.”
“I love you,” Jim whispered as he spread his legs confidently and draped his lower body over
Spock’s lap. “Touch me, Spock.”
“I…” Spock’s fingers trailed slightly down Jim’s inner thighs. “I know you need the words.”
“I know how you feel about me,” Jim took a deep breath as Spock’s thumbs grazed his balls. “I
feel it. I know it.”
“I do love you,” Spock admitted roughly. “The feelings I have for you consume me—make
logic and rational thought almost impossible at times.”
Jim arched under Spock’s hands, startled by the sudden and intense pleasure as his fingers slid
over what felt like meld points in his thigh. “Oh fuck. What is that?”
Spock made a soft humming sound. “There are other ways to use neuropressure beyond
rendering someone unconscious. I learned this skill younger than most Vulcans because…” He
paused and shook his head. “The reasons can be discussed later.” He ran his thumb firmly
down the inside of his bondmate’s thigh. “I will teach you these techniques so you will
understand the full measure of a Vulcan’s ability to both give and receive physical pleasure.”
Jim shuddered and lifted his hips helplessly as Spock fingertips brushed over his cock. “Make
me come, please.”
“It is my pleasure to do so, T’hy’la.” He wrapped his hand around Jim firmly.
Jim groaned, closed his eyes, and started to rock in Spock’s lap. “Ah, Spock, that’s so perfect.
So perfect.”
“I know,” Spock admitted. “I feel it with you.”
Jim’s eyes snapped open and he smiled. “Then you should take off your pants—you’ll get
them dirty otherwise.”
“Not yet,” Spock murmured. “I do not plan to come when you do.”
Jim took a shuddering breath and then hooked one of his legs around Spock’s waist.
“Whatever you want.”
“Yes, because you are at my mercy,” Spock said, amusement weaving into his voice. He ran
his free hand down over the flat plane of Jim’s stomach. With easy strength, he held his mate
in place and watched as Jim relaxed on the bed. “Yes, like that. Relax and let me pleasure
you.”
Jim let his leg fall back to the bed as Spock worked his cock perfectly. Their eyes met and it
was instantly overwhelming—lust and love burned between them. He arched up off the bed
and came in a hot rush. “Fuck.”
“One day I will,” Spock murmured as he tentatively licked his own fingers. “I like the way you
taste.”
Jim exhaled sharply. “You don’t even know how sexy you are.”
Spock lifted his eyebrow, a smirk drifting across his mouth very briefly. “Actually, I know
exactly how sexy you think I am and your opinion is the only one that matters to me.”
Jim laughed and watched as Spock deftly finished unbuttoning his jeans and pulled his own
cock free of his boxers. “Gorgeous.” He sat up and pressed a kiss against the center of Spock’s
chest and took him in hand. “You’re already so close.”
Spock nodded and took a deep breath. “Yes, very close.”
Jim turned his head slightly and flicked his tongue against one of Spock’s rigid nipples. He
laughed when his mate shuddered against the contact. Jim did it again and then grazed it with
his teeth. Spock’s hands clenched against his back and he came all over his hand with a groan.
He stroked him carefully through his release and then let him go with a sigh.
“We’re very inappropriate,” Jim announced with a great deal of pride. “I bet we could
scandalize your entire planet.”
Spock sighed and pressed a kiss against the top of Jim’s head. “Yes, I agree.”
They settled on the bed together and Jim grabbed his own boxers off the floor to clean them
both up with. “So, tell me about the neuropressure thing.”
Spock lifted an eyebrow at the casual tone because it did not match the vibe he was getting off
his bondmate. “It was to protect me.”
“Because you’re a hybrid?” Jim questioned. “Did other kids hit you a lot, Spock?”
“Other children often provoked me and the adults outside of my clan looked the other way
until things were so physically violent they had no choice but to interfere. After the third fight,
my father began to teach me the principles of neuropressure so the fights would be more
balanced. I am a great deal stronger than you but I was weaker than my classmates—it was
relatively easy for them to overpower me. That stopped the first time I used a nerve pinch on
one of my tormentors.”
Jim wanted to laugh at that but all he felt was sad. “I want to kick all of their asses.”
“It is in the past.”
“Stonn was involved in that?”
“Stonn was ahead of me in school but his younger brother was involved. Stonn never bothered
to defend me or protect me from his brother’s open hostility. It was not his place to interfere.”
“Bullshit,” Jim muttered. “Sam would’ve never let me get away with torturing another kid. It
was wrong and horrible.”
“Stonn’s placement in his family is precarious due to the death of his birth mother. He would
have suffered himself had he protected me or any of the other hybrids that were in school with
us—including T’Sar. Her parents took her from Vulcan because she was… struck by a boy in
her class. He slapped her face and made her bleed. He said he wanted to see if her blood was
green.”
“And he got away with it?”
“No.” Spock shifted and took a deep breath. “I rendered him unconscious and T’Sar stomped
on his hand until she broke all of his fingers. We were both removed from school as a result—
her parents took her from Vulcan after that and I was educated at home by private tutors for
several months before T’Pau interfered had me returned to school to continue my formal
education. I was watched very closely after that.”
“He deserved it.”
“Purposely injuring another Vulcan’s hands is a great crime—had she been an adult she
would have been imprisoned for many years for it.”
“He still deserved it,” Jim responded evenly. “You just don’t… hit anyone like that
unprovoked. It’s abusive and wrong.”
“I do not disagree with you,” Spock said. He relaxed on the bed and pulled Jim close. “You
need a nap.”
“I do not,” Jim muttered but let his head rest on Spock’s chest. He reached out with one hand
and pulled the sheet over them both. “Not long. We have to meet, Dad.”
“Not long,” Spock agreed and ran his fingers through Jim’s hair as his bondmate drifted into
sleep easily.
A
Justice
“At this time, I would like to call James T. Kirk to the stand.”
Jim exhaled sharply and released Spock’s hand as he stood. He’d been irritated to learn that
the courtroom wasn’t to be sealed against the media. Apparently, at sixteen he didn’t have the
right to privacy as far as the Federation was concerned.
“Your Honor, the defense would request that James Kirk be required to wear a psi-collar
during his testimony.”
Jim paused and shot the defense attorney a hard look as he settled into the witness stand.
The judge raised an eyebrow at the Federation prosecutor, Erik Castor, who frowned.
“Unfortunately, your Honor, there are no legal grounds for me to protest the defense’s
request.”
“Actually,” Jim began. “Federation law prohibits the psi-collaring a Vulcan citizen against
their wishes unless they’ve proven to be a danger to themselves or others.”
“You are a citizen of Betazed,” the defense protested.
“I hold dual citizenship—Betazed and Vulcan, Mr. Laurey. You can check my Federation
citizenship records if you do not trust my word on the matter.” Jim relaxed in the chair and let
his gaze flick briefly around the room before settling on the Federation prosecutor.
“Mr. Kirk will not be asked to wear a psi-collar.” The judge shot the defense a look when
Laurey stood to protest. “That is my final word on the matter, Mr. Laurey, as a witness in this
proceeding with empathic and telepathic ability Mr. Kirk has already sworn not to touch you
or your client. That is all this court is legally allowed to ask of him considering his citizenship
status.”
The prosecutor stood and walked to stand by the witness stand. “Mr. Kirk, can you please tell
us how you came to meet Mr. Delis Brise.”
“I met Mr. Brise in the Betazed Embassy in my cousin, Ambassador Deloia’s, office. I was told
at the time that my grandmother had arranged a betrothal for me and Mr. Brise had brought a
powerful bond maker from Betazed to attend to the betrothal.” Jim took a deep breath. “I was,
for lack of a better word, horrified. Mr. Brise is much older than me and his sexual interest in
me made me so uncomfortable that I could barely stand to be in the same room with him.”
“You refused the betrothal?”
“Yes, of course, and in the process had to renounce my ties with my grandmother’s House on
Betazed. My teacher, Jaret Molia, adopted me into his house—he is the First Son of the First
House of Betazed.” Jim looked down at his hands. “Unfortunately such an advancement in my
social status on Betazed just made the arranged marriage all the more attractive to Mr. Brise
because he… attacked me the next time I saw him.”
“I realize this may be difficult but can you describe those events for the court?”
“Mr. Brise cornered me as I was attempting to leave the embassy, pushed me into a turbolift,
and administered a psi-inhibitor. He told me I would accept the bond with him and that I had
no choice but to do so. Fortunately, I stopped breathing and passed out at that point. I woke
up later in the hospital with Dr. Amanda Grayson and my Betazoid teacher, Jaret Molia.”
“Several doctors have already testified in this proceeding that not only were you clinically
dead but that your recovery from this incident borders on a medical miracle.”
Jim averted his gaze briefly. “While I was unaware of it at the time, I had a small empathic link
with someone and his support allowed me to survive when it is quite clear that I should not
have.”
“Mr. Kirk, can you describe for the court the depth of a Betazoid empathic bond?”
“It is an emotional bond that expresses itself in an intimate and highly sexual nature. Pairings
are often determined at birth on Betazed, and children are bonded genetically. In my case,
since I am only ¼ Betazoid, I was not bonded genetically with another. Genetic bonding is
only possible before psionic activity has developed. Since most Betazoids develop their psionic
abilities during puberty—bonds that take place after puberty has begun can only be
empathic.”
“Thank you, Mr. Kirk.” Castor returned to his table as the Judge told the defense they could
begin their questions.
“Mr. Kirk, are you aware that as the matron of your House on Betazed, your grandmother had
the legal authority to arrange your bonding?”
“Yes.”
“So you acknowledge that Mr. Brise was exercising his legal rights as your betrothed?”
Jim glared. “No, I do not. There is no law on Betazed that makes the mental and physical rape
of another person legal, no matter the relationship between individuals. And the betrothal had
been voided prior to Mr. Brise’s attack.”
“Did you inform anyone within the Betazed Embassy of your severe allergy to psi-inhibitors?”
“My private medical records were not their business and I can only be fortunate that I didn’t.
Otherwise Mr. Brise would have been able to pick out an inhibitor that I’m not allergic to and
the circumstances would be different.”
“You’d be bonded to Mr. Brise.”
“My Dad would likely be on trial here today for murdering Delis Brise,” Jim corrected coolly.
“This isn’t the first time you’ve accused someone of sexual misconduct, is it Mr. Kirk?” Laurey
questioned.
“Your Honor, I object!” Castor lurched to his feet. “Mr. Kirk isn’t on trial here today.”
“Sustained. The question will be stricken from the transcript.” The judge sent Laurey a
warning look but said nothing else.
Laurey paused and seemed to consider his options. “Mr. Kirk, is it not true that you have
turned down upwards of fifteen betrothal offers from your grandmother in the last year?”
“I believe the official count is seventeen if we count Mr. Brise,” Jim responded evenly. “I made
it clear to her that I would not agree to an arranged bonding but she chose to ignore my wishes
on the matter.”
“Is it not true that she was seeking to bond you due to the onset of puberty?”
“Yes.”
“Because you were putting out bonding pheromones on a level that was detrimental to both
your safety and others? On the day you were admitted to the hospital following the incident
with Mr. Brise, your medical records clearly show elevated hormones and an exaggerated
level of pheromone production. It is hardly any wonder that Mr. Brise tried to bond with you.”
“Funny that the four hundred other Betazoids in the Embassy had no problem keeping their
hands to themselves,” Jim snapped back and then took a deep breath when the judge cleared
his throat. “I was producing a large amount of hormones and pheromones during that time,
yes.”
“So much so that you garnered the attention of a group of men at the mall and you were
attacked.” Laurey consulted his PADD. “In one statement, one of the men said that he picked
you because of the way you smelled.”
Jim frowned. “I wasn’t made aware of his statement actually. My father chose to keep the
details of their trial and confinement from me and I agreed not to pay attention to the
situation. But it isn’t like a man who kidnaps children to sell as sex slaves actually needs an
excuse to kidnap someone.”
“But you can’t deny that the state of your hormone production at the time played a part in
your near abduction.”
“No, I can’t say that I can.” Jim sat back and sighed.
“Is it not true that since the incident with Mr. Brise that your adopted father arranged for your
bonding as a matter of your physical security?”
Jim blinked in surprise and his gaze flicked once to Pike before settling on Spock who had not
moved a single inch since Jim had left him. “I am bonded, yes, but the details of that bond are
not a matter of public record at this time. It is a betrothal bond.”
“A Vulcan betrothal,” Laurey clarified. “In fact, Commodore Pike arranged to bond you with
Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan’s son.”
Jim inclined his head. “Yes.”
“For your protection.”
“Because I wanted it and yes, for my protection.”
“And this betrothal bond made you a citizen of Vulcan?”
“Yes.” Jim let his hand tighten into a fist on his leg and dropped his gaze from Spock. His
bondmate had flushed a beguiling light green.
“Is your relationship with your bondmate platonic?”
Jim’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Excuse me?”
“It is a simple question, Mr. Kirk.”
“My bondmate is Vulcan, Mr. Laurey. They are a deeply traditional and proper people—such
physical interactions are reserved for marriage.”
“That is not an answer.”
“Is it the only answer you are getting,” Jim snapped.
“Your Honor, will you please instruct the witness to answer the question.”
The judge glanced between the lawyer and Jim and cleared his throat. “I believe it is time for a
recess. Mr. Kirk, I would speak with you privately in my chambers.” He paused and glanced
out into the courtroom. “We are adjourned for one hour.”
*****
Jim accepted the tea cup that the judge offered. “Thank you, sir.”
“Well, it appears that you’ve had a pretty trying year, Jim.”
Kirk nodded. “Yes, sir but it’s not been all bad. I met… well… I met Spock and he’s the best
thing I’ll know my whole life.”
“I read the transcripts from your step-father’s trial.” Henry Devearuex sighed when Jim paled.
“I am good friends with Alan Rendell, the man that prosecuted that case. He got me the
records when he found out you were going to be in my court. He wanted to… protect you as
much as he could.”
“Right.” Jim set the tea aside aware that his hand was shaking. “Right. Mr. Rendell is a good
man, sir. He tried very hard to make that entire trial as easy for me as he could, considering
the circumstances. They had me on some pretty heavy chemicals at the time; I guess they were
afraid I’d just fall to pieces.”
“I think he underestimated your strength,” Devearuex said with a small smile. “You’ve held
up well during the entire trial and I didn’t think you’d have a problem with testifying.”
“Mr. Laurey’s question is out of line, Your Honor. My bond with Spock is the most private
thing I have and for him to just throw it out there with the media… and it isn’t like I get a lot
of privacy as it is what with my father and the Kelvin and…” Jim rubbed his face with both
hands in frustration.
“So you can answer the question in here,” Henry advised. “Off the record, with me.”
Jim blushed. “Are we intimate? Yes, of course, I share mental and physical space with Spock
on a level that might be difficult for a Human to grasp but we have not engaged in sexual
intercourse.”
Henry snorted. “There is more than one way to skin that cat, Mr. Kirk.”
Jim shrugged. “We’re sixteen.”
“Right.” The judge laughed softly and then sobered. “I’ll put an end to the questions. If your
Vulcan gets any more rigid in his seat I’m afraid he might burst into a few thousand pieces.”
“They are a private people, sir and by the standards of his people he is really young.” Jim
rubbed his hands on his slacks and took a deep breath. “I regret agreeing to his presence in the
courtroom but there isn’t much I can do about that.”
“Mr. Brise is being tried for a capital offense, Mr. Kirk. If he is convicted of attempted sexual
assault of a minor on top of the attempted murder charge—he faces an off-planet prison
sentence and advanced rehabilitation. Such proceedings cannot be closed to the public by
Federation law unless the victim is under the age of fifteen.” He sighed. “But I do regret the
level of media coverage I was forced to allow. It’s not an ideal situation for anyone.”
*****
“I can call for your Dad’s air car.”
Spock glanced briefly at Pike and then shook his head. “I am well, sir.”
“I do hope there will come a day, Spock, when you can trust me with stuff like this.” Pike held
up a hand when Spock started to respond. “It is obvious that you are upset and I can’t even
fathom what that means for your current mental state.”
“Jim is upset,” Spock admitted. “Mr. Laurey’s questions make him angry and uncomfortable. I
cannot help but absorb some of my bondmate’s ire and distress in this circumstance. I am far
more upset for him than I am myself. I realized, though obviously Jim did not, that the defense
attorney might attempt to use his attractiveness and unbonded state at the time of the event in
attempt to garner sympathy and understanding from the court. The evidence is overwhelming
so there is no doubt that Brise will be convicted for his actions—but sympathy from the judge
could affect his sentencing and the location of the prison he will be confined in.”
“Right.” Pike shoved his hands into his pockets and stared out the window. As much he
wanted Delis Brise punished for what he’d done and more over what he’d attempted to do—
Chris was beginning to regret insisting the charges be filed with the Federation. It was calling
entirely too much attention to Jim as a result. He’d already had to fend off half a dozen
requests for interviews regarding the situation and he had no doubt that the ‘bonding’ news
would only be adding to the fire that had surrounded Jim since he’d come to San Francisco.
The door to the small conference room opened and Jim entered. Pike watched his son as Jim
went to lean against the window frame with Spock. He nudged the Vulcan slightly with his
shoulder and Spock obligingly shifted closer. His communicator hummed in his pocket and he
pulled it out with a small sigh. There was a message from Sarek and it was succinct. Chris
grinned before he could help himself because no matter how Amanda Grayson tried to soften
the edges of her husband—Sarek would always be just about the snarkiest son of bitch Chris
would have the privilege of knowing.
“Is everything okay?”
Pike glanced up and found that Jim had moved so that he was basically leaning on Spock
instead of the wall. It was kind of relieving how comfortable they were around him compared
to how they behaved around others. “The Vulcan Embassy has been contacted regarding a
statement on the status of your betrothal bond. Ambassador T’Pol released a statement
confirming that the two of you are bonded.”
“And my father?” Spock questioned.
“Is on his way over here,” Pike admitted.
Jim groaned. “Do you think he’s pissed?”
“Vulcans do not get pissed, Jim.”
Jim laughed softly and turned around to face Spock. “That’s a big fat lie, Spock.”
“I’m entirely certain that Surak’s teachings preclude such Human behavior,” Spock explained
seriously as he ran his fingers gently over Jim’s cheek. Pike blinked in surprise when Jim
visibly relaxed. Then Spock’s gaze lifted to his and the Vulcan lifted one eyebrow at him in
question. “My father is perhaps concerned about our welfare. Having the circumstances of our
bond made so public has clearly distressed you.”
“It’s just private.”
“I agree,” Spock admitted. “But it would have been illogical for us to believe we could keep it
to ourselves. It was a very well-attended event and many within Starfleet are aware of our
circumstances. It would have caught the attention of the media eventually.”
“Right.” Jim sighed and tucked his face against Spock’s neck.
Pike averted his gaze, unwillingly irritated by the knowledge that Spock was doing more to
sooth Jim’s distress than he’d ever been capable of. He hadn’t felt that safe and loved in
years—not since George had broken the bond between them. He sent a message to Sarek
detailing their location and then went to replicator. “Kid, you need to eat.”
Jim groaned but allowed Spock to prod him towards the table as Chris made a few selections.
“Sure. Let’s put some food on my stomach. Maybe I’ll throw up on Mr. Laurey.”
“It is a worthy goal,” Spock muttered and then straightened when both Humans looked at
him, incredulous. “Is it not my duty as your bondmate to support you in all of your efforts?”
Jim grinned and then started laughing without restraint. Pike relaxed and with a shake of his
head started putting out some food on the table.
“Spock, I found a vegetable based soup you might like. There aren’t many vegetarian options.”
“This will be suitable, sir.”
*****
Sarek paused for a moment and studied Christopher Pike leaning against the wall. The man
looked like he’d fought some great war on his own and lost. Sarek tucked his hands behind his
back as he walked to toward the Starfleet officer. “Christopher.”
Chris lifted his head and offered him a small smile but it wasn’t like the smiles he normally
gifted Sarek with. Often, the Human had a way of smiling at Sarek that reminded him of his
Amanda. At first, it had been startling and kind of discomforting but Sarek had gotten used to
the smile so it was disconcerting to find it missing on his friend’s face. “They’re eating.”
“Has something else happened?”
“Yeah, I let my own temper and need for justice get in the way of what was right for my kid!”
Chris hissed and then took a deep breath and rubbed his face. “I never once thought how
public this trial would be—the whole time I was insisting on Federation charges and basically
being a bastard to the Betazed Embassy about this whole thing. If this had been tried on
Betazed…”
“Delis Brise would have faced six months of rehabilitation and then he would have been
released to the care of his House Matron,” Sarek said bluntly. “I reviewed the laws on
Betazoid. Because it was not his intent to cause James’ death and he was unable to do exactly
what he intended to do the most they could have legally charged him with was physical
assault. No matter what they might have wanted—their laws are simply not designed to deal
with crimes such as this. There hasn’t been a murder on Betazed in a thousand years or more.
Due to the nature of their society, it is almost impossible for someone so mentally or morally
damaged to hide—they are often able to find such corruption in people when they are very
young and correct the mental defects before they are ever a danger to anyone. Delis Brise is a
rarity among Betazoids.”
Chris frowned because if that had been the results… he doubted he would have been able to
contain himself. “Okay. I still feel like I’ve made things more difficult for him.”
Sarek moved to stand beside him and stared at the wall that Chris was staring at. “It should be
said that I am perfectly capable of being the kind of… unreasonable bastard… that Humans on
this planet can only hope to be. I can provide my wife as a character reference if it is required.”
Chris grinned. “Is that your way of saying you’ve got my back, Sarek?”
“I believe that in the protection of our children we have similar goals,” Sarek allowed. “And
we are family.”
“Yeah.” Chris sighed. “Family. The kind you make for yourself is like no other, you know.”
“I do know.” Sarek checked his sleeves and inclined his head towards the door. “I suppose
they are in there being inappropriate.”
“Holding hands is inappropriate?” Chris questioned.
“Very,” Sarek admitted.
“Then yeah, they’re being scandalous.”
*****
“Your honor, if I can’t establish the full set of circumstances regarding the incident, I will be
unable to properly defend my client against the charges. He was unduly affected by Mr. Kirk’s
pheromone and hormone production during the time that they met.”
“As Mr. Kirk stated, Mr. Laurey, the four hundred other Betazoids in the embassy didn’t have
a problem keeping their hands to themselves. Surely you’re not attempting to tell this court
that your client was incapable of stopping himself from attacking a sixteen year old boy
because of mating hormones.”
“I will be able to call a witness to the stand that will testify that on Betazed, Mr. Kirk would
have been bonded for his own safety upon entering puberty.”
Devearuex sat back in his chair, clearly disgruntled and Jim knew he was going to have to give
into Laurey’s line of questioning. “Very well, but the state of Mr. Kirk’s bond is not on the
table for discussion.”
“Understood.” Laurey tugged on his suit jacket and settled in at the podium with a PADD.
“Mr. Kirk, at any time during your training at the embassy were you told by the medical staff
there that you should seek a bond to prevent unwanted interest in you from other compatible
telepathic species?”
“No, I’ve never used the medical services at the Embassy. My doctor of record is Dr. Leonard
McCoy of Starfleet.” Jim wet his bottom lip and then reached out for the water glass he’d
brought with him to the stand. He drank from the glass and then set it aside.
“So you were never told you needed a bond due to your physical maturity?”
“Not by medical staff, no.”
“By someone else?”
“Yes, my teacher and godfather, Jaret Molia mentioned to me in passing that if I were on
Betazoid that I would have bonded as soon as my psionic abilities manifested in order to
insure my physical and mental well being.”
“But you didn’t take this seriously?”
“I always take everything Jaret tells me seriously, but that didn’t mean I was prepared to run
out and bond with a stranger. Jaret himself is unbonded and hasn’t been bonded since his
genetic bondmate died when they were children. He taught me how to shield my mind to
lower the attention I receive from other telepaths. Eventually, my body would have settled
and I would have only produced bonding pheromones when it was appropriate to do so.
Many adult Betazoids function without the physical need for a bond despite its mental
benefits.”
“You don’t believe that your physical state contributed to this incident?”
“I’ve had people hit on me in ways that bordered on weird, like maybe they didn’t even mean
to do it but what happened with Mr. Brise was nothing like that. I mean, if it had been that
overwhelming for him—I can’t see how he would have had the forethought to inject me with a
psi-inhibitor so I would be helpless against his mental attack.” Jim pushed back the anger that
flitted over his bond with Spock and shot his bondmate a look that had the Vulcan averting his
gaze. Yeah, Vulcans do not get pissed, Spock. Spock flushed and looked down at his lap.
“So you don’t accept any blame?”
“I underestimated Mr. Brise and while I do feel guilty for the events for that day—it doesn’t in
any way relate to him or his current circumstances.”
Laurey paused, obviously startled. “What does it relate to, Mr. Kirk?”
“As I stated earlier, I had a small empathic link with someone that I didn’t know I had. I was
clinically dead for close to ten minutes that day and it caused the individual linked to me a
great deal of telepathic trauma. Had I known about the link I would have severed it before I
lost consciousness to prevent… that person from feeling my death psionically.” Jim looked
down at his hands. “Because I didn’t know about it and didn’t sever that link—he will carry
the pain and the trauma of my being murdered by Mr. Brise for the rest of his natural life. As
far as I’m concerned, there is nothing that you or anyone else can say that can offer an excuse
for what Delis Brise did to us that today.”
The silence in the courtroom wasn’t at all comforting and after several seconds, Laurey cleared
his throat. “I have no further questions, Your Honor.”
*****
“You did well.”
Jim grimaced. “I shouldn’t have even agreed to testify.”
“It was required so that the judge could understand the damage that was done to you as a
result of the attack,” Spock reasoned.
“I don’t even like being in the same room with him,” Jim admitted. “I felt him trying to brush
up against my shields the entire time I was testifying.”
“I noticed,” Spock admitted. “But as you said, he’s not a very talented telepath. You could
have easily defended yourself against him.”
Jim let his forehead rest on the window briefly and then turned his head to look at Sarek who
had taken his tea to a small table in the corner of the room. Pike was at the larger eating table
with a few PADDs. They were staying in the Federation court building because the Judge had
promised a verdict before the end of the day.
“You haven’t made a comment to the media about our bond, Ambassador.”
Sarek lifted an eyebrow and set aside the PADD he was reviewing. “Amanda suggested
strongly that I refrain from speaking to the media until we had a chance to speak privately.
She is concerned that I might alienate the entire planet with my response.” He glanced at Pike
when Chris snorted. “It would hardly be the first time I have… made people uncomfortable
and angry on the subject of my son. When Spock was born, the Federation sent a media liaison
to Vulcan to interview Amanda and when I refused to allow them to take video of Spock or
even still photography, it was implied that I was ashamed of my child.”
Jim blinked in surprise. “I see.”
“It was hardly the point. I also refused them the right to video or record Amanda. Their
interest in our private matters was entirely inappropriate and I told them so.”
Chris started laughing. “Oh, I remember that actually. There was talk about replacing you as an
ambassador because of it.”
“Yes,” Sarek acknowledged. “It was even more difficult when members of Amanda’s family
came forward and implied that I had forced her to choose between me and them.”
“You didn’t,” Jim said. “That’s not the kind of thing you’d do.”
“No. Amanda adored her father and I had a civilized relationship with him. When he died
however, her mother remarried and that man had little interest in aliens.” Sarek set aside his
tea. “Which is unfortunate because she has never seen her grandchild outside of a few vids.”
Jim snorted. “I bet they’d hate me twice over then.”
“Why?” Spock questioned.
“Xenophobia on that sort of level goes hand and hand with homophobia and really a bunch of
other discriminations that aren’t fit for polite conversation, Spock,” Jim murmured gently and
watched Spock’s eyebrow lift. “There are people on this planet and others in the Federation
that believe same-sex pair bonds to be amoral and corrupt. While there are Federation laws in
place to protect us specifically from violence or discrimination officially – we will encounter
people that will make no effort to hide their disgust for what we are to each other.”
“That is illogical,” Spock said stiffly.
“So is xenophobia, but you know how wide spread that can be in some parts of the
Federation,” Jim reminded and then sighed when his communicator started to buzz in his
pocket. He pulled it out and flipped through the screens. “Rob offered his sincere
congratulations on our ‘freaky alien nuptials’ and wants to throw us a party.” He flipped to
another message. “And I need a new communicator code, Dad, because Media One just sent
me a request for an interview.”
Pike nodded. “I’ll file for a new one. Forward the request to me and I’ll respond.”
“Do you think I should do an interview?”
“No, it will just increase your profile in the city and make them more interested in you. If you
continue to refuse they’ll eventually lose interest.”
Jim somehow doubted it but he nodded and forwarded the interview request to Pike and then
sent Rob a note reminding him that Vulcans don’t party which made him grin helplessly as he
did so.
“We should go camping this weekend. Get out of town for a while. The six of us—I’ll make
Bones go.”
Jim nodded. “Sounds good, Dad.” And then looked up to find Spock and Sarek
communicating non-verbally on a level he’d never seen between father and son. It was a
contest, really, to see which one of them could lift their eyebrow the furthest. Eventually, Sarek
won the eyebrow-war because Spock cleared his throat.
“Jim, what exactly is camping?”
Jim grinned and turned on the couch that he and Spock were sharing. “It’s an outdoor activity
involving tents and fires and questionable food sources. We usually do some climbing and just
hang out. It’ll be fun.”
“I hardly think so,” Spock said before he could censor himself. “Even if Vulcans had fun,
which is entirely unlikely, I do not believe fun involves survival equipment and questionable
food sources.”
“Sure it does.” Jim grinned and sighed when his communicator beeped gently in his hand. He
checked the incoming message. “Stephanie says we’re required to attend Rob’s party
celebrating our ‘freaky alien nuptials’ next weekend and she said that you look hot on the
court recordings.”
Spock flushed and averted his gaze. “She is highly inappropriate.”
“I’m telling her you said that.”
“You do that,” Spock returned peevishly and flushed an even deeper shade of green when he
looked up and found his father and Commodore Pike watching them. “What did she say
about you?”
Jim wiggled so his back was to the arm of the couch and shrugged. “I’m always gorgeous on
vid, Spock. It’s a curse being this aesthetically pleasing. Though she said I should have worn
the blue suit today when I testified because it makes my eyes all shiny and beautiful.”
“She is a disturbing female,” Spock muttered and went back to reading his PADD. “Inform her
that she will stop taking note of your clothes and your eyes or I will have no choice but to
reveal her affection for Rob in retaliation.”
Jim burst out laughing. “No way. I’m not picking a fight with her for you. Girls are vicious
when they’re crossed.”
Spock looked up from his PADD. “I am perfectly capable of rendering her unconscious.”
“I’ll tell her that,” Jim decided with a small smirk. “Yes or no on Rob’s party?”
Spock paused and considered it. “Your preference?”
“These are some of the smartest people on the planet and some of them will be in our lives for
pretty much ever, Spock. I certainly don’t expect you to be best friends forever with all of
them—I do think it is to our benefit to create and foster relationships with people like
Stephanie April. Her Dad is an Admiral in Starfleet and completely badass.” Jim paused. “It’s
just good politics.”
“Very well.” Spock went back to his PADD. “Put it on Mother’s calendar so she will know our
schedule is full for that evening, and let Rob know that I do not intend to have fun at his
party.”
Pike started laughing softly and both boys turned to look at him. Chris just held up a hand and
waved a little. “Oh, don’t mind me.”
Sarek wondered how his wife had changed him because the changes in Spock since his
bonding with James Kirk were marked and at times rather distressing if he were going to be
entirely honest with himself. He would never regret giving Amanda a child but there was a
part of him that grieved for the son who had once made every effort to be as Vulcan as
possible. At times, Sarek blamed himself for the changes that had come to his family—in
leaving Vulcan nothing would ever be the same for them and he was not entirely certain he
could tolerate it if they were. His bondmate had never been happier and Spock had a bond
that would fulfill him his whole life.
He sent the wording of his press release to Amanda and then sent it to Pike as well because he
was entirely sure it would make the Human smile and then watched out of the corner of his
eye as Pike worked on his PADD. He heard the faint hum of an incoming message and
watched Christopher lift an eyebrow as he opened a new screen. His lips twitched gently at
first and then Pike laughed aloud.
“No way is your wife letting you release this,” Chris said and shook his head. “But, I’m
forwarding it to Bones because it’s epic and he will appreciate it.”
“It is accurate.”
“Yes, and it’s even polite,” Chris said with a grin. “But it would be a bigger deal than the
current deal.”
Sarek thought that perhaps that was the point and simply raised an eyebrow at his friend. Pike
paused and then inclined his head in agreement. Sarek was perfectly willing to weather
whatever negative media attention required if it meant his son was shielded from it. Pike’s
communicator chimed and Chris sighed as he picked it up. Then he frowned.
“Is there a problem?”
“The judge is back with his decision.” Chris stood and glanced towards Jim who had stood. “It
could be good news.”
“It’s barely been two hours.”
“The charges and the circumstances are straight forward,” Spock said as he gathered up their
things and put them in the bag the two of them seemed to share.
*****
“The court finds Delis Brise guilty of attempted involuntary manslaughter and the attempted
mental and sexual assault of a minor with special circumstances. Delis Brise is to be confined
to the rehabilitation center Talis VII for a period of no less than twenty but not to exceed
twenty-five years.”
“Your Honor, Talis VII is a rehab facility for sexual predators,” Laurey protested.
Devearuex frowned. “And that is exactly what your client is, Mr. Laurey.”
Jim’s stomach clenched as Brise turned to glare at him. It was hardly the first time he’d been
looked at like that, but the boiling rage and hatred pouring off the Betazoid was sickening.
Two uniformed Federation Security officers moved between them, one was carrying a case
that most telepaths were very familiar with. Federation psi-collars were the strongest that
could be legally made and their use was strictly prohibited by anyone outside law
enforcement or Starfleet. Bones had put him in a psi-collar once when he’d first manifested his
abilities but Jim barely remembered that.
Brise shoved away from the table as soon as the case was opened and pushed his own lawyer
into the two officers in a bid to get away from it. Then he vaulted over the small wall that had
bisected the courtroom and threw himself not at Jim but at Spock. Sarek, who had stood the
moment Brise had, snatched the Betazoid easily and took him to the ground without a nerve
pinch and held him in place without effort. Brise screamed and clawed against the floor.
Jim pulled Spock further from the situation—the last thing he wanted was Brise to touch his
bondmate. They watched from a safe distance as the two security officers put the psi-collar on
the struggling Betazoid and he went limp on the floor beneath Sarek’s knee. Sarek rose
gracefully and brushed off his robes as if he hadn’t just been a total badass and tucked his
hands behind his back.
“Thank you, Ambassador, for your quick action.”
“It is a Father’s duty to protect his child,” Sarek said shortly. “Come, Spock, James,
Christopher. I believe it’s time for us to leave.”
Jim let Spock pull him along and out in the hall he leaned in close. “Your Dad used a
contraction, Spock.”
“As a child I learned to never argue with him at such times.”
Jim glanced at his Dad as they followed in Sarek’s wake through the building. People were
parting quickly—getting out of the Vulcan’s way without him saying a word. In less than three
minutes, they were in Sarek’s private air car.
“Sarek…” Chris began and then looked at Jim and Spock for support.
“Delis Brise is psychotic,” Sarek finally said. “I have never touched someone so damaged in
my life.” He paused and cleared his throat. “And I was on Tarsus in the aftermath of Kodos. I
never imagined I would find myself in contact with someone more damaged than the
survivors of that colony.”
“What can we do?” Chris questioned.
“I will go home and it would be appreciated if you would…” Sarek glanced at Spock and Jim
who were both staring. “Take care of Spock for several days.”
“I’ll take them camping,” Chris decided. “Do you need to see a Healer? I can have one
transported to your residence if you desire privacy.”
“I will speak with Healer Stopak if necessary. I will let you know.”
*****
Spock was standing by his desk, his head tilted in a way that told Jim he was doing his level
best to eavesdrop on his parents, who were in the meditation room down the hall. Jim pulled
out several pairs of jeans, a set of thermals, and light weight jacket to add to the things that
Spock had already gathered.
“Hear anything?”
Spock had the grace to blush and he lowered his gaze. “I am concerned.”
“Yeah, I’m worried, too,” Jim admitted. “But your Dad has a strong and well-disciplined
mind. He has dealt with psionic trauma in the past and he will seek a Healer if he can’t handle
it on his own.”
“He has already requested a Healer from the embassy and he’s asked Mother to contact Jaret.”
Spock took a deep breath. “I do not want to leave them in this circumstance.”
“I think he wants some distance from you, Spock, so he doesn’t bleed over onto you through
his parental link with you. He’s just trying to protect you.”
“I…” Spock’s reserve fell away abruptly and he frowned. “I do not need to be sheltered from
everything.”
“Hey.” Jim paused in his efforts to fold Spock’s clothes and went to him. “Spock.”
“All of you treat me as if I’m child.”
Jim bit down on his lip. “I do not. Trust me on that front. I don’t think of you like you’re a
child and I’d never treat you one. I do believe that you’ve lead a very sheltered existence and
that’s the way of Vulcans. In fact, you were the youngest Vulcan I’d ever met before. Most
Vulcans never leave your homeworld and those that do are usually in their 50’s when they
finally do. Now, your parents may treat you like a child sometimes and frankly they probably
always will. It’s what parents do.”
“You attempt to keep things from me,” Spock pointed out. “Things you believe I’m too
innocent for.”
“Yeah,” Jim said and sighed. He ran his fingers through his hair. “Look, Spock, there is a lot of
ugly in the universe and if I had my way none of it would ever touch you. Even though you
don’t admit it—you see beauty in everything. I don’t want that to change for you.”
Spock sighed. “That is illogical.”
“Right.” Jim smiled then and leaned forward. He tilted his head slightly and brushed his
mouth against Spock’s gently. “I’ll work on it and maybe I’ll conquer it right around the time
you get a handle on that thing you do.”
“What thing?”
“Judging people who find me attractive and finding them unsatisfactory,” Jim offered with a
breezy smile.
*****
“Camping,” Bones muttered as he shouldered the pack Chris had handed him shortly before
they’d beamed to the middle of goddamned nowhere.
Chris laughed. “You don’t like space, you don’t like the ocean, and you don’t like the
outdoors. Christ, Bones, you can’t spend your entire life in a nice clean infirmary.”
“I could!” McCoy said and frowned at Pike as he checked the packs that Spock and Jim had
put on. “I really could but certain people seem to think I need to be exposed to things like
dirt.” He kicked at some leaves at his feet. “And dead leaves.”
Spock and Jim were ahead of them on the trail and it was interesting watching them, Bones
admitted to himself. Since the two teenagers had bonded, there was a certain peace in being
around them that he’d never experienced before. Spock’s fingers were drifting through the
leaves of a small tree and McCoy sighed. He hated to ruin the kid’s fun but he couldn’t allow
the indiscriminate touching of nature.
“Spock.”
The Vulcan turned and looked at him. “Yes, Dr. McCoy?”
“Some of the plants could give you a rash or make you sick. You shouldn’t fondle them.”
Spock snatched his hand back and inspected his fingers briefly before pulling out a pair of
leather gloves and sliding them onto his hands. “Thank you, Doctor.”
Jim laughed. “Don’t mind him, Spock; Bones thinks all of nature is out to get him.”
“It is!” Bones insisted. “Remember what happened the last time the two of you made me go
camping?”
“You had a great time!” Pike said with a cheerful smile. “Until you fell in a hole because
you’re clumsy.”
“I’m not clumsy,” Bones glared at him and sighed when Pike just grinned brightly. It was that
grin that had gotten him into his current situation in the first place. He could hardly deny his
lover a thing when Chris smiled at him like that. It made him feel stupid and warm on the
inside.
*****
Sarek watched Jaret Molia prowl around his study, aware that what he’d revealed about Delis
Brise had made the Betazoid furious. “What will you do?”
Jaret frowned and took a deep breath. “I don’t know, Sarek. Legally, he’s in Federation
Security custody for the next twenty years. He’ll wear a psionic collar the entire time and
rehab on the level he requires is… more than the mental health system on Betazed has ever
had to deal with.”
“I have no doubts that once he is released he will attempt to kill my son,” Sarek murmured.
“You have to know that I will be there the day they let him go free and I will take measures to
insure the safety of my child.”
Jaret blew out a breath. “And won’t that be great for political relations between our two
planets?”
“I could resolve the matter now,” Sarek offered. “You realize how easy it would be me for to
get access to him.”
“For the sake of your family, I would ask you not to,” Jaret murmured.
Sarek focused on his tea before glancing from Healer Stopak to the Vulcan that had come with
Jaret. “It is has been many years since we spoke, Taval. I understand your research posting
with the VSA expired last month and you have yet to request a new assignment.”
Taval inclined his head towards Jaret. “I am here to attend a seminar at Starfleet but have
made no other plans for the future at this time.”
Sarek took the gesture for what it was and nodded. “There is a position at the embassy that
might interest you. The Secretary for Scientific Exploration for the Federation has requested
that each embassy within the Federation supply a liaison for the sharing of scientific
information.”
Taval raised one eyebrow. “I will speak with T’Pol about the posting.” He set aside his tea. “As
to the other matter, perhaps the Betazed Embassy could request that Delis Brise be examined
by one of their own healers for mental defects. The Federation judge may then agree to
transfer him to a facility that could deal with his mental issues.”
“I’ll try,” Jaret murmured and took a deep breath. “I almost went to see him before the trial
but I was very angry and I worried that I might do something I’d regret later. I should’ve gone
so we would’ve known about his fixation on Spock.”
“He blames Spock for Jim’s refusal,” Sarek murmured. “He is not mistaken in that
circumstance. Very few people have even existed for James Kirk since he met my son.”
Jaret snorted softly. “That is an understatement. He wrapped his whole world around Spock
from minute one. I was worried at first but then after I met your son—I wasn’t so worried
because it was mutual. Their affinity for one another and mental compatibility was stunning
from the very beginning.”
“As is the way of t’hy’la,” Stopak murmured. “I received a request from the Vulcan Science
Academy. They want access to Spock’s psionic readings before and after the bonding.”
Sarek had received a similar request. “I have not had the opportunity to discuss the matter
with Spock. I will not authorize the release of his records concerning his mental abilities
without his consent, Stopak.”
“I would not ask it of you,” Stopak returned. “I have already declined to supply the records. It
is my duty to him to protect his privacy as much as possible regarding his bond.”
“You should encourage them to give a little on this subject,” Jaret offered from his place by the
large window in the room, and shrugged when all three Vulcans turned to look at him. “I
realize, better than anyone in this room, how much Jim values his mental privacy. I’ve
struggled with him and his gifts for several years. In some circumstances, I’ve had to invent
new methods of teaching skills to him because of how much he limits my access to his mind.
As far as I know, the only person to ever have unfettered access to his mind besides Spock is
T’Pau. All of that being said, if they don’t give the VSA a little bit of information, it could
create situations for them in the future that could be dangerous.”
“Are you implying that someone within the VSA might be a threat to my son?” Sarek
questioned, his gaze narrowing slightly.
Jaret looked at Sarek in silence for a full minute and his black eyes darkened with humor. “I
believe one of the reasons there has always been so much tension between our two peoples,
Sarek, is that you can’t fool us into believing you’re in full control of your emotions. Many of
you would have everyone in the Federation believe you have no emotions at all no matter how
untrue it may be. I would say that there is no species more dangerous in the Federation than
Vulcans. Pre-reform Vulcan must have been a sight to behold.”
“Your point?” Taval questioned abruptly.
“That your people know as much about love, hate, jealousy, anger, and fear as any other
species in the Federation. Jim and Spock’s refusal to release information regarding their bond
can and probably will lead to animosity. And that kind of ill will can lead to very difficult and
dangerous situations.”
Sarek found he could not disagree with the Betazoid and that made him uncomfortable. “I will
have Amanda discuss it with them.”
“Why not you?” Taval questioned.
“Spock’s desire for my approval has often caused him to do things that were detrimental to his
own welfare. I believe my son has suffered enough in his life trying to please me.”
*****
“This entire park is situated in a volcano.”
Jim grinned at Spock. “Is that a complaint?”
Spock shook his head. “No, it is an observation.” He glanced out over the camp area they’d
chosen and watched Pike and McCoy set up a second tent. “Can we go for a walk?”
“Yeah, let’s do that.” Jim dropped a bundle of sticks in the pile he’d been building and dusted
his hands off on his jeans. “Hey, Dad! I’m going to take Spock up the ridge and show him the
lake.”
“Yeah, no problem, kid. No skinny dipping—it’s too late in the day.”
Jim grinned. “I appreciate your faith in me, Dad, but I’m not even sure I could get Spock to get
naked in the middle of a national park.”
Spock flushed and sighed as Jim grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the camp. “What is
skinny dipping?”
“Naked swimming,” Jim replied blithely as he curled their fingers together. “In a pool or a
lake or whatever.”
“Have you ever…”
“Well, not since I was like ten or eleven years old. The first time Dad brought me here for
camping, I stripped off all of my clothes the first chance I got and jumped in that lake.”
“That is unseemly,” Spock said softly.
“Yeah, totally. It was a great time.” Jim sighed. “Why don’t you contact your mom and see if
she’ll update you on your dad’s condition?”
Spock pulled his communicator out of his pocket without a second thought and sent his
mother a message with a few deft movements of his thumb. “Did you know that Delis Brise
was mentally defective?”
“I knew that to do what he did he had to be,” Jim said and frowned. “Betazoids don’t usually
go off the deep end like that and what he did in the courtroom—trying to attack you said a lot
about his mental state. I’ve done my level best not to touch his mind since the day he attacked
me. But before the attack, all I really got off him was anger and frustration and a sickening
amount of ambition. He was blackmailing my grandmother, but I don’t know what he had on
her to make her to agree to the betrothal. When I was with her—she hid the information really
deeply and I didn’t press for it.”
“It must be difficult to keep secrets on a planet like Betazed.”
“Yes, but not impossible and my grandmother is an incredibly gifted telepath.” Jim sighed. “I
don’t think she realized how damaged Brise was nor what he was capable of. I want to think
she wouldn’t have agreed to the betrothal if she’d known that.”
“She had to know you would refuse.”
“Yes, I believe she did. It allowed her to make a good faith effort, I guess. She’s a political
creature and her reputation has always been very important to her. I imagine Brise knows
about some personal indiscretion on her part and threatened to expose her.”
“Personal indiscretion?”
“Sexual affair, maybe.” Jim shrugged as they moved down the path and towards a large blue
lake. “Gorgeous, isn’t it?”
Spock glanced out over the water. “It reminds me of your eyes.”
Jim grinned. “So beautiful and amazing?”
“Your ego is a danger to the Universe,” Spock said and then lifted one eyebrow when Jim only
laughed. “But, yes, beautiful.” He touched Jim’s face and then brought him close with a gentle
pull until they could kiss.
Jim sighed against his mouth and one of his hands drifted to rest on Spock’s hip as their
mouths parted. “I love your mouth on mine.”
“I enjoy this Human gesture of affection,” Spock offered seriously as he sought another kiss.
“You’re very good at it,” Jim murmured and tilted his head as Spock trailed a series of kisses
along his jaw. “Just awesome.”
*****
Sarek lifted his gaze to his office doorway and raised an eyebrow at his wife who had a
communicator in one hand. She leaned on the doorframe and stared at him before inputting
some message and closing the device. “Wife?”
“Spock inquired about your health. He is concerned.” Amanda’s gaze drifted around the
room, lighting on the men briefly in turn before settling on Jaret. “I’m making hot chocolate
downstairs if you’d like some.”
Jaret’s eyes sort of glazed over briefly and then he sighed. “With the real melted chocolate
from the southern continent?”
“Of course, I had a local grocer procure some last week.” Amanda slid her communicator into
the pocket of her sundress and smiled. “You’ll have to come downstairs to drink it—it’s so
potent I’m not sure you should drink it in the same room with these three.”
Jaret stood up and smiled. “That sounds great. Are there cookies? Because I thought I smelled
peanut butter cookies.”
“There are cookies,” Amanda assured. “Husband, I will serve dinner in two hours.”
“Yes, Wife.”
*****
Pike flicked the stone in his hand and watched it skip out across the lake. “I owe you an
apology, kid.”
Jim glanced at him and swished the fishing pole he’d been press-ganged into holding. Bones
and Spock had stayed at the camp when his Dad had asked him to go to the lake with him.
“No, you don’t.”
“Yeah, I do. I was so angry over what happened when I demanded that Brise be tried in a
Federation court that it never even crossed my mind how much it would expose you to the
public. I feel like a complete asshole.”
Jim laughed softly. “Dad, come on. You can’t think I would’ve been happy if he’d ended up
back on Betazed in some vacation rehabilitation center. I mean, it isn’t like the Betazoids have a
genuine prison system. I didn’t like the media attention or the discussion of my bond in public,
but it could have been a great deal worse and at least justice was served.” He flicked the
fishing rod again. “I’m never going to catch anything for dinner if you keep skipping rocks.”
Pike laughed. “Between Bones and Spock, we wouldn’t get to eat whatever you catch anyway.
Bones would insist on analyzing it for safety and Spock would be all Vulcany about eating it.”
Jim grinned. “It’s so cute when he pretends he isn’t horrified by all the meat I eat.”
Chris sighed. “So, I hope I can trust the two of you to share a tent tonight.”
“I’d never do anything to embarrass Spock,” Jim said primly and then ruined it by grinning.
“No, seriously, I don’t know what you think happens between us but our bond is largely
platonic. I’m not saying we aren’t physically intimate but there is a line we draw because we
agree some things should be for after we’re married. We’re very careful with one another on
the physical front.”
“And on the mental front?” Pike asked dryly.
“He rocks my world,” Jim admitted earnestly and only laughed when his Dad groaned in
distress.
*****
“Are you warm enough?”
“Between the thermals and the portable heater, I am comfortable.” Spock finished arranging
their joined sleeping bags on the inflatable mattress. “Conditions aren’t as primitive as I
believed they would be when you described where we’d be sleeping.”
Jim grinned. “Dad asked if he could trust us alone in this tent all night.”
“There is nothing we could not do in this tent at night that we could not do during the day
when our parents are occupied with their professional concerns.”
Jim laughed. “Right.”
Spock slid into the sleeping bag and pulled Jim close as soon as he moved in beside him and
zipped the bag shut. “You’re still upset about the questions you were asked about our bond.”
Jim sighed and turned so that he was on his back. “If an adult would ask me that question in a
courtroom, I don’t even want to know what the kids will ask us at school. It’s such a violation
of privacy, that’s all.”
“What we are to each other is nothing to be ashamed of,” Spock murmured.
“I could never be ashamed of you,” Jim whispered and touched his face gently—the tips of his
fingers grazing several meld points in the process. He watched Spock’s eyes darken almost
black at the gesture and then he rubbed his thumb over the Vulcan’s bottom lip. “Not ever.
You’re all I ever needed and I didn’t even know it until I met you.”
“Vulcans do not believe in luck,” Spock began and carefully brushed Jim’s hair from his
forehead. “But when I look at you, I am forced to admit there is no other way to explain how
fortunate I am to know you and to have you in my life as you are—forever my friend and
lover.”
“Always,” Jim agreed.
A
Havoc
No one spared them a glance as Sarek and Christopher Pike moved through the maze of
hallways and turbolifts that made up Starfleet Medical. Pike was out of uniform and the
Vulcan Ambassador was dressed as casually any one could ever have the right to expect—his
outer robe was quite plain and somewhat thin but still provided him a much-needed buffer
against the cooler temperatures Humans needed to maintain optimal levels of performance.
They were both common place in the facility, especially on Friday evenings when they were
often forced to bodily retrieve Leonard McCoy from his office and escort him across town to sit
down at Amanda Grayson’s table like a civilized person.
Sarek found the ritual of it all soothing in its normalcy. Leonard would complain quite loudly
while he gathered himself and closed his office for the day and then they would take the car
Starfleet kept on hand for the Commodore across the city to Sarek’s residence where Amanda
waited. Pike had jokingly referred to her as the woman in his life and Sarek supposed it was
true. Amanda apparently had no problems asserting her authority over all of them at any
given time.
He checked his communicator when it hummed and reviewed the text message from Spock
confirming that they had arrived at the embassy in the family’s private air car to pick up
Amanda from a meeting that had run long. He’d sent his son and his son’s bondmate along to
collect his wife because he was quite uncomfortable with the thought of his wife on public
transport of any kind. His wife was a strong person but she was quite small and very attractive
and if he allowed himself he would worry for her physical safety 98.56% of his day.
“What are you thinking?” Pike asked with a small grin. “You look disgruntled.”
“I do not,” Sarek returned without even looking at his friend. “I was thinking perhaps that I
should have bonded with a less attractive woman.”
“Right.” Pike nodded and tucked his hands behind his back. “I can see how marrying a
beautiful, intelligent woman could depress a man.”
“I spend a large amount of time concerned for her physical welfare when she is not with me.
Especially since we returned to Earth.”
“Ah.” Pike nodded as the turbolift opened. “I see. Is that why you sent Jim and Spock to
collect her?”
“My wife should not use public transport,” Sarek said as he followed Pike out of the turbolift.
Pike nodded. “I can’t disagree with that. We’d probably have to retrieve her regularly from
Federation Security if she did. She’s quite feisty when she’s irritated.”
Sarek started to respond and then stumbled under the weight of so much mental pain and
shock that he shouted out an inarticulate sound and barely acknowledged Chris grabbing a
hold of him. “Amanda.”
*****
Jim rolled over onto his stomach and pushed himself upright despite the pain drifting fierce
and hot over his body. He reached out for Spock as soon as he was steady on his knees and
found his bondmate struggling to stand up. “Easy there.”
“What?” Spock’s voice was tinged with shock. “What has happened?”
“Some kind of explosion,” Jim said as they both struggled to their feet. He looked around for
Stonn whom they’d only just parted with in the lobby but the man wasn’t visible. The front
part of the building had caved in completely and the curve of stairs leading up to the rest of
the embassy was swaying slightly. “I hope Stonn was out the door before…” He trailed off and
rubbed dust from his face and eyes.
“Mother.” Spock turned and started towards the stairs.
“Wait.” Jim reached out and grabbed Spock’s arm. “We should use the emergency stairs in the
back of the building. I don’t think those will support both of us.”
Spock nodded and fumbled for his communicator with trembling hands. “My father. I should
contact…” He frowned. “It is no longer functional.”
Jim pulled out his and shook his head. “We might be able to fix one of them by cannibalizing
parts between the two. But first we need to get away from the damage before the ceiling comes
down on us some more. It looks like whatever exploded took out the east wing of the building
and part of the entrance. Mother is with Ambassador T’Pol?”
“Yes, she was meeting with a man regarding his daughter, a Human-Vulcan hybrid like me.
They should be on the tenth floor…” Spock swallowed hard. “T’Pol’s office is in the east
wing.”
Jim closed his eyes and Spock stumbled as his bondmate let lose his mind in a way he rarely
ever did. Through their bond—he felt Jim reaching out and connecting with his mother’s mind
easily.
“She’s injured,” Jim admitted roughly as they moved through the rubble and started to climb
over a large pile of granite that had once been part of the front entrance of the embassy. “But
she’s not mortally wounded—I think she broke her ankle. T’Pol is unconscious and your
mother is very concerned about someone else in the room. I can’t tell. She’s very disoriented
and there is a heavy weight on her mind.”
“My father?”
“I can’t tell,” Jim admitted ruefully. “Normally your father has a very sophisticated touch but I
can see how the circumstances might make him a little more blunt in his desire to connect with
his bondmate. Are you getting anything from him?”
“Confusion, anger,” Spock admitted roughly as they started to pull building material away
from the door leading to the emergency stairs. “Worried. He’s worried about us both and
especially my mother. Something is very wrong.”
*****
Amanda curled her fingers around T’Pol’s wrist, taking comfort in the rush of blood she felt
moving under her friend’s skin. The older woman appeared close to her own age but she knew
she was nearly one hundred years old. Spry and quite young by Vulcan standards but still
having a building fall on her wasn’t ideal.
The child was clutching desperately at her—no longer crying but numb against the emotional
trauma of losing her only parent. Amanda felt her presence deep in her mind where she’d only
ever felt her husband and wondered what the toddler had done to create the connection. It
wasn’t like the bond she shared with her husband—it was lighter, tinged with desperation,
and the fear of rejection. Her father had called her Mara though Amanda knew her name was
actually T’Mara—a proper Vulcan name for a half-Human child.
The urgent press of Sarek’s mind against her own offered no comfort. The weight of Mara’s
mind was pushing everything else away. She didn’t think the child was trying to break her
bond with Sarek but instead was endeavoring to protect the small, fledging link she’d
burrowed into Amanda’s mind with. Amanda ran her free hand through Mara’s curly black
hair and closed her eyes briefly as Jim’s mind rushed over hers again. He’d done it several
times since the explosion happened.
She knew that he and Spock were coming to her. It worried her—they should have been trying
to get out of the building, not digging in deeper. It was dangerous. It was stupid. It was
decidedly Human. In other circumstances she might have been pleased with her son’s actions.
As it stood—she was going to lecture them both quite severely once they were all safe.
*****
The activity outside the Vulcan Embassy was fever pitched. Medical personnel, combat
engineers, and basically everyone Starfleet had available to throw at the problem were
beaming in as fast as people were being beamed out. Parts of the building were shielded
against beaming in or out but the engineers were working a plan to start digging into the
building for survivors. They’d picked out life signs, and beamed out anyone they could within
twenty minutes of their arrival.
“Scotty, talk to me!”
Lt. Scott looked up from the portable transporter system he’d beamed down from
the Yorktown with and frowned. The system was used for mining operations and he was
preparing it to beam out wreckage so they could get the combat engineers into the building.
“I’m workin’ as fast as I can, Commodore. We’ve sent in forty surveillance bots to do a survey
so we can determine where I can start using the transporter to dig a hole since the shields are
interfering with sensor data. Gotta be careful, if I pull from the wrong place I could bring this
whole building down. Scans are already coming in—Brandt over there is working on a
building schematic.”
“What did this?”
“No question, sir.” Scott glanced at Sarek who had been Pike’s silent shadow since they’d
arrived on the scene ten minutes before. “Bomb. Definitely a bomb. O’Hare is pulling out
samples and he’s found some component pieces in the wreckage outside the building already.
Doesn’t look all that sophisticated but he’ll be a better one to ask about it.”
Pike nodded and glanced over at McCoy who was running a triage center. It had taken them
nearly a full hour to clear out an area around the building to work—parts of the building had
blown outward, killing people on the street and destroying enough of the street to cause
problems with rescue efforts. The ships in orbit had already coordinated their efforts and
beamed out everyone that could be beamed out. There were twenty-six people behind the
embassy’s shields that could not be beamed out and the emergency systems were damaged to
the point where no one could provide an override code.
They both went back to the science station where the life signs were being monitored. “Any
changes, Commander Beck?”
“Yes, sir.” He pointed towards the screen he was using to monitor the whole building. “The
two life signs I was telling you about earlier—they are still moving upward towards the
Ambassadors suite of the embassy. Neither appear to be impeded by serious injury.”
Pike glared at the two little dots on the screen. “Anyone else moving?”
“No, sir. Life signs are steady and people are injured—some pretty badly but everyone else is
trapped where they are,” Beck explained. “I believe they are heading here.” He moved the
screen around to show a room with three life signs in it. “These are the only life signs in
direction they are heading. There is another body in this room—the person must have died in
the explosion. The three remaining are various stages of injury. I’m dealing with a lot of
interference so I don’t know for certain how bad off they are but no one left in the building
alive appears to be in mortal peril due to injury. That’s all we can know until those shields are
disabled.” He pointed at the life signs. “Too bad we can’t talk with these two—they could help
with that. They are only about a hundred yards from the shield generator.”
Pike frowned deeply and turned to look at Sarek who was staring at the screen like a man
dying of thirst. “Any chance those two moving life signs are our children?”
Sarek inclined his heads. “500 to 1 in favor.”
“Can you talk to Spock?”
“No.” Sarek shook his head. “I know my son is in basic good health and that is very worried
about his mother. If Jim were injured or damaged—I would sense worry for him as well but I
don’t. Hence, they must be together and in good condition.”
“Right.” Pike took a deep breath and turned to the scene at large. He spotted Jaret and
Ambassador Deloia just beyond the barricade and stalked towards them without another
word. “Jaret.” He pulled the two Betazoids around the physical barricade and shot the
Federation security a hard look when they started to protest. “Jim is in there.”
Jaret closed his eyes briefly. “I didn’t believe him to be hurt. I figured he would be on the scene
with you so we came down to lend assistance but Federation Security hasn’t been willing to
listen to us regarding that.”
“It was a bomb,” Pike said shortly. “No one outside of Starfleet personnel are authorized to be
back here.” He pulled Jaret over to Beck’s station. “Commander Beck explain to Jaret what you
need Jim and Spock to do. He’s going to contact my son and relay the information.”
“Your son?” Beck glanced at the two life signs on his screen. “He’s in high school, right?”
“He would already be in Starfleet Academy if I would allow it,” Pike snapped. “He’s a big
damn genius, Commander. He knows Federation Security systems and his bondmate knows
Vulcan systems. Since the embassy is using Federation equipment but probably in Vulcan
instead of Standard—I can’t imagine having any one else in place who could do a better job.”
“Right.” Beck nodded and grabbed Jaret’s arm. “Ambassador Sarek, we’re going to need your
override code. If they can input it directly…”
*****
Jim stumbled and fell into the wall shortly after Spock bodily hauled him over six missing
steps. “Wow.”
“Jim?”
“Jaret.” Jim rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes. “Give me a second.”
Spock kept his hands on Jim to steady him and waited patiently during the telepathic contact.
He was getting vague impressions from the conversation and it was rather alarming.
Confirmation of a bomb came first because Jim refused to not have an answer to that question.
When he understood the gist of what was happening in his bondmate’s head, he grasped Jim’s
elbow and guided him up the stairs and towards the room that held the shield generator.
At the door, Jim broke contact with Jaret abruptly and took a harsh breath. “Not good.”
“Indeed.”
“I need to do that more often—telepathic contact shouldn’t exhaust me mentally like that.” Jim
rubbed his forehead, wincing at the pull of bruised skin and muscle across his back. He felt
like he’d been a fight and it had been more than a year since he’d brawled with someone. Pike
hadn’t found that behavior acceptable and the fourth fight Jim started in San Francisco had
been his last. He never wanted the man that mad at him again, ever.
“Your Dad is outside,” Jim admitted. “So is mine. I gather from Jaret they probably aren’t
thrilled with us for moving into the shielded area so we couldn’t be beamed out.” Spock
cheeks darkened. “Right, not very logical.”
“Mother is hurt and trapped.”
And that was all Spock had to say about it. Jim figured that everyone was about to get a lesson
in just how logical Spock was capable of being and how damned annoying that logic could be
when it was turned on them. He doubted even Sarek was truly prepared for his son despite
the changes in their lives since moving to Earth.
They used Sarek’s code to open the secure door leading to the field generator but Spock
prevented Jim from entering. “Is that…” Jim exhaled sharply. “Seriously?”
“While I’ve never actually viewed a bomb,” Spock began, his tone cool and neutral. “I believe
we can logically deduce that the device attached to the generator is, in fact, a bomb.”
“A bomb that didn’t go off when the other one did,” Jim murmured. “That means it’s probably
still live and unstable. We have… to get your mom.”
They turned together and started back up the stairs while Jim sent a series of urgent ‘oh fuck!’
messages to Jaret that had Federation Security people scrambling into the rubble and
transporting into the crumbling lobby in under a minute.
*****
Amanda had managed to sit up, difficult when she had roughly forty pounds of dead weight
clutching at her. She had vague memories of being astonished by the weight of her deceptively
slender child when Spock had started to walk. T’Mara was proving to be much the same.
“Are you damaged?”
Amanda turned her head and looked at T’Pol with relief. “Less than you. I think my ankle is
broken.”
T’Pol shifted slowly and forced herself to rearrange herself into a sitting position. “The child’s
father?”
“Dead.” Amanda looked towards what she could see of Orland Franks and sighed. “And I
have a problem.”
T’Pol nodded. “Yes, I see. Has she established a link with you?”
“Yes,” Amanda shifted the child carefully, concerned that she had injuries she could not see. “I
was unconscious and I believe Sarek was compromised by the violence and the deaths—I
don’t know how many are dead.”
“There were nearly two hundred individuals in the embassy today,” T’Pol said. “I am injured
but none of my injuries are mortal unless rescue is significantly delayed.”
“Can you stand?”
“No. My leg is broken,” T’Pol admitted. “I am also bleeding internally and I’m…” She took a
deep breath. “Emotionally compromised. I cannot enter a healing trance in my current state.”
Amanda grimaced but nodded. “It was an explosion.”
“Yes.” T’Pol agreed. “An explosive was detonated. This portion of the embassy has shields but
they were obviously damaged.”
“Is that why we haven’t been beamed out?” Amanda scooted around to stare at her friend.
“They can’t override it?”
“The systems must have suffered significant damage,” T’Pol explained and lifted an eyebrow.
“As you might expect, if it were possible Sarek would have already retrieved you.”
She blushed and nodded. “He is concerned. I can feel it.”
“I’m sure concerned hardly covers it,” T’Pol admitted roughly. “Sarek’s position on your
continued well-being is quite well known. He once threatened to murder a member of the
High Command when he insulted you for being Human.”
“Oh, he did not,” Amanda protested.
“I believe his exact words were—Speak of my wife in such a way again, Selack, and we will ascertain
between the two of us exactly how uncivilized my Human wife has made me.”
Amanda’s mouth dropped open. “T’Pol.”
“T’Pau had to dismiss the meeting and mediate for several hours.” T’Pol paused and then
continued. “I believe to this day that is the closest she’s ever come to actually laughing at least
as an adult. Selack was soon replaced on the Council.”
Amanda patted T’Mara’s back as she considered that. She remembered Selack being replaced
on the High Command council but most had said it was because of his political leanings.
“Sarek never said.”
“I am quite certain that Sarek has on many occasions made mortal enemies while defending
your honor. It is as if he meant to make a hobby of it.” T’Pol finished shifting and leaned
against the wall beside Amanda with a sharp exhale.
“Vulcans do not have hobbies,” Amanda reminded her and then grinned when T’Pol lifted an
eyebrow. “They have interests that fall outside traditional academic pursuits.”
T’Pol snorted and Amanda laughed, genuine and relieved. She relaxed against the wall and
trailed her fingers through T’Mara’s curls. “She’s unconscious.”
“Psychological shock,” T’Pol said. “It’s for the best that she remain unconscious until we can
determine how best to help her and sever the link she’s made with you.”
Amanda tensed and glared briefly at her friend. “Sever the link?”
“She’ll form a full parental bond with you if we do not.”
Amanda’s stomach tightened at the thought of having something she’d long been denied, even
if it wasn’t with her own son. “And if I want to keep her? Her father is dead… he said he had
no family to help him.”
“Her mother’s clan…”
“Disowned her mother!” Amanda snapped and then took a deep breath. “She deserves better
than to be raised in a such a horrible circumstance—looked down upon and treated poorly
because of the choices her parents made.”
“I do not disagree with your assessment,” T’Pol began. “What if Sarek doesn’t agree?”
“I bonded with one of the most powerful and wealthy men on Vulcan,” Amanda said softly.
“He’s denied me nothing since the day we married. He’ll not deny me this.”
“I…” T’Pol paused and inclined her head. “I agree.”
“Good.” Amanda patted the child’s back and nodded to herself as if it were already
completely settled. “I’ve already proven myself to be an excellent mother.”
“You have.” T’Pol nodded. “No one could offer a single logical argument to the contrary.”
*****
Chris had wanted to argue with Sarek about transporting into the building but one look at the
man’s face had dissuaded him of that notion. Pike had no intention of staying on the outside
so he couldn’t begrudge his friend the right to search for his wife and son. Contrary to Jaret’s
insistence, Jim and Spock were still climbing and still moving towards Amanda Grayson
despite the fact that they’d reported an undetonated bomb in the building.
The stairs were in horrible shape, large sections had broken away but it didn’t stop Sarek and
Chris wasn’t going to let it stop him.
“The shield generator is on the sixth floor,” Sarek said over his shoulder as he grasped a
railing and pulled himself over the missing stairs. He offered Pike his hand without hesitation
and hauled the Starfleet man over the gap easily. “Amanda and Ambassador T’Pol should be
on the tenth floor.”
“As much as I would like to go up after them, I think our best bet is to evaluate the device on
the shield and see if we can’t figure out how to get it out of here.”
“Agreed.” Sarek paused and focused entirely on Pike. “I did not want to discuss this in front
of the others—but if the weapon detonates it will make a sizeable explosion. Our generators
are powered with dilithium.”
“Great.” Pike grimaced and motioned the Vulcan ahead. “How sizeable?”
“The total destruction of the building and large portion of the surrounding area. Twenty
kilometers in every direction. Far too great an area to attempt an evacuation at this point.”
“That’s… hundreds of thousands of people.” Chris’ mouth tightened in a thin line. “Can we
transport out the entire thing?”
“We will have no choice,” Sarek admitted. “It is too great of a risk.”
*****
The door to T’Pol’s office was blocked with a large pile of wreckage but between them they
managed to clear out room to pry the door open. The destruction in the office was horrifying
but Jim was relieved to see both T’Pol and Amanda Grayson tucked into an area that was
relatively undamaged. She was holding a little girl and glaring at them pointedly.
Spock raised an eyebrow and Jim just flushed.
“You’re both… grounded. Yes, you’re both grounded.” Amanda frowned. “Spock, where is
your Father?”
Spock’s eyes went distant as he reached out for his father through their parental link. “He is in
the embassy—near the shield generator. There is another explosive device. Commodore Pike is
with him.”
“They’re grounded, too.” Amanda huffed and motioned them forward. “Come, T’Pol has
broken her leg.”
*****
Sarek rarely found himself at the mercy of his Human wife. There were times in their intimate
life when the physical and emotional pleasure they had together was overwhelming. In such
times, he’d often found himself trembling and on the brink under her small, knowing hands.
Seeing her on a bed in Starfleet Medical holding a small child with determination lining her
mouth made him nervous in ways that he would never verbally announce. Her fingers were
combing through the child’s hair.
“Amanda.”
Her gaze settled on him and narrowed slightly as she assessed him. “Sarek.”
He paused and tried again. “Wife.”
“Her mother’s clan disowned her mother when she bonded with a Human,” Amanda returned
evenly. “Her father is dead and he had no family to speak of that’s why he was meeting with
T’Pol today.”
Sarek inclined his head as he realized that his wife had already made a decision about their
situation and the future. “You wish to keep the bond she has created with you.”
Amanda’s fingers stilled briefly and then she began again. “I believe she has suffered too
much loss in her young life and is quite desperate to keep what she has forged with me. I
would not want her damaged by the removal of the parental bond she’s attempting to
complete. You could… you could help her.”
Sarek had never been able to deny her anything but the political implications of what she was
demanding would be heavy. T’Pau would bow to Amanda’s desire to keep the child because it
was obvious T’Pol already approved. His gaze drifted to the Vulcan woman and found her
staring at him intently from her place under a bone knitter.
“It will be a difficult situation,” T’Pol said her tone neutral and cool. “Her birth mother’s clan
may take exception to their forsaken child being adopted into our clan.”
Sarek hardly cared personally. His own clan was well placed, wealthy, socially and politically
connected on a level that no other family had on Vulcan. Also, since coming to Earth he’d left
most of the maneuvering in regards to clan power in T’Pau’s capable hands.
“Are you certain, Wife?”
“Yes.”
“What of Spock?” Sarek questioned. His experiences were introducing new children into his
immediate family hadn’t been good. The severed link with Sybok still thrummed with pain. It
was not something that he dwelled on a daily basis but it was there.
“I…” Amanda closed her eyes briefly and then she nodded. “Spock is confident in my
affection.”
“Yes.” Sarek’s gaze centered on the child. “How old is she?”
“Four years, six months, fifteen solar days,” T’Pol answered from behind him. “By Earth’s
calendar.”
“Very well.” Sarek tucked his hands behind his back. “It will be done.”
*****
Spock watched the results of Jim’s scan with a critical eye. The amount of psionic activity Jim
had been exposed to over the course of the day had been extreme in the end. His training had
not prepared for such an event—not when he was exposed to so many emotional states that
his bondmate picked up effortlessly.
Jim turned his head slightly and their gazes connected. He reached out and wiggled his
fingers. Spock felt his face heat but he couldn’t deny himself the comfort his bondmate offered.
He mixed his fingers with Jim’s as he moved closer to the bed. “Your psionic profile is erratic.”
“Very,” Jim agreed. “The trauma of the event… it was horrible to feel it all at once.”
“Yes,” Spock acknowledged. He ran two fingers over Jim’s wrist, a gesture so intimate that a
Vulcan in a bed just across them actually gasped aloud. Spock spared the woman a glance and
found that she’d managed to school her expression. “Dr. McCoy, may Jim leave?”
“No.” McCoy pointed towards the bed Spock had been assigned. “And neither can you. Back
in your bed.”
Spock’s fingers clenched briefly against Jim’s but he relinquished his hold. He slowly went
back to his and reclined on it after McCoy made an impatient noise. “How is my mother,
Doctor?”
“She is… in an isolation room with T’Pol and your father. The child that was with her is still
unconscious.”
“She was hurt,” Spock murmured. “Her father died in the explosion.”
McCoy nodded abruptly. “We have a Vulcan healer coming down from one of the ships in
orbit. Healer Stopak is doing rounds—he’ll be around to see you both. He’ll make the final
determination about whether or not you can leave.”
“Very well.”
McCoy snorted and pointed a finger at Jim. “Neither one of you move. Give the dermal
regenerator I gave you time to do its work.” Then he turned to Spock. “And why aren’t you in
a healing trance, anyways?”
Spock looked away from him. “I’ve never done one without my father to watch over me, Dr.
McCoy.”
McCoy hesitated but then nodded. “If Stopak agrees; you can do that at home.”
*****
Christopher Pike was in his sixth meeting in three hours and he could barely concentrate on
the matters at hand. His whole mind was wrapped up in another place on the opposite side of
Star Fleet Headquarters. His son, his lover, and arguable the best friend he’d ever had were
dealing with the trauma of the day while he was forced to listen to action plans.
“Pike, are we boring you?”
Chris flushed and leaned forward. “My son was in that explosion, Admiral Komak. I am
not bored. I’m worried out of my mind. I was forced to come to this meeting when I would
rather be at his side being a parent. Yet, I am here attempting to do my duty the best I can
under the circumstances.”
“You ordered the device removed and detonated without bringing in a combat engineer.
There was no evidence gathered, no documentation. Can you justify that?” Komack
questioned.
“More than one hundred citizens of the Federation died today. Had that device detonated it
would have killed even more—it wasn’t a risk I was willing to take. I made an on site
assessment and I stand by it. There was no choice beyond getting that explosive device as far
from everyone as I possibly could.”
“You made an emotional choice.”
“Of course, I did.” Pike raised an eyebrow and sat back in his chair. “Despite that, I can’t see a
circumstance where I would have acted differently.” He stood and straightened his uniform.
“Admiral Archer, may I be dismissed? I’d like to check on my son.”
Archer nodded. “Of course, Chris. Let Jim know I asked after him.”
Chris was almost to the door when Komack spoke again. “He’s George Kirk’s son.”
Chris paused and turned to stare at the man. “James Kirk is my son in every way that matters
to me. There is nothing and no one I wouldn’t go through in order to see him safe and happy. I
hope you understand that, Admiral Komack, and that you never forget it.”
*****
Jim woke up with a gentle press of worry drifting over his mind. He turned his head and
stared at Christopher Pike who was sitting in a chair between him and Spock. He had a PADD
in hand and it was obvious he was trying hard to read but his mouth was tight with worry, his
eyes slightly puffy with fatigue.
“Hey.”
Pike’s gaze immediately snapped to him. “Hey, kiddo.”
“Sorry about… well, just sorry.” Jim waved a hand in defeat. “We didn’t think about anything
but getting to her.”
“She’s important,” Pike acknowledged. He set aside the PADD and leaned forward. “I don’t
blame you for going to her instead of trying to get out. I wouldn’t have done any differently. I
certainly didn’t hesitate to get in there as soon as I could.”
Jim nodded. He frowned and shifted the thin blanket he was covered with. “Spock needs his
Dad.”
Pike glanced towards the young Vulcan who made every appearance of being asleep. “He
appears to be resting.”
Jim shook his head. “He’s in a meditative state—I helped him get there but he’s in pain and he
needs a healing trance but he can’t let go enough to do it without his father.” He frowned. “He
refused to ask for him because he knows that his father is with his mother and he doesn’t want
to interfere.”
“Is this a bondmate thing?” Pike questioned softly.
“Sort of,” Jim shrugged. “Spock knows how much comfort a bondmate can provide now. It
makes him hesitate to intrude on the time his parents spend together.”
“So are you asking me to go get Sarek?” Pike questioned.
“No, yes, well.” Jim sighed and turned on his side. “I don’t want to interfere either—I know
how scared she was and I can feel the little girl’s distress. I also… sense a change in Dr.
Grayson that I can’t explain. She’s never felt this way before.”
Pike stood and straightened his shirt. “I’ll go check out how things are going and if Sarek can
leave her, I’ll let him know that you and Spock would like to see him.” He touched his son
when Jim relaxed on the bed. “Healer Stopak should be here soon as well. Many of the
survivors of the bombing lost bondmates so they are in fairly bad shape.”
“I can feel them,” Jim admitted. “Not as much as before but I think many of them were taken
up one of the ships in orbit.”
Pike nodded and after a small squeeze he went in search of McCoy. He found Leonard in his
office nursing a large cup of coffee with a teetering stack of PADDs in front of him. Christine
Chapel was sitting across from him, silent and staring into a coffee cup.
“Hey.”
Both turned to stare at him—a little glassy eyes and obviously exhausted. McCoy cleared his
throat. “Christine, find an empty bed and get as much sleep as you can. I’ll have Jonah wake
you if we need you.”
The nurse nodded her enthusiastic agreement and left the small office with a sigh. She nodded
at Pike as she passed him and Chris let the door shut behind her. He leaned on the wall beside
the door and sighed. “Hell of a day.”
McCoy nodded. “Yes, we still don’t have an accurate body count. We might have to rely on
sensor records to record some of the deaths closest to the explosion. We’re recovering DNA
samples.” He paused and rubbed his face with one tired hand. “How about you? How are
you?”
“The older Jim gets the less I feel as if I have any ability whatsoever to protect him,” Chris
murmured. “George… wasn’t a reckless man but he was heroic and self-sacrificing. He would
throw himself on a bomb if there was a fraction of a chance he would save a life doing so. Jim
is a great deal like him.”
“Suppose we knew that when we found out he nearly drove himself off a cliff with George’s
car,” McCoy returned dryly. “Fearless is woven into his bones—perhaps a left over emotional
impression from his father’s last minutes alive.”
“Whatever George gave him—it allowed him to survive a childhood that would have ruined
most people,” Chris finally said and he slouched down in the chair that Chapel had
abandoned. “I thought Christine was in Boston in medical school?”
“She’s on leave visiting her family. Lucky to have her here today—she’s an excellent trauma
nurse. Will make an excellent trauma doctor one day,” Leonard murmured. “She works well
with empaths—Jim says her mind is very guarded which is a blessing in situations like this. I
ran out of psionic inhibitors two hours in to the crisis—at least the ones that will have any kind
of meaningful impact on a Vulcan in distress. There is already a ship enroute from Vulcan full
of healers.”
“Half the Vulcan Science Academy is here attending Lt. Scott’s warp drive seminar,” Pike
murmured. “The talk is that this attack was politically motivated—an attempt to cripple
Vulcan’s science community. I can’t see how or why that would benefit anyone. They are very
isolated on the scientific front.”
“Quick to evade and rarely share,” McCoy agreed. “It did cross my mind that it made them a
bigger target –because of how full the embassy is right now. The same could be said for the
Betazed embassy—they’ve been at capacity for nearly a month, most of the people who came
to Spock and Jim’s bonding are still here.”
Pike nodded. “I’m aware. His grandmother has visited me a few times—trying to make
amends for her part in what happened with Brise.”
“You forgive her?”
Chris shrugged helplessly. “She’s George’s mother—every time I see her, I’m reminded of
him. Jim might have his eyes and smirk and his swagger but it isn’t quite the same.”
“No, I suppose not.” Leonard set aside his cold coffee and sighed. “What’s on your mind?”
“How is Amanda Grayson? Jim says she feels weird.”
“The little girl that they rescued with her and T’Pol has formed some kind of bond with Dr.
Grayson. Sarek helped the child resolve and complete the bond about a half hour ago. It has
the potential to be a huge political mess on Vulcan apparently as the child had been
basically forsaken by her mother’s clan because she’s half-Human.”
Pike snorted. “Leave it to Sarek to alienate his own planet on a day like today.”
“He did it to make Amanda happy,” McCoy said shortly. “And the little girl certainly deserves
some stability after losing both of her birth parents the way she has.”
Chris couldn’t disagree with that. He figured he would put a bug in Archer’s ear to throw his
weight around on the issue if things got sticky for Sarek. “Spock needs his father. He doesn’t
want to admit and neither him nor Jim are willing to disturb him while Amanda needs him.
I know Sarek would want to know and I honestly don’t know how he hasn’t picked it up
through his parental bond with his son.”
“Proximity is a factor in Vulcan telepathy as they are primarily touch telepaths,” McCoy
murmured. “Additionally, I can assume that Spock is doing quite a bit to shield his own
emotional state from his father because of Jim’s empathic bleed off. It would be distracting to
say the least as I’m pretty sure Sarek would pick up Jim’s anxiety.”
Pike nodded. “So I should tell Sarek?”
“Wouldn’t you want to know if Jim needed you in that way?” McCoy asked roughly. “You are
no less a father than Sarek or I, Chris, trust your instincts on this.”
“Some don’t agree with that,” Pike said and stood. “Komack reminded me today that Jim is
George’s son, not mine.”
“Komack needs to mind his own business or his next physical will be an exercise in
masochism the likes of which his intolerant ass has never experienced.”
Chris laughed and shook his head. “Don’t do anything to get that asshat’s attention, Len. I can
take care of myself.”
“If you say,” McCoy muttered, clearly annoyed.
*****
Sarek shifted T’Mara against his chest and let his fingers drift over one meld point on her face
when she stirred in distress. It had taken hours to truly calm her mind and it had only been
after he’d opened his own mind to her that he’d truly understood the depth of her trauma. The
child had latched onto the bond that Sybok had left his mind instantly. Her vivid
consciousness had swept in—bright and amazing. It had eased the pain of his severed bond
with his first-born son immensely.
“Hey.”
Sarek looked up and found Chris Pike standing in the doorway of the small private room he
had requested for his wife and the newest addition to his family. “Chris.”
Pike lifted an eyebrow. “I understand congratulations are in order.” He moved into the room
and let the door shut.
“Amanda was quite insistent,” Sarek said in way of explanation. “She is a bright child—quite
talented mentally as was Spock at this age. I’ve requested her medical records and I’ve filed
emergency custody notification with the Federation court.”
Pike nodded and shoved his hands into his pockets as he leaned against the wall near them.
“She’s beautiful.”
Sarek nodded and shifted T’Mara again when she stirred. “I’m unsure how to handle Spock. I
made a mistake with Sybok.”
“Spock is older than Sybok was when he had to deal with a new child in your life.” Pike
paused. “And in your mind?”
“Yes.” Sarek nodded. “Sybok found Spock’s presence an invasion in every way. There were
times when I worried about them coming to blows even when Spock was very small.” He
paused and sighed audibly which made Pike tense. “Spock was energetic and very emotional
as a child. Sybok found him extremely offensive.”
“I don’t think you’ll encounter that problem with Spock and this little girl, Sarek. She’s halfHuman—I doubt anyone will understand her circumstances better than Spock. He has no
problem sharing his mother with Jim.”
“Jim is his t’hy’la.” Sarek closed his eyes briefly. “I realize that concept has not been fully
explained to you—the closest Terran term I suppose would be soulmates. Even if they had not
formed a romantic connection—upon their meeting James and Spock would have connected
and become lifelong friends. That they met in this stage of their lives, when they were both
unencumbered with the responsibilities of adulthood made their romantic connection easier.”
“And if they’d met as adults?”
“Spock would have already had a bondmate,” Sarek admitted roughly. “I would have
eventually had to seek out another bondmate for him. Our biology requires it. They would
have formed a deep, intense friendship that might have eventually lead to something more if
they’d allowed themselves the freedom to do so.”
Pike sighed. “That sounds potentially very painful. I’m glad they met when they did.” He
rubbed the back of his neck. “Spock hasn’t entered a healing trance and he needs to. There are
no psionic inhibitors to spare and Jim is allergic to most of them anyway. They are both
suffering and I don’t think that Spock is in any condition to trust anyone but you.”
Sarek nodded and stood. He placed T’Mara in the bed beside his sleeping bondmate and
covered the child with a blanket that Amanda had pushed off earlier. Her small hand
scrambled briefly against nothing before he reached put and guided her to Amanda’s wrist.
Small fingers slid around and clenched briefly before she relaxed.
“Touch is important then?”
“At this stage, very important,” Sarek admitted. “She has suffered a severe mental trauma due
to the loss of her custodial parent. She was very invested in him.” He paused. “Much the same
way that Jim is empathically and emotionally invested in you. Did you know that he has used
and does still continue to use you as a focal point when he mediates?”
Chris’ eyes widened in shock. “No. He never said.”
“It is rare for someone to use another person in such a way. It speaks to his attachment and his
trust in you that he is capable of such a thing.” Sarek touched his wife and she shifted in her
sleep—moving into his touch before she appeared to settle more deeply into sleep. “Will you
stay with them? There are already some issues with my custody of her and I’d prefer not to…”
“Get medieval on some people?” Chris supplied and then grinned. He slouched down in the
chair Sarek had abandoned and picked up an abandoned PADD. “I can use this?”
“Yes, it’s not a personal one. Leonard supplied me with it sometime ago.” Sarek paused at the
doorway. “It is good to have someone I can depend on to protect my family when I must
divide my attention. Even on Vulcan I did not enjoy such a relationship outside with anyone
outside of my clan. Your friendship is invaluable.”
Chris watched dumbfounded as Sarek exited the room without another word. He shook his
head after a few seconds and let his gaze drop to the PADD. He logged into the Starfleet
mainframe and started reading through the reports that were being filed almost continuously.
He flagged the ones from science personnel for review later and started moving through
personal logs that had been submitted for public consumption. He’d made his own personal
log on the incident available as well though he’d noticed that McCoy had marked his private
and refused to share for the archive. Not surprising since the doctor might have mentioned or
discussed issues that might involve patients.
The door opened and Pike stiffened just briefly before he connected with T’Pol’s knowing
gaze. “Sarek is with Spock.”
“Yes,” T’Pol acknowledged. “I noticed. I thought perhaps I would join you.” She used a cane
to balance on the small walk to a two-person couch. She dropped down on it and glanced
towards the replicator. “Commodore, could I trouble you for a cup of tea?”
Pike nodded and went to the replicator. He made quick work of ordering tea for her and coffee
for himself. “Tell me what kind of mess Sarek is going to find himself in.”
T’Pol glanced towards the bed. “He has endured far more dangerous situations in the past.
The child’s mother was disowned by her parents when she refused to return to Vulcan and
mate with the bondmate of their choice. Her Vulcan bondmate had been killed and her parents
had arranged for another, lucrative arrangement. When she refused, her parents severed their
parental bond with her and disowned her financially.”
“That’s… is that common Vulcan?”
T’Pol flushed green and adverted her eyes. “Shortly after my own bondmate died, my parents
sought to make another arrangement for me. When I refused – they made it clear I would not
be welcome to return to my ancestral home. Fortunately, my bondmate’s clan has continued to
welcome me.”
“T’Pau strikes me as a tolerant and giving person.”
“She is a very good friend,” T’Pol allowed. “I found my marriage to her brother rewarding
and my life is less complete without him.” She accepted the tea he offered and the plate of
cookies as well. “I spoke with Jim. He appears to be in good spirits now that Sarek is on hand
to deal with Spock.”
Chris nodded but his gaze went back to the little girl curled up with Amanda Grayson. “What
is her name?”
“T’Mara Franks,” T’Pol murmured. “Her father did well with her after her mother passed but
he was beginning to struggle with her because of her mental gifts. He could not provide her
with the stability she needed.”
“I…” Chris frowned. “I’m psi-null, T’Pol and I’ve never had any problems handling Jim.”
T’Pol paused over her tea and considered her words before speaking. “You are not alone in
your mind, Commodore Pike.”
“Chris is fine, Ambassador.”
“Then I insist you call me T’Pol,” she murmured. “As I was saying, you are not alone in your
mind. There is a remnant of an empathic bond in your mind. I imagine that Jim has always
been very comfortable with you because of what his biological father left in your mind.”
“I held him once after he was born,” Pike admitted. “Before his mother took him back to Iowa.
He just stared up at me with George’s eyes – all wide-eyed and beautiful. I fell a little in love
with him even then and that made me feel like an idiot. I knew, the moment I set eyes on him
that I’d made a mistake with his father.”
“You loved George Kirk a great deal.”
“Yes,” Chris nodded.
“And now you love Leonard McCoy.”
He blushed furiously and sighed. “I have a complicated relationship with him that is for
certain.”
T’Pol nodded. “I have always found Human males very complicated. It must be quite stressful
for you both.”
Chris laughed and relaxed when he realized he was being poked at. T’Pol didn’t strike him as
the kind of woman to joke around. What she was—he thought—was extremely loyal,
dedicated to continued success of the Federation, and kind. She was very kind. It wasn’t
something that many would contribute to a Vulcan. Their reserved demeanors and
emotionless fronts gave off an entirely different impression.
*****
Sarek let his fingers graze over the pulse point on Spock’s wrist—the steadiness of his son’s
heartbeat did more to relax him than anything he’d experienced in several hours. Spock had
achieved a healing trance with ease and the readings on the biobed proved that his body was
rapidly repairing itself.
“Looks good,” Jim murmured from his place on the other side of the biobed.
“Yes.” Sarek nodded. “You should have sent for me sooner.” He glanced up and found his
son’s bondmate flushing. “It is not a criticism, James. I want you to both be comfortable
seeking me out when you need me. It is my duty.”
Jim nodded and averted his gaze. He trailed his fingers over the back of Spock’s hand. “I don’t
like seeing him like this.”
“He is… well.”
“Yes.” Jim sighed. “But vulnerable this way. I realize how important a healing trance can be
for his physiology but it puts him at a disadvantage. He can’t even wake himself from it.”
“That bothers you.”
“Extremely,” Jim admitted and then blushed. “I think that it is why he wanted you with him,
to make me feel better about him doing it. I tried to push my discomfort down but I think he
could still feel it.”
“James.” Sarek waited until his son-in-law met his gaze. “You’ll have few secrets from Spock—
it does not serve you or your bond to attempt to shield him from your concerns or worries.”
Jim bit down on his bottom lip. “Things are still new between us.”
That was true enough. He knew that both his son and James Kirk were enamored with each
other on a level that might concern other parents. In fact, if he were entirely honest, if they
hadn’t agreed immediately to the bond he would have felt compelled to start putting
restrictions on the amount of time they could spend together in private. He hadn’t looked
forward to such a conversation.
“You can discuss these issues with Jaret during your next session,” Sarek finally said. He
checked the biobed’s readings and pursed his lips. “Perhaps you’d like to wait outside while I
bring him out of the trance?”
“I…” Jim flushed red and nodded. “Yes, I’m not certain I could prevent myself from
interfering if I had to watch you strike him.”
“Perhaps another reason while he was reluctant to enter the healing trance,” Sarek offered in
an effort to sooth James. “He certainly wouldn’t be comfortable asking you to wake him from
a trance.”
Jim relaxed. “No, I suppose not.” He hesitated then. “I could though—if it was necessary. I’d
do anything for him, sir.”
“I know.” Sarek didn’t doubt James Kirk’s devotion to his son at all. “Perhaps you can go
down the hall and see my wife and our new daughter?”
Jim’s eyes widened briefly and then he nodded. “Right. I’ll just be there until you finish filling
Spock in on the new developments.”
*****
Spock started awake, his face stinging from the precise blows of his father’s hand. He caught
his father’s wrist and exhaled sharply. “Where is Jim?”
“I sent him down the hall to visit with your mother.” Sarek backed away from the biobed and
cleared his throat. “I assumed you might want some physical privacy for the conversation we
are about to engage in.”
“It is about the child?” Spock questioned. “I felt you accept a bond with her.”
“She’d already formed a strong bond with your mother and I’ve denied my wife nothing since
the day I married her, Spock.”
Spock wasn’t sure he agreed with that. His mother had been denied many years of happiness
because she’d lived on Vulcan. Though, he knew she didn’t regret the time she’d spent on her
husband’s homeworld. Amanda Grayson had never hesitated in her devotion to her family.
He nodded abruptly and averted his gaze as he processed the change in the psionic profile of
his family. “She feels different from Sybok.”
“She is undisciplined mentally,” Sarek allowed. “By the time you were her age—your mind
was already well ordered and logical. Her own mother died when she was very young. There
is barely a remnant of her mother’s maternal bond in place in her mind. It is quickly being
absorbed by Amanda’s connection to her.”
“She established a reciprocal bond,” Spock surmised. “The trauma of the day stressed your
connection with Mother so much that she was able to establish a foothold.”
“Yes.” Sarek paused. “Spock, you must know that I’ve never actively prevented you from
making such a connection with your mother. Our bond is robust and she is, no matter how
deftly she wields our bond, psi-null.”
“I know.” Spock sat up and let his hands drop into his lap. “I hold no resentment for it.
Perhaps when I was younger—I was jealous that she would never be able to reach out to me
the way other mothers did and I blamed you for it. Is the child’s bond uncomfortable for you?”
“It was until I completed my own bond with her,” Sarek allowed. “Her presence no longer
feels like an invasion.” He paused and cleared his throat. “Much the same way James feels
now that you and he have bonded. Often, I found his mental presence in our home
disconcerting. Now it is as if he were always a part of our family.”
“My mental intimacy with him caused your discomfort?” Spock questioned. “Why was I not
informed?”
Sarek was silent for a moment and then cleared his throat. “It is something that all parents go
through, Spock. It is the nature of such things. Jim has a gentle, talented mental touch. He
never hurt me—never sought me out mentally and has only touched your mother’s mind
reluctantly. I felt him do so today.”
“I could not ascertain her well being,” Spock admitted. “Your… concern was overwhelming.”
“The very heart of me was that crumbling building—my wife and child.” He paused. “I hope
you never know such fear in your life, Spock.”
“I have caused you much grief since we have come to Earth.”
Sarek snorted and Spock’s head jerked up in alarm. “You have been the center of much worry
since the moment of your conception, Spock. Your mother and I worried endlessly over your
birth until you were finally with us. Every moment of your life leading up this one has been a
trial on my patience.”
Spock felt this was one moment in his life when he could have gotten away with smirking at
his father but he refrained. The man had already had a very trying day.
*****
T’Mara was easily the most curious person on Earth. She was sitting quietly in Jim’s lap, both
of her hands on his face. They were eye to eye and to the untrained eye it might have looked as
if he were being held hostage by the small Vulcan child. Her fingers were pressing lightly on
several meld points—more out of instinct than intent.
Amanda was watching the two of them in amusement; she could feel Mara’s joy and
amazement humming through the bond they shared as Jim chased her through a green maze
in a bright, beautiful mindscape. Amanda was treated to small flashes of the game—a bleed off
from Mara. She looked up as the door opened and smiled broadly at Spock whose gaze
immediately went to James.
“He’s fine.”
Spock nodded. “I am aware. It is a game I have seen him play with small children at the
Betazed Embassy. It is one way they teach their children to form their own mindscapes—a
precursor to formal meditation.” He flushed. “Sometimes, when we mediate he does the same
for me.” He glanced towards his father who raised an eyebrow. “Though he rarely makes me
chase a red balloon around a maze.”
Amanda laughed softly and held out a hand for her son. She relaxed on the bed when he
stepped forward and immediately took it. “How do you feel?”
“I am well, Mother.” He turned her palm over in his hand carefully. There were scrapes on her
skin. “Why have you not been treated with a dermal generator?”
“I was under a bone knitter for my ankle and all of the hand held devices are being used
elsewhere. I refused an oral medication. I can treat it at home.” Amanda patted the top of his
hand and pulled her fingers free with a quirked eyebrow. “What about you?”
“My healing trance was sufficient. Jim was given an oral regenerator because he was bruised
extensively from being thrown across the lobby of the embassy during the explosion.” He
looked toward his bondmate at the sudden delighted laughter of his new sister. “When I
suggested perhaps that you could have more children—I thought perhaps they would come in
a smaller size.”
Amanda snorted delicately and then outright laughed. “Did you just make a joke?”
“I have a perfectly functional sense of humor,” Spock defended peevishly and cut his eyes at
his mother when she laughed again. “Though I am not sure Jim agrees with me.”
“Ah, Vulcan humor,” Jim said cheerfully as he carefully pulled T’Mara’s hands from his face.
“It is an acquired taste.”
T’Mara turned in Jim’s arms and focused entirely on Spock. Vivid blue eyes stared at him—
intent and thoughtful. Several emotions flitted across her full, decidedly Human face, before
one perfectly slanted black eyebrow darted up in question.
“I can see already that you are a bad influence on her, James.” Spock inclined his head as he
sat down in a chair near the end of his mother’s bed and T’Mara pursed her lips.
“He’s pretty,” T’Mara announced.
“He is mine,” Spock returned dryly and completely ignored his mother’s startled laughter. “I
am perfectly aware of his aesthetic appeal.”
T’Mara slipped off Jim’s lap, darted around the bed and threw herself confidently at Spock. He
caught her easily as she eagerly wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hi, Spock.”
“Greetings, T’Mara of Vulcan,” Spock murmured against soft black curls as he closed his eyes
against the telepathic weight of the newest member of his family. “Welcome to the House of
Surak, daughter of Sarek and Amanda.”
A
Forsaken
Jim loved space. Maybe it was because he hadn’t been born on a planet or maybe it was the
adventure of it all. He really couldn’t be sure. He was sitting in a small observation deck on the
Sh’Vor, a Vulcan Suurok class starship that had once been used for exploration and now
appeared to exist solely for the transport of T’Pau. The entire crew’s official job was to take her
wherever she wanted to go as far as Jim could tell. In the lull of travel, the Sh’Vor was one big
science experiment. The research that came from the vessel on the course of those trips made
scientists all over the Federation stupid with jealousy. T’Pau answered to no one and therefore
traveled where ever she liked to see whatever was interesting.
“You are well, James Kirk?”
Jim turned and found the Matriarch of his clan staring at him pointedly. He immediately
rolled to his feet, embarrassed to be caught sprawling in the window seat of the observation
lounge. He raised his hand in salute, easily manipulating his fingers into the Ta’al formation.
“Live long and prosper.”
She returned the gesture gravely, her eyes lit with unspoken pleasure at his ease with the
ritual. “Peace and long life, James Kirk.” She sat down on the bench he’d been using. “I have
had the ship’s environmental controls programmed to lower the temperature whenever you or
Amanda are in a room. I realize it is probably still quite stifling for you.”
“I’ve grown accustomed to the environmental situation in Ambassador Sarek’s home,” Jim
said by way of explanation and after a small hesitation, joined T’Pau on the bench. “Did you
wish to speak to me about something specific?”
She inclined her head as if to agree. “The crew is curious about you and Spock. Most of the
men and women on this ship belong to the House of Surak by blood or marriage but there are
several who are not. You must know that Spock, and those like him, have never received the
respect they deserve on Vulcan.”
“I am.”
“T’Mara has unsettled even members of our clan who were not prepared to deal with such an
undisciplined Vulcan mind among them.”
Jim grimaced but schooled his features quickly. “I am very aware of it actually—their
discomfort has bled all over me since I came on board. I’ve mediated twice in the last twentyfour hours, but it hasn’t helped much.”
“Is Spock aware of your discomfort?”
“We have few secrets left between us, Elder.” Jim’s gaze shifted to the window, the blur
created by the cycling warp field was oddly soothing. “I was born in space.”
“I am aware.” Her tone was almost amused.
Jim nodded. “I feel more at home in space than I do anywhere else. There is a peace here that
eludes me when I’m planet bound. My dad says I was born with adventure in my heart.”
“It is an apt description for a young man with ambitions such as yours,” T’Pau murmured. “I
am… concerned.”
He focused on her, taking in the minute changes in her facial expression. He didn’t know her
as well as he knew Spock or even Sarek but he had melded with her—had touched her mind
with his own, so she wasn’t as mysterious to him as she been in the past. “I am well.”
“Vulcan will tax you.”
“Physically?”
“Emotionally,” T’Pau corrected. “Amanda had the refuge of her own mind—you will enjoy no
such protection on Vulcan. Your bond will be subject to scrutiny, no matter how informal.
Vulcan telepathy requires touch but you, above most, understand that it is not as simple as
that.”
Jim paused and nodded. “At first, I thought it was coming from me—the strength of my
connection with Spock. I thought that our bond had added elements because of my Betazoid
heritage. It wasn’t until I noticed Dr. Grayson’s response to her husband that I realized it
wasn’t that simple. She is psi-null, yet she often and quite obviously communicates with her
husband through their bond. On the occasions that I’ve had need to touch her mind—it was
easy to see her connection to her husband.” He paused. “Why haven’t you ever helped Spock
create a parental bond with his mother?”
T’Pau made no appearance of shock. “Her connection to Sarek is so profound that it was
impossible. She came to me when Spock was an infant and I made several attempts. The bond
T’Mara has created with Amanda is not, no matter how robust, a traditional parental bond.
You must have noticed this as well.”
“It’s different from the bond she created with Sarek, yes.” Jim nodded. “It’s more like a psitether than a bond. It must’ve been how she connected with her human father—a bond built
on instinct rather than ability. I’ve worked with her every day since the bombing—in an effort
to smooth the bond out and make it less needy.”
“Stopak has indicated that you have done very well in that regard—he admits that he could
not have achieved as much.”
“I took her to see Jaret last week,” Jim admitted. “Her bond with Dr. Grayson is very
emotional—empathic. Healer Stopak isn’t comfortable touching it. I’ve watched him work
with T’Mara and Dr. Grayson twice.”
“Such strong emotions are difficult for those of us who pride ourselves on our mental and
emotional discipline,” T’Pau allowed.
“You are concerned that I might lash out telepathically at someone on Vulcan if they are rude
to me,” Jim surmised.
“I have never known a full Vulcan to get a headache outside of severe head trauma,” T’Pau said
with one elegantly uplifted eyebrow.
Jim had the grace to flush. He exhaled sharply and shifted his gaze to the window again. “He
called me a whore. The insult of it was more than I could tolerate.” He paused and started to
pick at the seam of his pants as he thought about it. “I should’ve come to you with my
grievance about him?”
“It is my place as your Matriarch to address such slander to your character,” T’Pau explained,
her tone dry as the desert. “Could you kill with your mind, James?”
He paused and considered it. “I…”
“I ask because the man you lashed out at during the kidnapping attempt has yet to regain
consciousness. He is essentially a prisoner in his own mind. Federation Security has petitioned
both the Vulcan and Betazoid embassies for access to you regarding his condition.”
“And the response?”
“Ambassador Deloia’s response was quite pointed,” T’Pau allowed. “I chose to simply say no.
We are in agreement that you should not have to see the man again, nor should be you asked
to touch his mind or undo what you did to him.” She paused. “What did you do to him?”
“I…” Jim shook his head. “I don’t really know. I was scared—afraid that Spock would be hurt,
afraid that the man would try to touch me. He had horrible thoughts in his head. I saw things
in him that I hadn’t seen in a long time; things I never wanted to see again. It was my intention
to essentially castrate him sexually—to make him incapable of hurting another child with his
horrific proclivities.”
“He reminded you of your stepfather.”
“Yes.”
“Healer Stopak contacted Federation Security and explained to them that the amount of
mental and emotional duress you suffered during the attack was in itself such a violation of
your mind that he would personally block any attempt on their parts to have you attempt to
touch his mind again. Your Betazoid teacher has said much the same about the situation.”
“What are the Federation laws governing the situation?” Jim asked, his gut boiling with
anxiety. Spock prodded him gently through their bond but he shifted the emotions he was
projecting deeper—further away from their bond and Spock retreated.
“There are few regarding telepathic self-defense,” T’Pau explained. “You reacted instinctually
and you were well within your rights to attempt to escape your attacker in any way that
would see it accomplished.”
“What about the physical damage that Spock inflicted?”
“They have nothing to say about that,” T’Pau admitted. “I believe they were quite stunned by
the level of violence he inflicted on the man that attacked you. In the wake of your bonding, I
believe most at Federation Security have come to believe that his response was a result more of
his human emotional connection to you than anything else.”
“We both know that’s not the case.”
“Vulcan males can be territorial,” T’Pau allowed. “Especially when it comes to their mates.”
*****
T’Mara and Spock were ensconced in a large chair using a PADD when Jim entered the suite
of rooms they were sharing with Spock’s parents. They had their own room and neither Sarek
nor Amanda had intruded on their space since they’d boarded. Jim appreciated the level of
trust on their parts but he knew neither he nor Spock had any intention of being intimate while
traveling on the ship.
“Jim!” T’Mara bounced slightly and wiggled out of Spock’s lap in favor of her second favorite
human.
He caught her up easily and grinned when she immediately brushed her fingertips across two
different meld points on his face. Her mental touch glanced over his mind seeking out
affection and assurance. In most respects she wasn’t much different from Betazoid children
he’d interacted with—except she largely required touch. They had a small empathic tether,
much like he’d once enjoyed with Spock before their telepathic bond took its place. She had
the same tether with Spock—Jim had helped them establish it. He knew better than anyone
how much Spock needed and wanted emotional connections with other people. T’Mara’s
mind had eagerly accepted the empathic connection with her new brother.
“I am very smart.”
Jim grinned at her. “Is that so?”
“She is quite intelligent,” Spock said, his eyes dark with good humor.
“That is to be expected,” Jim responded gravely. “Only the smartest and most brave are
allowed into the House of Surak.” He swished her around and made a noise like antique
airplane which made her laugh boisterously. He flew her back to Spock’s lap and then went to
the replicator for a glass of water. “What are you teaching her?”
“Social etiquette,” Spock admitted. “The more polite she is the better she will be received by
the rest of the clan.”
“And maybe they won’t hurt her the way they did you?” Jim questioned mentally.
”Some members of my clan had difficulty understanding how easily it was to be misunderstood when I
was a very small child. Their logic was cold… bitter to me. I eventually learned that they did not mean
to be offensive. And I realized that they were kind in their own way after I was exposed to Vulcans
outside our clan.”
Jim frowned by nodded. “Elder T’Pau came to speak to me while I was on the observation
deck.”
Spock lifted one eyebrow in question as he activated the PADD for T’Mara to continue her
studies. “What did she wish to speak of privately?”
“Those slavers that attacked us…” Jim trailed off at the flash of genuine fury that bled off
Spock and cleared his throat as he watched his bondmate collect himself. “Specifically, the one
that I lashed out at telepathically. He hasn’t regained consciousness… Dad didn’t tell me that. I
guess he didn’t want me to feel guilty about it.”
“You have nothing to feel guilty for,” Spock said shortly. “They weren’t good men, Jim.”
“No, I agree. I don’t feel guilty. Apparently Federation Security petitioned both the Vulcan
and Betazed embassies for information about what I might have done and suggested that I try
to wake the man up since I put him down.”
“You’re not touching that monster’s mind!” Spock hissed and T’Mara squeaked with alarm.
She scrambled out of Spock’s lap and ran to Jim with a sob, her PADD skidding across the
carpet.
Jim glared pointedly at Spock who looked furious and contrite. “Hey, kiddo, it’s okay.” He
picked her up and held her shaking form close to his chest as the doors to the suite opened and
Amanda rushed in. “She had a little scare that’s all.”
T’Mara immediately reached for her as soon as she was within reach and buried her face
against Amanda’s neck. “Spock’s mad.”
Jim winced and Spock flushed furiously as he picked up the PADD.
“Are you two arguing?” Amanda demanded. “I warned you about doing that in front of her!”
“No, of course, not Mother.” Spock averted his gaze and clasped his hands behind his back as
Sarek entered from the hall—obviously just as hurried as Amanda had been. “Jim was relating
to me the request that Federation Security made of the embassy and I reacted badly. T’Mara
was sitting with me and she received some of my emotional response before I could contain
it.” He bit down on his bottom lip in contrition. “I’d never hurt or upset her on purpose,
Mother, please know this.”
Amanda’s expression softened immediately. “I do know, Spock. I trust you to always be kind
and considerate with those weaker than you.” She ran her fingers through T’Mara’s curls.
“You often responded badly to swift changes in my emotional state when you were this age. I
doubt you could’ve done anything to prevent her response considering her own emotional
instability.”
Spock nodded but his face was flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. “T’Mara, I
am not upset with you.”
She lifted her face away from her mother’s neck and stared at him, tears streaming down her
face. “Promise?”
“I promise,” Spock said solemnly. “You did nothing wrong. I caused you harm and for that I
apologize.”
She pursed her lips. “Then you can read me my story to make up for it.” She wiggled a little
and Amanda let her down.
Jim watched her dash away to the small room that was her bedroom in the suite and wasn’t
surprised when she returned with a book. He’d taken her to the bookstore shortly before
they’d left Earth and had paid a ridiculous amount of money for a printed copy of Alice in
Wonderland. It was a fairly new printing—a luxury item by the standards of most, but T’Mara
had taken to printed books much the same way Jim had.
Spock took the book with all the gravity of one being handed a Nobel Prize in Astrophysics
and offered his sister his hand. She took it with only a slight hesitation and then offered him a
bright smile immediately before dragging him off to her room.
“I have to change into my night gown before we read!”
Jim watched them leave then retrieved his water from the replicator. “I apologize for that… I
didn’t think before I started speaking. He’s been so reserved about the incident. I had no idea
he had so much lingering hostility about it.” He sighed. “I don’t think he did either to be
honest. He spent way too much time focusing on what I needed after it happened.”
“I agree,” Sarek said after a long moment of silence. “The two of you will discuss this in
private as well?”
“Of course, sir.”
*****
“There was a table set out under a tree in front of the house, and the March Hare and the Hatter were
having tea at it: a Dormouse was sitting between them, fast asleep, and the other two were using it as a
cushion, resting their elbows on it, and talking over its head. “Very uncomfortable for the Dormouse,”
thought Alice; “only as it’s asleep, I suppose it doesn’t mind.”
The table was a large one, but the three were all crowded together at one corner of it. “No room! No
room!” they cried out when they saw Alice coming.
“There’s plenty of room!” said Alice indignantly, and she sat down in a large arm-chair at one end of
the table.
“Have some wine,” the March Hare said in an encouraging tone.
Alice looked all round the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. “I don’t see any wine,” she
remarked.
“There isn’t any,” said the March Hare.
“Then it wasn’t very civil of you to offer it,” said Alice, angrily.
“It wasn’t very civil of you to sit down without being invited,” said the March Hare.
“I didn’t know it was your table,” said Alice: “it’s laid for a great many more than three.”
“It was rude of her to sit down without being invited,” T’Mara offered sleepily.
“Indeed,” Spock murmured in agreement as T’Mara shifted closer to him. “Good manners can
smooth the way in many situations.”
“Other Vulcans don’t like us Spock.”
“Many find existence of people like you and I… difficult to accept,” Spock admitted. “But I
have learned to ignore them in favor of those who appreciate me for who I am.”
“Like Jim.”
“Yes, like Jim.”
“Is he a good bondmate?” T’Mara questioned.
“The very best I could have hoped for,” Spock murmured. “He is affectionate, warm, and
forgiving. He tries to understand me even when I do not understand myself. Jim gives his
heart and his time selflessly. That is a rare thing—no matter the species.”
“Can I have him for my bondmate when I get older?”
Spock eyes lit with amusement. “I’m afraid not, little one, he is only for me.”
“Mother says sharing is very important,” T’Mara lectured around a yawn.
“Some things are not meant to be shared,” Spock explained gently as she settled closer to him
and her fingers curled into his shirt. “One day you will have a bondmate of your own and he
or she will be all that you could want.”
“Promise?”
“I will make sure of it,” Spock murmured. “Your birth mother bonded for love, T’Mara. She
defied her clan to find that love. In choosing to bond for love—you will do her memory great
honor.”
“I love Jim,” T’Mara said.
Spock pressed a kiss to her head and smiled into her curls. “I love Jim as well.”
“If he can’t be mine… I’m glad he’s yours,” T’Mara declared.
“As am I.”
*****
“You are upset.”
Jim shook his head. “Not—really—it’s not me. I’m getting a lot of feedback from someone on
the ship.” He sighed. “Someone is precariously close to falling into plak tow. I haven’t figured
out who, but hopefully they’re aware of their state and have prepared for it.”
“Their emotional state is so compromised that they are bothering you?” Spock asked as he
pulled on a thermal shirt. Sleeping with Jim required more clothes for himself but being by his
mate’s side was worth the effort on his part. He caught the thick cotton socks that Jim threw
his way from the storage unit they were sharing.
Jim considered his question carefully. “Vulcans are probably the most emotional aliens I’ve
ever encountered, Spock. I realize you were mistreated because of your own emotional
outbursts as a child—teased and bullied by children who accused you of being too emotional
because of your Human mother, but I’ve rarely encountered a Vulcan that was not a seething
mass of carefully suppressed emotion. Some bury it better than others—have a tighter control
over it. While others are only capable of putting on the stoic face—their mind is a riot of
emotion so extreme that I have to think that logic must be extremely difficult for them.”
Spock sat down on the bed and carefully put on his socks as he considered how to answer that.
“There are many Vulcans on my home world who do not pursue careers in academics. They
are… content with other endeavors. Farming communities and industrial trades are often just
as competitive as say the Vulcan Science Academy.”
Jim snorted. “Many of your farmers have the equivalent education of a PhD on Earth, Spock.”
“Granted.”
“Still I think most people think that all Vulcans are…”
“Robots,” Spock deadpanned as he tackled Jim to the bed and settled on top of him. “We are
all artificially intelligent robots who are programmed to infuriate every emotional being we
come across in our endeavors to spread the teachings of our most famous robot—Surak.”
Jim nodded seriously. “You’re all produced in a lab and with the most advanced
programming and…” He trailed off with a laugh. “Come down here and kiss me, you robot
freak.”
Spock almost smiled but immediately lowered his head to press his mouth to Jim’s. His
bondmate shifted under him sensually and opened his mouth immediately—inviting Spock to
explore. Through their bond, he felt a sharp spike of lust that was so startling that he jerked his
mouth free and stared at Jim. “Are you okay?”
Jim lifted his hips against Spock and made a frustrated sound. “Fuck.” He shuddered. “Get off
me, Spock.”
Spock immediately rolled off him and settled on his knees. “Jim?”
Jim slipped off the bed and staggered to the other side of the room. “I’m… huh… wow. I need
Bones and Healer Stopak, right now.”
*****
Jim watched the healer take a second then third set of readings and was relieved that he’d
thought to get under a blanket. He kept his hands in his lap in an effort to hide his erection
from Spock’s mother who was hovering near her son at the end of the bed. Sarek was near the
door speaking quietly with his Dad. Pike had been confused and then genuinely pleased when
Sarek had invited him and Bones to travel to Vulcan for T’Mara’s adoption ceremony. They
were staying next door in separate quarters for their own privacy more than anything else.
McCoy exchanged pointed looks with Stopak and cleared his throat as he set aside his
tricorder. He sat down on the edge of the bed and, out of some inane habit, plucked up Jim’s
wrist and pressed his fingers to his pulse. “You’re exhibiting some pretty distressing psionic
readings and your hormone production is on the same level as when you were unbonded and
first entering puberty. You’re practically in heat.”
Jim blushed furiously and averted his gaze. “Jeez, Bones.”
“Sorry, kiddo.” Bones released his wrist with a sigh. “Tell me about your empathic
impressions—it’s obvious you’re picking up something serious on board this ship that you’ve
never encountered before.”
His gaze dropped to his lap. “Someone on board is…” He looked toward Healer Stopak and
his gaze unwillingly flicked to Sarek before he focused on Bones. “Someone on board is
experiencing an elevated level of sexual arousal and they are bleeding all over me
empathically.”
“Vulcans don’t normally…” Bones trailed off and turned to glare pointedly at Stopak. “You
promised me full goddamned disclosure! When they bonded you said you’d spoken with the
VSA and I would be given all the information I needed to treat not only Jim but Spock in the
event of an emergency!”
Jim winced but Stopak raised one eyebrow. “Yes, Doctor, that is one reason why I decided to
travel to Vulcan with you at this time. It was a good time to take you to the VSA and educate
you matters of Vulcan biology that are not normally given to off-worlders. Your performance
after our crisis made many from the embassy re-evaluate how we have interacted with
Starfleet Medical in the past and it was decided that you would be… thoroughly debriefed,
beyond even what I agreed to when you questioned me about James Kirk’s status in his bond
with Spock.”
“What is this then?” McCoy demanded.
“Completely unexpected,” Stopak admitted. “We’ve encountered Betazoids before, of course,
and they have been exposed to our people at various points during our development but
we’ve never had one…” He paused and focused on Spock. “Spock, how do you… feel?”
“I am well,” Spock said tightly.
“The hell you are,” McCoy said and pointed a finger at him.
“I am, of course, concerned about Jim’s reaction to this other Vulcan,” Spock admitted.
“Our bond is fine,” Jim snapped and glared pointedly at Spock. “How can you think that I
would… it isn’t like I can control this! He’s broadcasting like a high-jacked subspace relay. I
don’t see how you all aren’t being affected by him.”
“Your temper is getting shorter and you are quite irrational,” Spock observed. “You know that
I do not doubt your fidelity.”
Jim huffed and averted his gaze. “Essentially, Bones, this is exactly like a mating heat but it
isn’t mine. It’s someone else on board.”
“There is a Vulcan on board that requested passage to Vulcan and isolation until we arrived,”
Stopak admitted. “He is in the infirmary and presents no threat to James. You are not quite
finished with your own maturity—your Betazoid brain chemistry has been battling with your
more human qualities for some time. It is entirely likely that this has caused you to be more
sensitive to the psionic distress of someone during their Time,” Stopak said diplomatically.
“Did you bring your personal psionic shield? Why is not it active?”
Jim pinched his nose briefly. “T’Mara is using it. She can’t sleep without it on board this ship—
her biological father might have been psi-null but he must have had a parent who was psisensitive at the very least. You know how developed her empathy is. If we broaden the field
and strengthen it to the degree that I need – she will suffer for it because it would weaken her
familial bonds. She’s a little kid so that’s just unacceptable to me. Not to be crass but this isn’t
necessarily a situation I’m unfamiliar with. I can take care of it… on my own.”
Stopak’s cheeks darkened and McCoy snorted. Amanda laughed a little and shared a grin with
Pike who was shaking his head in rueful agreement.
“We are ten hours from Vulcan,” Sarek said suddenly. “Spock, you will take the second bed in
T’Mara’s room and leave James… to handle this matter privately.”
Spock disagreed with that on a level that was astronomical but he wasn’t going to argue with
his father. He focused on the flushed, bright-eyed face of his bondmate. Jim looked… like
they’d spent the afternoon engaging in activities that would get them both grounded until
they were thirty. His pupils were blown, his breathing was a little erratic and his skin was
flushed with heat.
“I don’t agree,” McCoy began. “Jim is sixteen years old and I think, Sarek, you’re overlooking
a very important factor.”
“I do not understand your meaning, Leonard.”
McCoy sighed. “The refractory for a healthy sixteen year old Human/Betazoid hybrid is
roughly fifteen minutes or less.”
Jim blushed furiously. “Bones!” He kicked at McCoy weakly and averted his eyes. “Seriously,
this conversation is beyond the pale.”
Amanda laughed suddenly. “I’ll just go check on T’Mara.”
Jim slouched back against the headboard when the door shut behind her. “This is…”
“The feedback you’re getting from this guy is not going to go away,” McCoy said shortly.
“He’s not getting his needs met which means it’s only going to get stronger and stronger until
he reaches Vulcan, correct Stopak?”
“Correct,” Stopak admitted.
“Right. Which means you’re going to be like this all night, Jim. To be perfectly blunt, ten hours
from now if we leave you to handle this you’re going to be exhausted, dehydrated, and
severely chaffed. This is not a sexy time waiting to happen for you.”
Jim grimaced. “Did you have to bring up chafing?”
“Someone had to,” Pike said shortly. “Fifteen minutes? Really?”
Jim sighed and glanced briefly at Spock whose cheeks were a beguiling light green. “Dad,
come on.”
“You have very effective mental shields,” Sarek pointed out. “I have brushed up against them
enough in the past to know this is true.”
“Against telepathic contact, yes, and I’ve rarely had a difficult time with psi-null individuals
on an empathic front since I bonded. Spock is a great buffer and our bond provides very
adequate shielding on a normal basis. But this isn’t normal. I’m in close proximity to a
telepathic being who is… frankly on the edge of insanity. I can’t even see why he waited this
long to return to Vulcan. It must have been coming… well since the bombing.”
Three weeks had passed since the bombing of the Vulcan Embassy. The eventual death toll
had been horrific. They’d lost thirty-six people in the bombing, most of them in the diplomatic
corps for the embassy itself. Over a hundred others had been injured but most of them had
already returned to Vulcan or their jobs. Stonn had broken several bones when he had been
thrown from the building but had recovered within a few days. He’d immediately been
recalled to Vulcan by his father.
“Pon Farr can be transferred to other telepathic species through psionic contact,” Spock began.
“The research is anecdotal but it must be considered. Is Jim experiencing this on that level and
if so is his state going to drive me to… experience the same?”
Stopak took a few more readings. “Physically, no, he is not approaching hormone levels
consistent with even the first day of the Time.”
“The Time,” Pike repeated. “Pon Farr. Someone had better educate me right now about what is
going on.”
“Commodore…” Stopak began but Pike cut him off with a pointed finger.
“No,” Chris said sharply. “That is my kid laying there in that bed being psionically assaulted by
an adult’s sexual heat. I want to know what in the hell is going on. Sarek?”
Sarek nodded abruptly. “You and I serve no purpose in this conversation. I believe that Spock
and James will have to navigate this particular issue on their own terms. We will adjourn to
my office and I will explain it to you.”
Chris huffed and glared pointedly at Jim. “I’m fairly confident you came on board this ship a
virgin, Jim. I’d like you leave it that way as well. You’re just too young for this, okay?”
“Okay, Dad, seriously. I’m not really interested in…” He trailed off and waved a hand. “It’s
not exactly all romance and roses in here, ya know.”
Pike snorted and let Sarek lead him from the room. He said nothing until he was in the small
office in the suite of rooms that Sarek had barricaded his family in. Even on a ship, surrounded
by his clan the elder Vulcan was on his guard when it came to his children and wife. Pike had
to wonder how the man had functioned on his home planet with such a pathological distrust
of his own people.
Sarek placed a tumbler full of brandy on the desk in front of him and Pike stared at it for a few
seconds. “Is this a conversation we should’ve had before I let my son all but marry yours?”
“I could say that I assumed that James had discussed this particular issue with you but I
would be speaking dishonestly. When you did not question me about it, I knew that he had
not spoken even subtly about it to you. It was my own shame that prevented me from
speaking to you of it. That was a mistake and I hope that it will not damage our friendship.”
Pike took a deep breath. “Well, Christ, this isn’t a great start to our conversation.”
“In the ancient history of my home planet, my people allowed their emotions to rule them.
War and intense periods of violence were the result. It was not until the time of Surak that we
learned through the application of logic to suppress our emotions. However we were not able,
no matter how disciplined we became, to suppress our mating drive. It is a source of much
shame for the people of our world.”
“And it is called Pon Farr.”
“Yes.”
“Is it violent?” Chris demanded. “Will Spock hurt Jim?”
“If Pon Farr is allowed to run unchecked—until sanity is out of reach then it can be deadly to
Vulcans. It is one reason why a bondmate is a biological necessity… without a telepathic bond
with a compatible mate we will not survive the fires of Pon Farr.” Sarek focused on his desk. “I
have never gravely injured Amanda during my Time. Not once have I broken a bone or torn
her skin. There are bruises at times, but those are more due to her nature than my loss of
control.”
Chris exhaled sharply and then laughed a little. “That makes you a lucky man, Sarek, and
never let anyone tell you differently.” He relaxed in his chair and studied his brandy. “So it’s
an embarrassing situation because you lose control of your emotional state? You’re ashamed
of it?”
“For a Vulcan there is no greater shame than the loss of control,” Sarek murmured. “It can, in
times of incompatibility, be intensely physicaly violent as well. Vulcan males have killed their
mates during plak-tow if their bondmate was not compatible.” He paused. “That will not be an
issue for Jim and Spock – T’Pau has declared them t’hy’la and such pairings historically are so
uniquely bonded that no other will ever be as compatible.”
“Like soul mates,” Chris said and nodded. “Yes, I’m aware of what T’Pau meant when she
said it during their bonding ceremony. Jim prepared me for that—made me understand how
intimate and important his connection with Spock is. It’s one reason why he didn’t want
Starfleet brass at their bonding ceremony. He didn’t want to be so exposed before the men
who will eventually be his commanding officers.”
Sarek nodded. “Many offered me veiled complaints about their lack of an invitation to the
ceremony but I have always been very good at pretending to not understand those who would
seek to provoke me.”
*****
Jim shivered under the frigid water and cursed Leonard McCoy under his breath in Klingon. It
was the least of what he owed the man for this ridiculous situation. Of course, it worked
because his dick had all but crawled up in his stomach. Underneath all of that, however, was
the horrid pull of sexual arousal humming under his skin and in his blood. The empathic
impression was muted—they’d found a psionic shield in a lab. It wasn’t as sophisticated as the
one Pike had gotten him from Betazed but it was helping. They’d tailored the field it projected
to encompass both the room he was sharing with Spock and their bathroom.
He all but hopped out of the shower unit and briskly dried himself off. By the time he was
dressed, he was half-hard but it didn’t feel desperate or violent like it had before. Jim carried a
small towel back into the room, using it to rub his head briskly. Spock was on a meditation
mat in front of the miniature fire pot. With one small glance towards Stopak and McCoy Jim
joined him. He slid into Spock’s lap without a single hesitation and shuddered as he let his
back rest against his bondmate’s chest.
“Besides reducing your body temperature, it did not do much to change your circumstances,”
Spock murmured as he wrapped his hands firmly around Jim’s wrists. “Inhale as deep as you
can and hold it.” Jim did as instructed, his eyelids fluttering close. “Now release it.”
Jim shivered as the bond seemed to swell between. The mental intimacy was so unexpected
that he nearly moaned. It wasn’t like a meld—but something utterly different. Spock normally
refrained from using the Betazoid components of their telepathic bond and waited until Jim
reached out to him. Their ability to mentally communicate with words was unprecedented
among Vulcans. Bondmates on his world communicated with mental pictures and used
carefully controlled impressions to represent their thoughts.
“That’s perfect, Ashayam,” Spock murmured. “Another.”
Jim inhaled then held it for several seconds before exhaling. Spock’s fingers tightened around
his wrists and his bondmate touched his mind so gently that it was like a sweet, innocent kiss.
The small amount of jealousy he’d felt sinking into their bond dissipated and something else
flared bright and vicious in his mind. He jerked in Spock’s embrace, lust bursting over his
body.
He scrambled out of Spock’s lap, gagging on the violence of the emotion as he curled in on
himself. “Fuck. Goddamn it, Bones!”
McCoy was there in seconds, prepping a hypo. “This is slow acting, Jim, it’ll take a few
minutes.”
Jim shuddered on the floor and his body jerked. “This son of a bitch is doing it on purpose,” he
hissed against the carpet.
“What?” Spock demanded. He reached out for him. “He’s attacking you? Jim?” He pulled his
bondmate from the floor and clutched at him. “He is touching your mind? Vulcans aren’t
capable of…”
“Most are not capable of advanced telepathy without touch or a very strong bond,” Stopak
said calmly. “While Spock might be the most gifted telepath of his generation, he is not the
only one on Vulcan. There are some who are as capable as any Betazoid of just this form of
communication. I will go render this individual unconscious for the remainder of our trip.”
Jim shuddered as the sedative wound its way into his mind. He could feel it dulling his
psionic receptors—like hundreds of light switches being flipped off. Psionic inhibitors were
the stuff of nightmares, no empath wanted to be so shut off from the environment around
them. It was like getting a limb severed. His familial bonds shuttered one by one—the tethers
he’d developed with Pike and Bones faded away followed closely by the one that he shared
with T’Mara. In the distance, he heard her wake screaming.
Blindly he reached out for his bond with Spock but it was muted—indistinct. He shuddered
and a sob burst out of his mouth. “Spock.”
“I’m here, T’hy’la,” Spock whispered fiercely as he rocked him. “I will… I am here.”
“You,” Jim whispered against Spock’s jaw. “He wants you.” His fingers clutched at Spock’s
clothes. “He’s projecting on me so he can feel you be with me.”
Spock held him tighter, and kept his mind carefully blank as his bondmate finally surrendered
and fell unconscious. T’Mara entered their room at a run followed closely by their mother. “He
is ill, T’Mara.”
“I can’t feel him,” T’Mara reached out hesitantly but seemed to realize her touch wasn’t
appropriate.
Spock gently caught his sister’s wrist and brushed her fingers over Jim’s pulse point. Without
active psionic receptors, Jim’s mind was quiet and peaceful. “He will be well.”
T’Mara knelt down on the floor beside them and petted Jim’s wrist with one slim, tiny finger.
“Who hurt our Jim, Spock?”
“I do not know his name,” Spock admitted roughly. “Jim will sleep through the night now that
Dr. McCoy has medicated him.”
T’Mara frowned at McCoy but nodded. “Mother, can you make the man who hurt Jim stop?”
“I believe your father will handle that matter,” Amanda said and carefully plucked T’Mara
from the floor. “Spock, Jim would rest better on the bed than the floor.”
*****
“Jim warned Spock before he passed out that the person trying to engage him telepathically
ultimately wanted access to Spock—intimate sexual access.”
Sarek’s face flushed and McCoy blinked in surprise at the unmitigated fury the Vulcan
displayed. “I see.” He turned to T’Pau. “Who is the individual in isolation in the infirmary,
T’Pau?”
“Devar is his name. He is of the Clan of Koltar and has been on Earth for the last year.” T’Pau
paused. “He is eight years Spock’s senior and did approach me for a union between them
when Spock refused to bond with T’Pring. I felt it inappropriate as Devar has already been
bonded once and was due to enter his Time within a Vulcan solar year. Devar believed that he
and Spock would be compatible due to the similar psionic ratings and intellectual pursuits.
Devar was touted as the most mentally talented Vulcan of his age and is only second to Spock
over our entire people when it comes to his telepathic potential.”
McCoy frowned. “Second to Spock. Why is a half-Vulcan ranked so high on potential?”
“Because he was engineered to be,” Sarek said shortly. “While genetic engineering is outlawed
within the Federation—couples who cannot reproduce naturally due to genetic incompatibility
are allowed special dispensation as long as certain guidelines are followed. Spock’s Vulcan
genetics were made to be dominant over his Human and all of the chromosomes governing his
psionic abilities were manipulated into a dominant state at his conception. He wasn’t altered
or manipulated after that point as it would’ve been a violation of Federation law. Those laws
are one reason why it took so long for us to successfully conceive Spock.”
“This Devar person attacked my son,” Pike interrupted. “I realize he’s crazy right now—it was
explained to me. I don’t understand what he was attempting to accomplish.”
“In his insanity, he might have believed himself capable of breaking or even joining the bond
that James and Spock share,” T’Pau admitted. “We will not know for certain. At this point, he
is unlikely to accept the mate his clan has arranged for him and he will die.” She paused again.
“T’Lena of the House of Koltar has stated that Devar expressed interest in challenging the
bonding of Spock and James Kirk.”
“Such a challenge would only be acceptable if James or Spock declared kal-if-fee,” Sarek said
quietly.
“There are other more elaborate rituals,” T’Pau began. “From before Surak that would allow
him to challenge their pairing. There are those that believe Spock’s ability to achieve a t’hy’la
bond is a condition unique to him and little to do with James. They wish such a bond for
themselves. Devar is one of those individuals.”
“Spock would kill Devar himself before he would allow James to face him in armed combat,”
Sarek said shortly. “I do not have any doubts about my son’s affections for his bondmate. It
would be a bloodbath, T’Pau.”
“The fact remains that James is perfectly capable of rendering a Vulcan psi-null,” T’Pau
pointed out bluntly. “He is attempting to control himself on board this ship which is why he
did not lash out Devar when he had a chance. I have spoken with Jaret about James’ mental
abilities—which have only advanced since his bonding with Spock. They are on par with an
adult Betazoid. James and Spock feed on each other telepathically, Sarek. Their bond is like
nothing I have ever seen. When the mediate together—it is impossible to tell them apart
mentally.”
“I noticed,” Sarek admitted. “They were regularly accomplishing that feat before they bonded.
It is one reason why I had no doubts about their ability to successfully bond with one another.
They have been of a single purpose since practically their first meeting.”
T’Pau nodded. “A fully developed Betazoid is three times the mental threat of any Vulcan
alive. There are those on this ship that are coming to realize that and it makes them leery of
interacting with James or other Betazoids. Most simply did not consider how powerful they
were mentally as a people.”
“They play games,” Sarek said. “Deflect attention from their abilities with little mental tricks
all the while they plunder the minds around them assessing us for their needs. Jim has all but
admitted in the past that he actively scans everyone he encounters to make sure they are not a
threat to him. This behavior comes to him naturally—like the beat of his heart. Such continued
mental stimulus would drive a Vulcan insane.”
“It would make logic difficult to maintain,” T’Pau allowed. “We are fortunate that the
Betazoid joined the Federation and have such a strong ethical code of their own. Crime—even
thought crime is quite rare on Betazed. In fact, it is more rare on Betazed than it is on Vulcan.”
“Thought crime,” McCoy repeated. “What would that entail?”
“Using one’s telepathic abilities to injure, control, or subdue the mind of another sentient being
outside sanctioned government service,” Sarek explained. “Forced mind melds are the most
obvious of crimes but Vulcans are touch telepaths and even with casual touches we are
capable of mining the mind of a psi-null individual to a level which would horrify you,
Leonard.”
“What about what this asshole in the infirmary tried to do to Jim and Spock? Where does that
rate within the laws governing telepathic usage on Vulcan?”
“If he were not deep in his plak-tow it would be considered a high crime—worthy of execution
in our past and psionic castration in our present.”
“Psionic castration,” Pike repeated, horror tingeing his words. “What does that entail exactly?”
“Think full frontal lobotomy,” McCoy muttered. “Only they do it with a laser scalpel to the
psionic cortex in Vulcans. It’s what I wanted done to Delis Brise to be perfectly frank. It’s what
I’m going to lobby for after his mental evaluation is complete. Telepaths and empaths that are
diagnosed as incurable are often castrated psionically for the protection of others.”
Pike’s jaw tightened. “Is that why those assholes from Federation Security keep nosing around
Jim? First that guy that tried to kidnap him at the mall then T’Pring—that’s two people he’s
attacked mentally as far as they are concerned.”
“They may make inquiries all the like, James is a citizen of Betazed and Vulcan—neither of our
species allow for the psionic castration of a member of our race without planetary government
permission. It is in our agreements from when we joined the Federation,” T’Pau explained.
“Such procedures performed without our permission would likely see the exit of every psitalented race within the Federation. They would never risk it.”
McCoy thought he could set Earth on fire if they tried to open up James Kirk’s head. He huffed
and went to the replicator. Everything was written in Vulcan. He huffed again and then
proceeded to order tea in perfectly accented Vulcan. He turned and found everyone in the
room staring at him. “What?”
“Your grasp of our language is…” T’Pau paused.
“Sexy?” Bones questioned then grinned when she actually flushed. “I have a specialty degree
in xeno-medical studies. To that end, I made it a point to learn Vulcan and fifteen other
languages so that I could better interact with my patients in the event that the universal
translator fails.” He took a seat beside Pike and sipped his tea. “I can also curse like a transport
frigate captain in Klingon.”
“I just bet you can,” Pike said dryly and then laughed softly. “I did wonder where Jim picked
that stuff up from.”
*****
Three hours after beaming down to the surface of Vulcan, James Kirk was fairly confident that
he was on the verge of causing an intergalactic brouhaha. T’Mara was clutching desperately at
his pinky and ring finger—to the horror of most of the adults present and the very logical
argument taking place had to be the most heartless fucking thing he’d ever had to witness.
Spock was silent and stoic beside him but Jim could feel the fury boiling inside him.
T’Mara on the other hand was a mass of fear and hurt. She knew enough Vulcan to
comprehend that the people who had arrived at the house shortly after their beam down
where members of her biological mother’s clan and they were actively, vehemently protesting
her entrance into the House of Surak. Jim could feel her ruthlessly attempting to bury all of her
emotions in the face of it—presenting the other Vulcans with a beautiful, serene face despite
her inner turmoil.
Jim could suddenly take no more. He turned, picked up the child easily from her place beside
him and headed towards a large hall that would lead to the wing of T’Pau’s house that their
family unit had been assigned.
“James.” T’Pau’s voice was dry, controlled—betraying none of the anger he felt rolling off of
her. “Where do you take the child?”
“The empathic feedback she’s receiving from her biological mother’s clan is making her ill,”
Jim said shortly. He watched the insult of his statement sweep through the room and more
than one Vulcan outright glared at him for a few seconds. “Additionally, I feel this display is a
poor example of the principals of Surak and she is too young to be exposed to such blatant
hypocrisy.” T’Mara buried her face against his neck and Jim did something for Spock that he’d
never done in public before. He offered his fingers. “Come, Imzadi, I’d rather you not be
exposed to such undisciplined minds either.”
Spock actually blinked in surprise but brushed his fingers over Jim’s as soon as he could.
“Jim.”
“If this is an example of those who live and accept the Kol-Ut-Shan then I find myself in fear of
your people’s ability to thrive in the future,” Jim said bluntly. He glanced only briefly at
Amanda who was silent, ashen faced beside her husband.
He couldn’t be her. He couldn’t… be silent. It wasn’t in him to allow it and despite the
permission Spock had once given him, he felt like his loss of temper, no matter how mild it
was to him, had shamed Spock.
Jim also no longer wondered why Sarek’s bond with Amanda was so militant. Several
members of the other clan had purposely brushed up against Jim several times in an effort to
get a mental read off of him. It had taken every ounce of discipline he had not to lash out at
them. Amanda was psi-null and without the bond with her husband—her mind would be an
open fucking book to every Vulcan on the planet.
T’Mara was mentally exhausted from keeping silent—they had no more pulled off her day
robe and shoes before she was sound asleep. Jim activated the psionic field generator sitting on
a trunk at the end of the bed and followed Spock silently out of the room.
“Do not apologize,” Spock said shortly as soon as they were in the room they would share. He
sat down on one of the double beds in the room and eyed the other with amusement. “I do
believe that is the first time that I’ve ever seen a non-Vulcan use the teachings of Surak to
insult other Vulcans. You may go down in clan history for it.”
Jim huffed and pulled off his tunic, which he tossed aside. Then he dropped back on the other
bed and stared at the ceiling. “You said once that your planet was full of two-faced people.”
“That was your interpretation of my words, yes,” Spock agreed.
“They speak eloquently of peace and non-violence and acceptance of other races for their
differences. Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations—that’s what we learn about Vulcan in
school, ya know. We’re taught how your people over came your violent history through the
teachings of Surak and that all of you embrace the differences the universe has to offer and it’s
such a…” Jim launched off the bed, unaware that they were no longer alone. “It’s such a
fucking betrayal to realize how untrue it is!”
T’Pau cleared her throat. “If it was your intention to insult the clan Stokar to the point where
they declined to join us for dinner, you succeeded.”
Jim blushed furiously and averted his gaze. “My apologies, Elder, it was not my intention to
embarrass you in your home.”
“Vulcans do not become embarrassed,” T’Pau said coolly. “You were going to leave the room
without comment—I am the one that requested information about your activities.” She paused
and then continued. “There are few on this planet who are prepared to deal with a non-Vulcan
bondmate who speaks their mind. Be aware of that, James Kirk, that is all I ask.”
Jim inclined his head and stared at her. “Is that permission to go about my business as usual?”
“You are your own man,” T’Pau said shortly and left the doorway without another word.
“She likes you more than she likes me,” Spock said dryly. “But it is only because you are so
aesthetically pleasing.”
Jim offered him a grin and then shrugged. “It would hardly be the first time I caught a
Vulcan’s eye by the turn of my face.”
Spock huffed and stared pointedly at the ceiling.
*****
“T’Lena of the House of Koltar, meet James Tiberius Kirk of the House of Surak.”
The elderly Vulcan woman offered him the traditional greeting and solemnly wished him a
long life. He returned the gesture and words without much thought and took the seat that
T’Pau motioned him towards. Amanda brought him a cup of tea from the replicator and then
sat down beside Spock who had been meeting with the three women for over an hour when
Jim had been called. He dearly wished Sarek hadn’t taken himself off to the VSA for the
morning with Stopak and McCoy. Pike was ensconced in Sarek’s office working so he was no
real help either.
“I wished to speak with you concerning the actions of my grandson, Devar.”
Jim stared down at his tea for a moment as he let his mind go—glancing over the woman’s
thoughts without much effort. He watched her face and was surprised to realize that she had
no idea he was accessing her thoughts. Most Vulcans her age were so mentally disciplined that
he should never have gotten away with such a direct scan of her without her knowing about it
at the very least.
“I am aware that he was mentally unstable at the time and shouldn’t be held responsible for
his actions,” Jim murmured. “I won’t request that he be criminally charged for the assault.”
“Assault is an inappropriate description of the event.”
“I don’t agree,” Jim said, his tone moderate and calm. “His lack of control was obscene. On
Betazed such an assault on the mind of another—no matter their psionic status, would be
considered a high mind crime. The kind of crime that requires the strongest of punishments.”
“Devar has refused the bondmate arranged for him,” T’Lena began. “I came here today to
discuss your unconsummated bond with Spock.”
“Our bond is hardly any of your business—you intrude on a very personal and private part of
our lives.” Jim pushed the tea back from him and stared pointedly at her. “Elder, I can’t
imagine what you could hope to gain from such an intimate inquiry.”
“You are not Vulcan—as such you do not require a bondmate to survive. I am seeking the
dissolution of your unconsummated bond so Spock may be free to bond with one of his own
kind.”
“You expect me to agree to this?” Jim questioned and then frowned. “So you can give my
sexually immature bondmate to an adult who is the throes of his plak-tow?”
Amanda’s teacup rattled on her saucer and she abruptly put it down. Every Vulcan at the table
looked so uncomfortable that Jim almost felt sorry for them. “Elder T’Lena is requesting a
temporary bond to save her grandson’s life.”
“I’d sooner kill Devar myself than allow him to touch my bondmate,” Jim said and pushed
aside the fury that poured of T’Lena despite her serene facial expression. “I also can’t believe
that Sarek would agree with this course of action.”
“The opinions of his father mean nothing to me—T’Pau is the Matriarch of the House of Surak
and her will is all that matters.”
“And what do you say, Elder T’Pau?” Jim questioned.
“As I already explained to Elder T’Lena – I did not believe that either you or Spock would be
willing to agree to such a plan. She insisted on speaking to you both and logically I saw no
reason why she could not ask you directly.”
T’Lena stared pointedly at Jim. “Your reaction is not logical, James Kirk.”
“I’m not a Vulcan, Elder T’Lena,” Jim said plainly. “I see no reason to pretend that I am. Tell
me something, would you request this from a full Vulcan or is it acceptable to you to treat
Spock with such disdain and disrespect because he’s half-Human?”
“He has a duty to his people,” T’Lena began. “That my grandson finds him an acceptable
bondmate is an honor considering his disadvantage.”
“Right.” Jim nodded. “Spock, you wanna break our bond so you can be violated sexually and
mentally by Devar and then tossed aside when you are no longer necessary to his survival?”
“I would rather be set on fire,” Spock returned dryly. “As I had already explained to Elder
T’Lena. She was under the mistaken impression that you might be more inclined to see reason
and demonstrate some compassion for Devar.”
“Elder T’Lena, you are asking Spock to break a bond with his t’hy’la. Does that mean nothing
to you?” Jim questioned.
“There are many who doubt the claims of the House of Surak regarding your bond,” T’Lena
responded shortly. “It is illogical to assume that a hybrid Vulcan could achieve such a bond
with someone like you, James Kirk. It is my understanding you had to be sedated on the ship
because of your inability to control yourself.”
“I was sedated because of your grandson’s complete and utter loss of control. I was sedated
because Devar stayed on Earth when he should have returned to Vulcan weeks ago. His
condition wasn’t spontaneous, Elder T’Lena. He also placed himself on T’Pau’s ship on
purpose, to be closer to Spock as his condition deteriorated. He acted illogically and without
honor before he even became compromised by his condition.” He allowed himself a small
moment of thanks for the Vulcans near universal stance on violence as he could tell he’d just
made the female elder as furious as she’d ever been in her entire life. “And inferring that I’m a
whore because of my genetics is a foul, bigoted, and thoroughly illogical thing to do.”
“I will go to the High Council,” T’Lena stood. “My grandson will die without a bondmate; it is
only logical that one he is highly compatible with be compelled to at least attempt to bond
with him to save his life.”
“There isn’t a Vulcan alive on this planet that is mentally talented enough to fight us both,”
Spock murmured. “The first person to attempt to interfere with my bond would have mere
seconds to lament the loss of their katra before it was ripped to shreds.” He stood and offered
his hand to Jim who took it immediately and left his chair. “I have said in the past and am
behooved to say again—I would break entirely with my clan and in fact, with all of Vulcan to
have the bond I have with James Kirk. There is nothing the High Council can do or say to
make me change my mind.” He paused, inclined his head, and lifted his hand in salute. “Live
long and prosper.”
Amanda shot T’Pau a pointed glare as the two boys left. “As I said.”
“Yes, Amanda,” T’Pau said in agreement. “As you said. T’Lena, you would be wise to heed
what James and Spock have said this day. Search for another to meet the needs of your
grandson—Spock will not be made available and if you protest this decision with the High
Council—I believe you will also have to justify yourself to the First House of Betazed, of which
James Kirk is a celebrated and beloved member.”
“They are both illogical. The bond with Devar could be dissolved at a later date if Spock was
unsatisfied in the union. Why he would chose to remain bonded with a Human when he could
have a satisfying relationship with a Vulcan is an insult to our House, T’Pau.”
“Your belief that our Matriarch is so feeble minded that she does not know a t’hy’la bond when
she sees it is an insult to the House of Surak,” Amanda said softly. “You will leave. Elder
T’Pau tires in the afternoon and we have a busy day scheduled for tomorrow.” She stood and
motioned the woman towards the front door. “She has endured enough of your insulting
behavior today and frankly, so have I. I’d sooner help my son set himself on fire than expect
him to endure such an insult to his life and bond.”
T’Pau lifted one sharp, elegant eyebrow at T’Lena and returned her attention to her tea as
Amanda Grayson escorted the other clan leader from the ancestral home of the House of
Surak. Amanda returned to the table and regained her seat silently.
T’Pau cleared her throat. “Spock’s repeated desire to die in a fire has me bewildered.”
Amanda’s mouth quivered with suppressed laughter briefly and she exhaled. “I…” She trailed
off and started to laugh.
T’Pau’s lips quirked ever so slightly and she took a delicate sip of her tea. It wasn’t often that
she was able to coax a laugh out of Amanda Grayson. She regretted the years that the brilliant
young woman had spent on Vulcan. A part of her realized she should never have agreed with
Sarek’s intentions to raise his son on Vulcan. Neither Amanda or Spock had ever been content
on Vulcan. They had borne the weight of disapproval as well as could be expected but it was a
shame nonetheless.
“James is like none who has ever bonded into our clan.”
Amanda sobered immediately and nodded. “I know.”
“I would not have him change,” T’Pau continued. “I realize circumstances have often forced
you to remain silent, Amanda, and at times I have been… grateful… for your poise and selfcontrol but I would not wish to see James Kirk subjugated by societal pressures.”
“I believe if we tried we would find him quite rebellious,” Amanda said tentatively. “He is
an… emotional and brash young man. I never presumed to think that Spock would have such
a bondmate, not when Sarek was so intent on bonding him with a Vulcan.”
“He sought to protect Spock and his actions were logical,” T’Pau began. “Bonding as children
remains a common practice despite all of our advancements. He has not mentioned a
bondmate for T’Mara.”
Amanda blushed and sighed. “I requested that he not attempt it. When the time is appropriate,
T’Mara will search out her own bondmate. I don’t want her… exposed to the level of bigotry
and hatred that T’Sar faced from her own bondmate.”
“My granddaughter did suffer,” T’Pau allowed and focused on her tea. “I did not understand
the depth of her suffering until recently. I am relieved that you and Sarek have already made a
decision regarding the matter of T’Mara’s bonding. I was… prepared to deny Sarek his request
if it were brought up. I would prefer to never bond the children of our clan again. Spock’s
bonding has proven to me that we are still capable of profound, intimate bonds. I would deny
no child in my House the opportunity to find a t’hy’la.”
Amanda huffed. “I should’ve punched T’Lena in the face.”
“I believe your time on Earth has given you a false sense of physical prowess,” T’Pau began.
“T’Lena could as Humans say… wipe the floor with you even at her age.”
Amanda flashed a grin. “Blacking her eye would have been exceedingly satisfying
nonetheless.”
*****
Leonard McCoy had seen some crazy things during his career with Starfleet but… the Vulcan
Science Academy was another matter altogether. He was also receiving better treatment from
them than he’d ever anticipated. He’d saved Vulcan lives during the bombing—operated on
them in near combat triage conditions on the scene to get them stable enough to be
transported. His efforts had lead to him being… indulged to a higher degree than any
previous Starfleet Medical CMO who had ever been given access to Vulcan medical data.
Stopak had been his tour guide/body guard since his arrival. Several of the scientists, both
male and female, had been so curious about him that they had tried to touch him. Leonard was
educated enough about Vulcan biology that he’d shied away from allowing any of them to
touch him with intent. He’d also spent enough time learning to shield his mind when Jim first
developed his empathy that he was pretty confident he would at least know when someone
was trying to touch his mind.
“Do you have any medical data concerning Spock and James Kirk’s bond?”
McCoy paused, the question had come out of the blue but he wasn’t entirely surprised by it.
“I’m bound by confidentiality oaths, Selmek. I can’t discuss James Kirk or his bond with
Spock. It would be a violation of ethics.”
“Could you answer a few generalized questions?” Selmek pressed. “For instance, would you
say that a Vulcan would be content in a bond with a Betazoid?”
“I believe that the Betazoid are uniquely suited to bond with Vulcans, actually. They are
emotionally mature, talented telepathically, and have the empathy required to understand a
Vulcan partner. This means that they wouldn’t be prone to misunderstanding their partner’s
intent or underestimating their affection due to lack of physical or emotional expression. You
don’t have to tell a Betazoid that you love them—they know it already.”
Selmek’s eyes widened briefly before he gained control of his facial features. “I see.”
“Additionally, there appears to be no problems whatsoever with a Betazoid and a Vulcan
melding mentally. Emotional transference isn’t an issue as the Betazoid would already be quite
familiar with the Vulcan’s emotional state prior to melding. Since Betazoids process their
emotions, they aren’t unduly burdened by the empathic bleed off during melding,” McCoy
explained.
“But Betazoids are known for being extremely emotional.”
“As a species, Betazoids are the most emotionally intelligent in the entire Federation. They
process, control, and accept the burdens of not only their own emotions but the emotions of
nearly every alien species they encounter.” McCoy paused and then inclined his head. “It’s my
understanding that the only species they have any true difficulty with empathically are the
Ferengi.”
Sarek glanced up from his PADD, one he’d been on for the last several minutes reading a
message from his wife. “Leonard, if you are finished for the day… we should return. There has
been an incident that might require some action on my part.”
“Sure.” McCoy stood. He figured he’d done enough to shock the Vulcans today and he was
going to be there an entire week. “I’ll have a discussion with Jim and Spock about their
personal research, Selmek. They might be persuaded to share some sanitized data with you.”
“They are researching their own bond?” Selmek questioned.
“Of course, two boy-geniuses are bound to inspect, research, and study just about everything,”
Bones said with a small grin. “They’ve been researching their mental interactions since from
practically day one of their friendship.”
*****
“I am concerned that this conversation took place without me,” Sarek admitted.
Amanda raised one eyebrow at him in a near direct imitation of himself and Sarek almost
sighed. “Do you doubt my ability to protect our children, Sarek?”
“Of course not.”
“Do you believe that T’Pau would allow anyone to damage the bond that James and Spock
share?”
“No.”
“Then you wished to be here… to express your own displeasure at T’Lena?”
“I am…” Vexed. He was completely and utterly vexed. “It is my duty to protect you and our
children.”
Amanda smirked at him and put down her hairbrush. “I wish you had been here as well—
then I could have punched T’Lena in the face and you would’ve been on hand to defend me
physically from her.”
“Punch her in the face,” Sarek repeated.
“I was wonderfully tempted to do it anyway,” Amanda admitted wistfully. “She certainly had
it coming.”
“Wife.”
“Husband.” She turned on the small stool at her vanity table and frowned at him. “Are you
saying you wouldn’t have defended my physical person if she attacked me?”
“I would put an end to her entire clan to defend your physical person,” Sarek said bluntly. “I
do believe, however, that you are too delicate for such violence. Perhaps you could have just
kicked her in the leg instead.”
Amanda stared at him for a few seconds and then grinned. “Sarek.”
“Or maybe you could have pulled her hair—does she still wear that elaborate thing?” He made
a gesture with his hands to define his memory of her hair.
“That’s a wig, Sarek,” Amanda said with a laugh. “There is no way she’s not at least half gray
headed at this point and it hasn’t changed in twenty years. Her vanity is well known.” She
smirked. “I could have snatched it off her head and beat her about the face with it.”
Sarek nodded sagely. “Another fine anecdote for the clan annals detailing your passionate
defense of our honor.”
*****
Spock shifted his weight, careful not to press down too much on his bondmate. He never
allowed himself to forget how different they were physiologically. The thought of physically
injuring Jim even with casual contact was abhorrent. Jim was laying flat on his stomach, faced
pillowed on his folded arms. Spock sprinkled more oil on Kirk’s skin and started to rub it in.
Despite the intimacy of their relationship before and after bonding, a massage was a luxury for
them both. The amount of sanctioned touching Spock could indulge in without facing any real
discussion on the part of their parents was extreme. The small bowl of oil he’d replicated was
full of vitamins and enrichments that would help keep Jim’s skin healthy while he was on
Vulcan. Jim had applied most of it himself but he had been unable to reach his back.
“Feels amazing.”
“Yes,” Spock agreed. “I can tell.” The thick oil clung to his fingers as he spread it over the
expanse of Jim’s shoulders and then down the blades. The pleasure Jim was experiencing was
ebbing and flowing against the edge of their bond. “You are aroused.”
Jim lifted his ass and wiggled it slightly against Spock’s erection. “I’m not the only one.”
Spock pressed his thumbs against the small of Jim’s back and rubbed in tiny circles until his
bondmate relaxed on the bed with a little shudder. “Yes, but this hardly the time or place to
indulge in such depraved activities.”
Jim laughed, loud and unashamed. “Depraved? That’s a negative word.”
“Yes, you enjoy activities that are depraved and illicit. You find such things mentally
stimulating. As your bondmate, it is my duty to see to your mental stimulation to the benefit
of your health.”
Jim sighed. “I’m a lucky guy—to have someone so dedicated to my mental stimulation.”
Spock snorted but swallowed the unwilling laugh. “You are a terrible influence on my
control.”
Jim hitched his hips and Spock lifted away slightly. Kirk turned over with a little wiggle and
sat up to wrap his arms around his mate. “Imzadi,” he murmured as he buried his face against
Spock’s neck.
Spock took a deep breath as Kirk’s mind brushed with his then their bond flared completely
open. His still slick fingers glanced over the meld points on Jim’s face and settled. “My mind
to your mind,” he whispered fiercely against Jim’s hair.
He tugged gently and Jim dipped gracefully into his mind. After their telepathic bond had
settled, it had become easier and easier for Jim to enter his mind as often as the reverse. His
mindscape wasn’t as developed as Jim’s as he’d yet to master all the principles of Vulcan
mental control. He was closer every day, closer after every meditation and certainly closer
after every meld with Jim.
For precious moments, their minds were entirely one and then they split apart. That first
second was always sharp, biting, almost agony… he knew that other Vulcans didn’t
experience the loss he felt when Jim pulled free of his mind. He’d discussed it briefly with
Healer Stopak and the elderly Vulcan theorized that it was his mind reacting to the missing
empathic connection with his bondmate.
Jim shifted in his embrace and pressed their mouths together. The kiss was more soothing than
arousing, and he knew that his bondmate had felt that hot flash of mental pain before it bled
away. Jim pulled back slightly and rested his forehead against Spock’s. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for, Ashayam.” Spock trailed his fingers down Jim’s back. “We
knew what would happen when we bonded telepathically.”
“I should’ve found some way to preserve the empathic tether,” Jim murmured. “Now, I’m
afraid to give you a new one—I don’t think I could without bonding with you completely.” He
kissed the side of his mouth. “We’re not ready for that.”
“No,” Spock agreed. “You still view me as sexually immature.”
Jim blinked at the tone and sat back on his hands as Spock slipped off of him to leave the bed.
“Hey.” He left the bed, hitching up his pants as he followed Spock into the bathroom. The
Vulcan was washing the bowl they’d used for oil under the sonic stream that flowed into a
shallow basin, meant to mimic a sink. “Spock, you know you haven’t finished maturing
physically. There are physiological issues at play for you that make could make anal
intercourse very uncomfortable or even dangerous. Your f’alia are underdeveloped.”
Spock huffed. “Jim. I don’t…”
“Look, it is a real concern. In your immature physical state, the f’alia could be torn or the nerves
damaged in such a way that you would lose sensation permanently. I did read those files your
father practically ninja’d onto my PADD. It would be a gross act of abuse to compel or really
to allow an immature male to bond with another male during Pon Farr. It isn’t like the male in
Pon Farr would have any ability to be careful.”
Spock stared pointedly at the bowl then carefully placed it on the counter. “I’m not fragile.”
“No, of course not.” Jim huffed. “You could break me in half if you wanted. It isn’t about that
and you know it. This isn’t me treating you like a child, okay. This is my acknowledging that
physically you are not ready for anal intercourse with me or anyone else. If I embarrassed you
by pointing this out to T’Lena, then I apologize. I would never want to cause you discomfort
like that.”
“I wasn’t embarrassed by that part of the conversation,” Spock admitted roughly. “The casual
way you speak of the Time is unnerving. It is very much a taboo subject among my people.
Often, when you speak of it privately… you act as if it is… a party you look forward to.”
Jim grinned and shrugged. “Only the Deltans and the Orions can really compare with the
sexual demands of a Betazoid. Fortunately, though, we rarely drive our sex partners insane.”
Spock leaned against the counter. “Jim… you keep a great deal of your sexual responses and
urges separated from our bond.”
Jim exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his hair. “Right, well, that’s the appropriate thing
to do. My sex drive doesn’t match yours and I’ve already done enough to encourage your
rapid development on the puberty front. I think about sex a lot. I think about you, sexually, a
lot. It would be distracting and maybe even disturbing for you.”
“It’s not because you don’t want to share it with me?” Spock questioned.
“No, no, I’ll share everything with you, Spock.” He crowded his bondmate close to him and
sighed. “For two people with stellar psionic abilities—we have some serious communication
problems.”
“I do not agree. We communicate perfectly well.”
Jim eyed him and grinned. “At least you don’t throw things at my head like T’Sar did Stonn.”
“She was very illogical.”
Jim snorted. “She had every right to be upset that he cancelled their date with a one sentence
communication offering no details and no reassurances that he wasn’t on death’s door.”
Spock lifted an eyebrow. “His leg was broken.”
“That’s all he said!” Jim protested. “Must miss dinner; leg is broken. He’s lucky that a PADD was
all she threw at him.”
“It was very amusing,” Spock confided in a near whisper. “He was at a complete loss how to
deal with her. He flailed about like a fish out of water.”
Jim grinned. “You think you’re aces at dealing with those pesky Human emotions?”
“I have certainly had more practice than Stonn has,” Spock pointed out.
“Spock! Jim!” T’Mara called from the entryway of their bedroom. “It’s time for my lesson!”
Jim let Spock go and he grabbed the t-shirt he’d discarded before his last shower to pull on.
T’Mara and Spock were ensconced in a large chair by the window when he emerged sharing a
PADD. That Spock had all but taken over his sister’s educational lessons while they were on
Vulcan hadn’t been a shock to Jim. After all, who was more familiar with how a
Vulcan/Human hybrid’s brain worked? Sarek had attempted early on to give T’Mara her
lessons but she had a marked preference for Spock when it came to educational activities.
Jim watched them for a few minutes then headed for the kitchen for something cool to drink.
The house was modulated to make sure that neither he nor Amanda were exposed to the harsh
climate of Vulcan but it wasn’t truly comfortable. It made him uncomfortable on an intellectual
level—he had to wonder how often Spock suffered on Earth and what he could do about it.
Elders Stavik and T’Pau were at the large table in the kitchen area of the house with a red clay
tea service spread out between them. Jim hesitated briefly in the doorway but when he didn’t
feel anything from them that indicated that he would be intruding—he quietly made his way
to the replicator. He ordered ice water and a salad of mixed greens that was familiar from the
replicator menu in Sarek’s house on Earth. It was indication enough that it was one of
Amanda’s food items.
“Join us, James.” T’Pau pointed towards an empty chair without looking at him directly.
Jim took his food to the table and settled in without comment. He wondered if he was about to
get pinned to the intellectual table by Elder Stavik but the older man didn’t even look up from
the PADD he was reading.
“I would speak with you regarding your place in the House of Surak.”
Jim held back his surprise. “Elder?”
“When a Vulcan joins a House through marriage—a ceremony takes place where they accept
ancillary telepathic bonds with each member of our clan. This is not something we can offer a
psi-null individual but as your psionic profile is entirely Betazoid—you could accept these
bonds, should you choose to.”
It was an astounding thing to be offered. “I don’t… I’m honored, of course, that you would
consider this for me. I realize that I might not always be the kind of bondmate you would’ve
wanted for Spock.”
“You are mistaken,” T’Pau said firmly. “You are exactly what I would have hoped for Spock if
I thought it remotely possible. I wish such a bondmate for every member of my clan. Even now,
I do not believe you understand how coveted the bond between t’hy’la is.”
Jim flushed but nodded. “This is what T’Mara will go through with the formal adoption.”
“Yes, and it is logical to include you should you wish to fully integrate yourself with our clan
psionically.”
It would certainly please Spock, Jim thought. The utter acceptance of their bond by the entire
clan would be a great personal victory for him—the Human hybrid child of Sarek. Though he
knew that no member of his own clan had ever mistreated him—Spock had often felt separate
from his clan.
“It wouldn’t make anyone uncomfortable?” Jim questioned. “You have several members of
your clan who have achieved Kolinahr. What of them? It would be a burden to ask them to
accept a telepathic bond with an empath.”
T’Pau inclined her head. “It would prove to be a greater concern for you, James. To achieve
even an ancillary bond with a being with no emotional connection to even their own katra
might prove to be very uncomfortable for you.”
Jim nodded. “I see. How many Kolinahr adepts are in the House of Surak?”
“Sixteen, it is a path many of us take in our later years—especially if we do not seek to form
another mating bond,” Stavik said pointedly and put his PADD down. “It is a path many
would have encouraged Spock to take if… Sybok had not done so.”
“Spock’s brother.”
“Yes, once he achieved Kolinahr, Sarek was vehemently opposed to Spock ever attempting it.
The final step for an adept is to… sever intimate bonds with their family members such as
parental bonds. While he maintained his ancillary clan bonds—all of the other bonds were
permanently purged along with the last of his emotions.” Stavik’s eyes never wavered from
Jim’s face as he explained.
“That sounds painful and frankly rather horrific,” Jim admitted. He poked at his salad with a
fork and then pushed it out in front of him. “Though I respect the discipline it must take to
achieve such a balance.”
“It offends you,” Stavik surmised.
Jim paused. The last thing he wanted to do was outright insult the older man. “I… yes. I’m
sorry to say that it does. I find it a gross abuse of the parents and siblings of the adept. To have
those familial bonds tossed aside as if they mean nothing is profoundly offensive to me and it
explains—the lingering pain I feel in some of the older members of the clan. Including the two
of you. You’ve both experienced broken bonds—intimate familial bonds.”
T’Pau actually blinked in surprise. “You can feel that?”
“It’s not overwhelming,” Jim murmured. “But it’s there—before T’Mara there was an echo of it
in Ambassador Sarek. Her parental bond with him has done much to heal the wounds left in
his mind due to Sybok’s separation from his family.”
“Dr. McCoy said yesterday during our visit to the Vulcan Science Academy that he believed
the Betazoid to be the most emotionally intelligent species in the Federation,” Stavik said.
“There were many at the academy fascinated with him and his views concerning such things.”
“Because of my bond with Spock.”
“He has the unique position of being able to observe your side of a bond that is largely
shielded from the rest of us,” Stavik said diplomatically. “Curiosity remains the driving force
of nearly every species in the Federation.”
Jim frowned. “Does the privacy that Spock and I ask for concerning our bond… make you
uncomfortable, Elder Stavik?”
“Not at all,” Stavik denied. “Not at all. It is coveted, James, as T’Pau explained. There are no
records or studies concerning the bond between t’hy’la. Many of us simply wish to understand
it and as it stands, we simply have no frame of reference.”
“I see.” Jim nodded. “The adoption ceremony is in five days. I have until then to make my
decision about my own place in the clan?”
“You may join with us now or at any time in the future,” T’Pau corrected. “It is logical to offer
you this opportunity now—when we will already be gathered for T’Mara.” She looked
pointedly at his meal. “Eat, James. You require the energy.”
*****
Jaret Molia stared at Jim’s face and wished fervently that he’d agreed to go to Vulcan for
T’Mara’s adoption. Sarek had invited him out of deference for his relationship with Jim. “I
see.”
“You don’t approve?” Jim questioned.
“I approve without stipulation,” Jaret corrected. “I’m just rather put out that I’m not there to
witness it.”
“You could be. You have enough time,” Jim pointed out. “It’s five days out—we’re waiting on
the arrival of a few clan members. You could also—bring me something.”
“Like that?” Jaret questioned with a raised eyebrow.
“I want to give the House of Surak a psionic stone—an open one they can use for their clan
history much like the Houses do on Betazed if I’m allowed. It is traditional of a Betazoid to
offer an extravagant gift in these circumstances. I didn’t give the clan a gift when I bonded
with Spock because I wasn’t sure how accepting they would be of our customs. I think I could
do this now and it would be well-received.”
Jaret paused and considered this. “It would be permitted—you are a member of their clan as
much as you are a member of the First House. It’s important that you honor that role in all that
you do no matter where you are.” Jaret picked up a PADD and started looking for a ride to
Vulcan. “There is an acceptable psionic stone here at the embassy—I received it last month. I
was going to duplicate one of the larger teaching stones here when you had time to help but I
can always get another. It’s five kilograms and roughly the size and shape of a football. The
facets are beautiful—even its near transparent state.”
“That sounds perfect.”
“I will see you in,” Jaret paused and glanced at his PADD. “In four days provided I can catch a
ride on the USS Baton Rouge.”
“I’ll talk to my dad,” Jim said. “He’ll smooth the way for you.”
“Appreciated,” Jaret nodded. “Be well, Jim.”
“Be well.”
Jaret ended the connection and looked at Taval who was sprawled across their bed naked as
the day he’d been born. “Will you come with me?”
“It will be the ideal time to tell my clan that I intend to bond with you,” Taval paused.
“Provided that is what you still desire.”
Jaret returned to the bed, seeking to sooth the anxiety he felt coming from his lover despite the
Vulcan’s attempts to suppress it. He slid astride Tavel’s hips and grinned when the Vulcan
raised one eyebrow at him. “I love you. Of course, I want to bond with you. There has been no
one else—not in body or mind since we met.”
Taval urged the tunic Jaret had put on to answer the comm over his bondmate’s head and
tossed it aside. “I prefer you naked.”
“I certainly have no problems with that,” Jaret said blithely. He ran one finger down the center
of Taval’s chest. “Will you bond with me in the traditional ways of my people?”
“Of course,” Taval said. “There is no logic in denying myself the richness of all you have to
offer.” He wrapped one hand confidently around Jaret’s rapidly hardening cock. “I have no
obligations to my clan, Jaret, my father will not deny me you.”
“And if they do?”
Taval hummed under his breath as stroked Jaret’s cock. “I have lived without you in my life
for as long as I am willing to tolerate.” He shifted his hips, eyes darkening as Jaret reached
down to guide his erection into his still slick opening.
“I love having you in me,” Jaret murmured. “It’s so intense… perfect. Do you feel it, Imzadi?”
“Yes,” Taval whispered fiercely. “I feel everything… everything. You are still slick and hot
with my cum.”
Jaret smirked.
Taval growled low and with one swift movement put his lover on his back. He hitched Jaret’s
legs up on his shoulders and rolled his hips as he settled in deeper. “You should not provoke
me.”
“I can handle you,” Jaret boasted and shuddered as Taval started to fuck into him with deep,
slow strokes. “I can handle everything you have.”
“Yes,” Taval agreed. “You certainly can.”
*****
Jim clenched his jaw to keep his mouth from hanging open in shock. “You don’t… why would
you…” He turned his face so Spock wouldn’t see the tears welling his eyes. He sure as hell
wasn’t going to cry but he didn’t want Spock to see how close he was. “I thought you would be
happy that I’d been offered such a place in your clan. It didn’t cross my mind that you
wouldn’t want me to have it.”
“Jim.” Spock exhaled sharply. “James, please look at me.”
“No, I need a few minutes to myself then I should contact Jaret and tell him that – that I will be
declining T’Pau’s offer. He was very pleased with the idea but hopefully he won’t ask any
questions.”
“Do not…” Spock made a frustrated sound. “You cannot hope to understand… the depth of
the burden you would have in accepting ancillary bonds with my clan.”
“It’s fine,” Jim snapped. “You don’t want me to do it—I won’t. I don’t need a bullshit
explanation for it.” He tried to walk away but Spock grabbed his arm. The Vulcan’s grip was
firm but not painful. “Let me go.”
“It is not bullshit.”
Jim laughed bitterly and jerked his arm free. “Fuck you, Spock! I carry the telepathic legacies
of two very talented empaths. Do you honestly think I can’t handle less than three hundred
telepathic links that won’t carry a tenth of the connection I had with you before we bonded?”
He stalked away from his bondmate, aware that he was bleeding empathically like he’d been
mortally wounded. “Don’t try to make some logical argument for your reaction because you
don’t have one!”
Spock followed. “Jim. Please… I.” He was at a loss for words. He sat down on a bench just off
the garden bath and took a labored breath. His hands were trembling. He curled his fingers
inward and let his fists rest on his thighs just as his father came around the corner of the house.
Walking rather swiftly, Spock noted.
“Spock.” Sarek approached his son at a more subdued pace and after staring pointedly
between the two of them sat down on the bench beside him. “Tell me what is happening here.
You are both… very upset.”
“T’Pau offered him…” Spock trailed off. “She offered him the telepathic bonds of the entire
clan.” He didn’t offer his father the very logical explanation for his concern because it was as
much bullshit as Jim said it was. He had no doubts concerning his mate’s ability to handle the
telepathic weight of his clan.
“And you don’t want him to accept,” Sarek surmised. “Can you offer me an explanation?”
Spock flinched when Jim snorted in derision. Jim was furious and hurt—not a condition he
was often responsible for. In fact, he couldn’t remember Jim ever being so angry with him. The
last thing he’d ever want to do was hurt him. He reached out for him mentally. “T’hy’la.”
“Don’t,” Jim snapped.
Spock flinched as Jim rebuffed him completely—slamming down a strong shield between their
minds. The bond itself muted but it wasn’t like when Jim had been given psionic inhibitors.
“I… cannot offer a logical explanation, Father.”
“Then perhaps you can just tell me how you feel about it,” Sarek said and raised an eyebrow
when Spock looked at him. “Do you want your mother?”
“No, it would only upset her.” Spock turned his face away from them both. “I do not… trust
all of the members of the clan with my bondmate.”
“You mean Sybok,” Sarek deduced. “You don’t want your brother telepathically linked to
James even in such a small way.”
“He hated me,” Spock snapped. “He hated me so much he tried to kill me!” He launched
himself off the bench. “I don’t even want him in the same house with Jim. What if he hurts
him? What if he tries to hurt him like he used to hurt me?”
“What do you mean?” Sarek demanded, his voice breaking slightly. “What are you talking
about?”
Spock took a deep breath. “Did you believe that day was the first time that Sybok had goaded
me into doing something that would see me injured or dead? He killed I-Chaya, Father. When
she followed me, to protect me… he killed her to prevent her from defending me.”
“You lied to me.” Sarek stared at his son. “You lied to me all this time?”
“He was…” Spock took a deep breath. “He was my brother and you had already sent him
away from home. I did not want worse for him. Mother was so upset over what happened to
begin with. It is not as if you can keep secrets from her.”
“You don’t have an ancillary bond with your brother, do you?” Jim questioned. “He broke it
when he severed his familial bonds.”
“I destroyed the bonds he had with me long before he tried to kill me,” Spock said quietly. “I
will not have that monster touch my bondmate. If that means Jim cannot have a place within
the clan’s telepathic legacy so be it. It is too much to ask of me.”
“You destroyed them,” Sarek repeated. “When?”
“Several weeks before that final day,” Spock began with a shaky inhale of air. “I had not
mediated for weeks because he would interfere—prod my mind when I was trying to calm
myself. He would interrupt me often on purpose—in his attempts elicit an emotional response
from me. He was far worse than even the children I endured at school. One day, I could not
stand it another moment and I attacked the bonds he had with me. I ripped them to shreds. He
was so shocked that he screamed at me.” He glanced towards his father and found him pale. “I
had finally elicited an emotional response from him.”
“So he tried to kill you,” Jim murmured. “In revenge for what you’d done? For being stronger
than him mentally?”
“For being more Vulcan than he thought possible,” Spock said dully. “Shortly before he
achieved Kolinahr, he contacted me to brag about it—to let me know that he was achieving
something that I never had any hope of. He said I was too Human, too mentally deficient to
ever master the principals of Kolinahr and that he was thankful that he would be purging the
shame of having me as his brother.” Spock didn’t say anything as Jim came to his side and
urged him back to the bench where his father still sat. With a soft sigh he continued, “I did not
think he would accept the invitation to T’Mara’s adoption ceremony but he did. I think it is a
mistake to allow him to connect with her. I have been searching for a way to speak of this since
I saw his name on the list last week.”
“He did achieve Kolinahr,” Jim murmured. “He doesn’t hate you now. It would be illogical for
him to behave inappropriately with T’Mara or myself.”
“It is not as if Sybok is not talented enough to hide his emotional responses—even from an
adept,” Spock said quietly. “I am unsure that he actually achieved Kolinahr. We only have his
word that he did. His mind was always so riotous and undisciplined. I do not believe he had it
in him to purge his resentment of me completely.”
“You’re saying he lied about achieving Kolinahr?” Jim questioned in disbelief.
“I am saying he is capable of it. He lied often when we were younger and was not even
remotely uncomfortable in doing so. I will never trust him,” Spock whispered. “Not ever and I
cannot allow him to touch Jim’s mind, Father. I am sorry. I cannot bear the idea of feeling his
corruption in Jim’s mind day in and day out for the rest of our lives.”
Spock stood abruptly and stalked from the garden—leaving Jim and Sarek staring at each
other. Jim figured he was displaying enough horror for them both but older Vulcan looked like
he’d aged a hundred years in a period of minutes.
“This is the first time he’s ever mentioned anything like this to me,” Jim murmured. “I’ve
never even gotten a hint of it during melds.”
“Even as a child, Spock often chose to repress or hide painful things to the point of excess,”
Sarek admitted roughly. He exhaled sharply and closed his eyes in an obvious effort to settle
himself. “It is my fault. I sought his acceptance by our people more than he did. I wanted him
to have a secure future on his home world—a place where he would always feel welcome and
secure. In doing that I taught him to repress his emotions rather than suppress them. To his
detriment.”
Jim shoved his hands into his pockets and stared out into the growing darkness. Spock hadn’t
let him out of the house until it was almost dusk. “Spock is resilient.”
“Yes,” Sarek agreed. “I will speak with T’Pau. Sybok will not be permitted to create a ancillary
link with T’Mara. I won’t have him hurt another child in my care.”
*****
Sarek tucked his hands behind his back as he entered the foyer leading to his son’s office at the
Vulcan Science Academy. Sybok hadn’t made himself available to McCoy when the Human
doctor had been touring the facility. He hadn’t questioned his oldest son’s motives at the time
but now he had no choice but to wonder what was going on in the younger man’s mind.
Sybok had returned from Gol and immediately accepted a teaching position at the VSA. Sarek
hadn’t been at all surprised—both of his sons were brilliant academics after all.
He pressed the chime and waited for the verbal acknowledgment which came swiftly. Sarek
pressed the door release and took one measured step into Sybok’s office. His son stood and
offered him the traditional greeting without a flicker of emotion in his eyes or face.
“Live long and prosper,” Sarek murmured and slowly lowered his hand. “I would speak with
you about the coming adoption ceremony.”
“It is a noble action,” Sybok said as he regained his seat. “I have been told that she is quite
exceptional mentally despite her disadvantage.”
Fury rushed in Sarek’s blood but he pushed it back, pushed it deep and took a seat in the chair
in front of Sybok’s desk. “She is a brilliant child and psionically more gifted than eighty
percent of full blooded Vulcan’s her age.”
“Yes, as she was genetically designed to be,” Sybok nodded in agreement. “There is research
being done here that shows every indication that engineering hybrid children to be more
psionically powerful than full Vulcans is detrimental to their emotional well being. They do
not have the discipline to handle such a burden.”
“I have read it,” Sarek said coolly. “I disagreed twenty years ago and I disagree now. Some
researchers in the field believe that hybrids should only have very limited psionic abilities.”
“And some believe they should not be allowed at all,” Sybok continued without hesitation. “It
is said that a hybrid-Vulcan is a taint on our people.”
“It is fortunate that only the most logical of minds are allowed to work on the genetics project
that produces hybrid children,” Sarek returned and for the first time since he entered the
room, something flickered in Sybok’s eyes. Sarek’s stomach clenched in fury and shame. Had
his son deceived the adepts at Gol? Had he lied about achieving Kolinahr? “I came here to tell
you that you are not welcome to create an ancillary bond with T’Mara.” Sarek stood. “I have
informed T’Pau of my decision.”
Emotion flickered in Sybok’s eyes again and Sarek exhaled sharply. “As you wish, Father.”
“Additionally, I have come to the decision that it is time to sever the ancillary bond you have
with my mind.” He paused. “Spock informed me that he has already done so—he has asserted
that you’ve not shared any sort of bond since before you left home.”
“I was cast out of your home,” Sybok corrected. “Do not speak of it as if I left of my own free
will.”
“You tried to kill my child,” Sarek said bluntly. “Had I allowed you to remain in the home—
you would have eventually succeeded then I would have lost both of my children.”
“And you chose the half-breed,” Sybok murmured, his tone cool and measured. “It was
illogical. I am twice the son Spock will ever be capable of being. He even mated with a
Human—another taint on the House of Surak.”
Sarek tucked his hands behind his back. “I have heard you were offered a research position at
the Valtair IV science station.”
“Yes.”
“It is an honor,” Sarek allowed.
“I would be the only Vulcan on board the station,” Sybok said.
“It would be best; you cannot hope to maintain your façade indefinitely.”
“Façade?” Sybok questioned silkily. “What do you speak of, Father?”
“Do not presume to think that you have deceived me as you did those at Gol,” Sarek said.
“T’Pau will contact you regarding her wishes on the matter if it is necessary.”
Sybok’s mouth twisted briefly in a silent snarl. “As you will, Father.”
Sarek pushed down his shock at the display. T’Pau would have to be informed of Spock’s
concerns. He would ask her to draw her own conclusions regarding Sybok’s mental
achievements without his own input. “Live long and prosper.” He accepted the same words
from his oldest child and left without another word.
Amanda Grayson had taught Sarek romantic love. His marriage to Sybok’s mother had been
arranged and consummated during his first Pon Farr. He’d remained bonded with T’Shae as a
matter of honor but they’d shared no affection beyond that of friendship. Sarek didn’t think
about his first wife often and certainly less in the years since he’d bonded with Amanda. He’d
put away T’Shae’s things when he’d brought Amanda home to Vulcan—only to come home
one afternoon to find Amanda putting everything back where Sybok instructed. She’d told
him plainly that he hadn’t the permission to pack away his deceased bondmate as if she no
longer existed because Sybok deserved to know her—to see her things.
It had been one of many lessons Amanda had taught him about dealing with his own
emotions. He would have much preferred to bury T’Shae’s pictures and vids much the same
way he had her body and their bond. His friend and long time companion had died. In time,
he’d found forgiveness for what he’d learned his mind was viewing as a betrayal. Amanda
had helped him heal. It was unfortunate she hadn’t been able to do the same for Sybok. The
boy had resented her from the start and that resentment had only been compounded when
Spock was born.
The air car and driver was waiting just where he’d left them. He slid back into the car and
retrieved a PADD he’d left on the seat.
“T’Pau’s home, Ambassador?”
“No, Sojur, take me to my personal residence. I have a few things I wish to collect for my son.”
*****
Spock was playing a stringed instrument and T’Mara was dancing around the garden as
gracefully as an Orion. Jim watched from the cooler confines of the house, amused by how
intense they both were.
“Spock did those dances when he was younger.”
Jim grinned and glanced briefly at Amanda Grayson. “Please tell me you have video of it.”
“Of course, I do.” Amanda smiled back. “I practically recorded every minute of his life until he
informed me at the tender age of six he found my hobby of recording him taxing and illogical.”
She looked down at her hands and then turned toward Jim. “I need you to know… that I don’t
expect you to follow my example.”
Jim took a deep breath. “I… I’d never want to hurt or embarrass Spock or the Ambassador but
I spent the formative years of my life being habitually abused—mentally, physically, even
emotionally. I won’t ignore it, accept it or tolerate it without complaint. It’s just not something
I can do and maintain any sort of healthy self-esteem.”
“I understand,” Amanda said with a nod. “Thank you, for what you said to her clan. They
were unnecessarily cruel. I’d hoped they would just ignore her presence on Vulcan
altogether.”
“I’m surprised they didn’t try to take her,” Jim admitted.
“Her mother’s clan would prefer that she not even exist,” Amanda murmured and swallowed
hard. “They aren’t a physical danger to her but if it were up to them she would never be
welcome on Vulcan. The level of xenophobia that is evident on this planet would shock most
in the Federation.”
“Another reason many Vulcans don’t travel from their home world,” Jim surmised. “It just
wouldn’t do for people in the Federation to realize one of their founding planets has citizens
that think most if not all the other races in the Federation are inferior.”
“No one is perfect,” Amanda allowed.
“No, there are xenophobes on Betazed. We hide them, too.” Jim grinned when she snorted.
“There are just some people who aren’t fit for polite company. God knows that Earth is
overwhelmed with… asshats.”
Amanda laughed and then covered her mouth with delicate fingers. “Jim, your language.”
“Part of my charm?” Jim questioned and laughed when she just shook her head and walked
towards the replicator.
He had settled on a chair with a glass of lemon water when Sarek entered the room. There was
a low buzz of fury coming off Spock’s father so Jim stayed where he was as Sarek ordered
himself tea and made himself a place in a chair a few feet away. The elder Vulcan’s face was as
serene as ever. After a few minutes, the anger faded and was released. Jim found that process
fascinating enough empathically that he felt no shame for the blatant way he sought out the
emotions of the Vulcans around him.
“Sybok will not be participating in T’Mara’s adoption ceremony,” Sarek said shortly without
looking up from the PADD he was reading. “James, will you accept the bonds? T’Pau is
preparing an announcement on the time for the clan to gather. She would like to include your
acceptance if that is your intention.”
“Will it discourage anyone from attending the ceremony?” Jim asked. “I don’t want T’Mara to
be denied a connection with a member of her clan because of my intrusion.”
Sarek lifted his gaze. “Anyone that would not accept an ancillary bond with you is not
welcome to create such a bond with my daughter. We are a family, James.” He paused before
continuing. “Upon Spock’s birth—the members of the House of Surak gathered to accept him.
Everyone was… eager to touch his mind.”
“He was the first hybrid to survive,” Jim said. “It makes sense that… they would be fascinated
by his mind.”
“To say that certain members of our clan were unduly excited would be an understatement,”
Sarek admitted. “They will be similarly excited to gain such a bond with an empath. You’ll be
the first Betazoid welcomed into a clan on Vulcan in recorded history.”
Jim frowned. “Is that why the people from the Stokar clan kept brushing up against me when
we were introduced?”
Sarek flushed and shared a look with his wife. “James, you should have said something.”
“It’s why Spock separated T’Mara and I from the group when the discussion began,” Jim
admitted. “I thought that’s why… well I figured that the behavior was one reason why you
put so much energy into shielding your wife’s mind.”
“It is true that Amanda has no natural defenses against telepathic contact,” Sarek murmured.
“Our bond does allow shallow mental and empathic contact with those that I trust. It is the
reason that you had no problems finding my wife the day of the bombing.”
“I know,” Jim admitted. “At first I didn’t get much feedback from Lady Amanda—when
Spock and I were first dating but after I was attacked at the Betazed embassy—things were
different.” Sarek only nodded. “They didn’t receive much feedback from me. It was just the
same kind of prodding I endure at the Betazed Embassy except they were touching me.”
“You do not have to tolerate such behavior,” Sarek said pointedly. “In the future, feel free to
instruct offenders to cease touching you as loudly as required.”
“Yes, sir.” Jim cleared his throat. “I’ll accept the bonds. Spock’s only concern appeared to be
Sybok.”
*****
“I understand you and Spock had a misunderstanding yesterday,” Pike prodded as he joined
Jim at the breakfast table. The kitchen was empty except for the two of them. “Sorry I wasn’t
around. The High Council has been rather demanding of my attention—especially since the
Federation has made it clear they’d like some Vulcans to join Starfleet.”
“In order for Vulcans to consider ‘fleet service to be anything but a step-down from the VSA
will require some fundamental changes in their education system. They are taught from an
early age that the education they receive on Vulcan is superior to anything that anywhere else
in the Federation has to offer.” Jim swiped his spoon through his bowl of hot cereal and
shrugged when Pike raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m serious.”
“I know.” Pike sighed. “You and Spock?”
“He’s been repressing some stuff regarding his older brother and I can’t say that I blame him.
Things aren’t all sunshine and roses for me when it comes to Sam.” Jim paused. “I just wish I
knew if he was alive. As to Spock’s issue with Sybok, apparently his older brother was a
hateful bully and he didn’t want the man creating a bond with me. Ambassador Sarek has
requested that Sybok not attend the ceremony so problem solved.”
“Right.” Pike frowned. “You know that your relationship with Spock requires some verbal
communication, right? You guys spend so much time in your mental landscapes that you think
you know all there is to know. You gotta ask questions, Jim.”
“Yes, sir.” Jim nodded. “I get it. I mean, really, and we’re going to work on it. Talk to me about
the High Council.”
“I don’t want to slam my head up against a wall on the recruitment front nor do I want to
create a situation where the VSA or the High Council feels outmaneuvered or insulted.”
“Tricky,” Jim acknowledged. “Especially considering the bondmate situation. Current policies
might make some young Vulcans leery of joining Starfleet. They require a bondmate to live—
there are times when biological concerns would override their duties to ‘fleet. Additionally, it
would be cruel to separate bondmates and there are no provisions currently concerning
civilian bondmates.”
Chris lifted an eyebrow. “You’ve done some thinking about this.”
“Yeah, mostly because… well… you were gone a lot but you also didn’t take the longer
missions that were made available to you because I was on Earth. If Starfleet were more family
friendly—more willing to make room for family units it would mean a lot to those currently
serving and those that might serve in the future. I can’t see myself as career Starfleet at this
point. I’ll serve,” Jim began. “But I won’t stay in service as long as I might have under different
circumstances.”
“So you don’t want to be a Captain anymore?” Pike asked, stunned.
“Oh, I want that. I want my own starship but Spock… well.” He shrugged. “We have a duty to
each other and to our families. When I accepted Jaret’s telepathic legacy it was understood that
I would pass that legacy to a child of my own. Spock and I will have children in the future. I
won’t leave him on Earth or Vulcan or Betazoid to raise them alone.”
“And joining Starfleet isn’t within his goals?” Pike asked idly.
“Maybe. He certainly hasn’t dismissed it out of hand but even then we’d both resign our
commissions when we’re ready to start a family.” Jim sighed. “There are rules about
bondmates being separated—in the Starfleet charter—if both are in the service. That being
said, I can see situations where one or both of us would suffer career wise because of it. If I’m
offered a position on a ship that has little to no opportunities for Spock in whatever field he
might go into—I won’t want it and vice versa. One or both us would suffer career wise
because of it. I can see how other similarly bonded couples might also be leery of joining
because of it.”
“Okay.” Pike activated his PADD and made a few notes. “So, you’re saying that Starfleet isn’t
friendly to the creation and maintenance of the family unit. In continuing as we have, we not
only risk not recruiting talented minds like those on Vulcan but we’re lowering our ability to
retain good officers.”
“Yes.” Jim went to the replicator and ordered himself more milk and a new pot of coffee for
his dad. “This isn’t new. They discussed this when Starfleet was first formed but dismissed the
concerns of a lot of people and kept with the Earth centric military model.” People started to
file into the kitchen as he returned to the table and casually refilled Pike’s cup before snagging
another for McCoy. “Take Bones for example—there are no provisions whatsoever for him to
have any kind of visitation with his daughter while he’s on a ship. There are a lot of mothers
and fathers on starships in the same boat. If they want frequent access to their own children—
they leave Starfleet or have to fight tooth and nail to get stationed on the planet where their
kids are.”
Bones lifted an eyebrow but nodded his agreement. “I had to raise hell to get a full month’s of
leave to visit Joanna when she was born. No Captain wants his officers off his ship for the
length of time it takes to travel back and forth to Earth plus have even a small amount of time
planet side.”
“Kids have no place on a starship,” Pike said bluntly. “It’s dangerous.”
Jim shrugged. “Then Starfleet will continue to hemorrhage good, experienced officers and
miss out on the opportunity to recruit really brilliant people to serve.”
“There is no in between?” Pike asked with an amused smile.
“Sure. We can redesign the entire ‘fleet,” Jim responded blithely. “Repurpose ships for
different missions – research, defense, medical, and exploration. Arm them all to the teeth—
the Constitution class is really the only one that is already built for families but the evacuation
options are a logistics nightmare. The only reason I’m sitting here today is because my father
sacrificed himself so that his crew could live. There needs to be a better option.”
“Like?” Spock questioned as he picked up his breakfast at the replicator. “Evacuation craft
have been a mainstay for military and civilian ships since the beginning of space travel.”
“I’m not saying that we dispose of evacuation pods or the shuttle craft. I’m saying that both of
those options should come last.”
“Go on then, Genius,” Pike said with a little smile. “Tell me how.”
Jim flushed under the combined attention of everyone in the room and ran his finger along the
smooth grain of the wood table. “I think about the Kelvin—basically defenseless and disabled. I
know that in the current redesign that they are building in redundancies for key systems by
why not—why not do more than that? What if part of the Kelvin could have broken away?
With its own engines, its own weapons—to fight while the rest of the ship escaped?”
Pike’s mouth dropped open. “Jim.”
“When we were in Iowa looking at the Enterprise…” Jim trailed off. “It just crossed my mind
that it would be easy to separate the saucer section of the ship from the rest—if each section
had its own engines it would be possible to evac the entire crew safely and far more quickly
than in shuttle craft or individual pods. Emergency protocols—immediate warp once the
saucer section is separated that kind of thing. But more than that—the part left behind—could
be battle ready on a level that far exceeds what the current fleet is capable of. It would be more
maneuverable, require less power to move… and if it were armed for bear… it would give the
crew time to get away. If the smaller piece—had a lot of automated functions, it could be run
with minimal command crew. The difference between six lives and a thousand. The
Constitution and Galaxy class ships currently in service could be retrofitted with this design in
mind. The entire fleet could be changed and made new within ten years.”
“And if they did this,” Amanda said. “It would mean that Starfleet officers could bring their
families on board the bigger ships. Thus creating a situation where they aren’t required to
leave the service in order to have a family.”
“It would also allow a captain to evac anyone who are not battle essential personnel to the
saucer section and get them the hell out of the way,” McCoy offered. “That alone would cut
down on injuries and incidents that cause permanent disability among auxiliary crew. Over
two hundred service members were disabled out of Starfleet in the last five years because of
ship board injury during combat situations.”
Jim nodded. “I guess what I’m saying is that if Starfleet wants people to invest in the service—
that they need to start investing in them first. There was a huge influx of cadets after the
Kelvin Massacre—patriotism is a powerful motivator but that faded and there was nothing to
replace it. No rededication to exploration or science—just a token redesign to internal ship
systems that is in no way dramatic enough to make anyone feel safer on board a Starfleet
vessel. Charles Tucker submitted a proposal for a ship that was designed to break up for battle
when he was serving on the original Enterprise—before there was even a Starfleet or a
Federation to speak of. Had he not died, I have to believe he would’ve been instrumental in
the design of the fleet we have today. Maybe having families on ships wouldn’t seem all that
radical now.”
Pike stared at him. “This is part of your pre-doctorate research, right? The essay you didn’t let
me read that you submitted to Stanford… it was about this ship redesign, right? That’s why
they jumped all over you and offered you everything but a house to join their engineering
program next year?”
Jim shrugged. “Stanford and Berkley are our options really at this point if we expect to stay on
Earth for our undergraduate work. We can’t go further North—that would be ridiculously
uncomfortable for Spock ninety percent of the year and both universities have crosseducational opportunities with Starfleet so I could flirt with the command track without
enlisting. I could finish out half my pre-reqs before I even get into the academy—go in as a
Senior cadet with some rank. I could come out of the academy in less than three years as a Lt.
Commander if I handle myself academically and practically as I think I can.”
Pike nodded. “Okay, I get your point.”
Stavik cleared his throat. “Spock, you have decided not to attend the VSA?”
Jim’s eyes widened and he looked at Spock who had dropped his gaze to focus on the oatmeal
in front of him. He sent his apologies through their mental link and Spock merely lifted an
eyebrow at him.
“Elder,” Spock began and then paused. “While Jim and I both intend to take the VSA exam—it
is more for our own gratification and to determine if we have weaknesses that should be
addressed academically—I do not believe I would be offered a place at the VSA. Even if I
scored perfectly and was offered a place at the academy—most would believe I gained my
place there through favoritism or deference to the House of Surak rather than my own merit.
As I would be required to spend several years on Vulcan—both Jim and my mother would
end up here for long periods of time. I find both of those circumstances intolerable.”
“You are one of the most talented minds of your generation,” T’Pau said shortly. “Of course
you will be invited into the academy.”
Spock inclined his head but did not offer verbal disagreement. Instead, he turned his attention
to his meal and projected forgiveness toward his bondmate. After nearly a minute, Jim calmed
down and returned to his meal as well.
*****
Jaret’s arrival altered everything about the household. Jim had never realized how relaxed
Spock’s family was around him mentally until another powerful empath was thrown into the
mix. Even T’Pau, mental powerhouse that she was, felt remarkably different with Jaret in play.
She was both mentally and emotionally far less accessible. T’Mara however, was thrilled to
have the Betazoid teacher in residence as her lessons with him were among her favorite.
Jim settled down in front of Jaret and tried to ignore everyone else in the large meditation
room. He often meditated with other Betazoids at the Embassy but he’d refrained from joining
anyone Vulcan but Spock in meditation regularly on Earth or during their now weeklong visit
to Vulcan. Jaret opened the red lacquered box that held the psionic stone he used to teach with
and waved a hand gracefully over it.
“I believe you will be required to hold it today to gain the focus you need.”
Jim flushed but nodded. He knew his emotional state was erratic. He’d yet to fully recover
from the events that had taken place on T’Pau’s ship. Jaret had been livid when he had been
informed of the breach by McCoy and Pike. He’d thought they were going to have restrain the
Betazoid at first—the sanctity of Jim’s mind was a point of immense concern for Jaret and to
have his adopted child violated in such away made the man as homicidal as he’d ever been.
Jim thought that perhaps even Pike didn’t understand how invasive and horrifying the attack
had been. He’d played it off—tried to laugh off their concern when it had happened because
that’s how he dealt with trauma.
The psionic stone was warm, vibrant, and emotionally positive in a way that he could not
compare to anything else. Teaching stones were overwhelmingly positive by design—as the
Betazoid did not believe in negative reinforcement in the instruction of their children across
disciplines. Physical punishment was a criminal act on Betazed. When Pike had retained
custody of Jim, he’d received childcare guidelines from the government outlining what they
would find acceptable and what they would not. Physical punishment was so taboo – that Pike
had received a lecture in childcare in person Alexa Deloia that had lasted well into the night
and had involved, Jim was told, several bottles of expensive wine on his credit account.
He felt Jaret touch the stone mentally and Jim allowed himself to be guided to the lesson that
his teacher had called forth in the stone. His eyes opened briefly in surprise but he settled
quickly. After mastering the Mendissia Principles which mostly dealt with the creation of
mental vaults and thought organization, Jim had wrongly assumed he was finished with his
teachings. Jaret hadn’t allowed him more than a week of relief before he’d unveiled what he
wanted Jim to accomplish next. Psychokinesis. It was rare on Betazed and the teaching of it was
shrouded in so much mystery that Jim had never imagined he would be given such an
opportunity.
Jim allowed his mental vault to swing open to give the lesson room to bloom in his mind’s eye.
He suppressed his emotional state as ruthlessly as any Vulcan as he worked through the
technical aspects of his third lesson on psychokinesis. The first two lessons had been mostly
historical data and very little practical demonstration. Once he absorbed all of the academic
data Jaret wanted him to absorb, he closed his vault and allowed his body to relax.
“Good.” Jaret took the stone from his hands carefully and returned it to the environmentally
controlled box. He latched it securely before opening a small drawer at the bottom of the box
and pulling out a velvet pouch. He poured six marble sized psionic stones into his palm and
offered them to Jim.
Jim took them and glanced at Spock as settled onto a meditation mat just a foot away from
them. “Hey.”
Spock inclined his head. “What are those?”
“They’re micro-psionic stones,” Jaret explained. “They serve no real purpose beyond
decoration and small amounts of mental stimulus. They are often put into jewelry on our
home world.” He picked up one from Jim hand and offered it Spock. “Young couples
sometimes exchange them after brushing the inner cores of the stones with… love, I suppose is
the best term. So they carry the love of their lover with them where ever they go. These stones
are closed, however, and can only be interacted with in the way that I designed them.”
Spock nodded and examined the red sphere in his hand carefully before returning it to Jim. “I
see.”
Jim scrunched his nose and concentrated on the stones but they barely twitched in his hand.
“It seems so simple when I read about it.”
Jaret laughed and offered his hand. He grinned when Jim dropped the stones into his palm
with a little huff. He opened his hand fully and the stones started to shift until they were in a
perfect circle—then they rose gently in the air above his palm and rotated in a lazy circle
before expanding to revolve around his hand. “Like this.”
“You are teaching Jim telekinesis?” Spock asked, obviously shocked.
Jaret paused and seemed to consider his words. “No, I’m teaching him psychokinesis.”
Jim knew the difference wasn’t lost on Spock as the color slowly drained out of his bondmate’s
face and Vulcans surrounding them, some of them in semi-meditative states turned to stare. “I
probably won’t be capable of it. Only one in ten Betazoids are capable of any form of
telekinesis much less psychokinesis.”
“What’s the difference?” T’Mara asked tucking in beside Spock.
“Telekinesis is the manipulation of physical objects,” Jaret explained as he continued to move
the stones around his hand. “Like what I’m doing right now.” He glanced at towards the doors
that lead out into a small garden just off the meditation room. “T’Mara would you retrieve a
small pebble for me?”
T’Mara jumped up and darted to the doors more quickly than any ordinary Vulcan child
would dare demonstrate in front of so many adults. Even though they were locked down he
could feel a small bleed of disapproval from some of the more elderly in the room. She slipped
through the doors and returned quickly with three different size pebbles—all relatively small.
“I didn’t know which size.”
Jaret held out his hand and accepted all three of the small rocks. The psionic stones piled into
his hand and he offered them to Jim who took them with a little knot forming in his gut. He
didn’t know if Jaret was supposed to be revealing so much about their mental disciplines to
Spock or the rest of his kin.
The rocks swept up into a tight circle and then began to spin wildly as Jaret focused his
attention on T’Mara. “Psychokinesis is a term that can be generally applied to a wide range of
mental force events, the least of which is telekinesis which I understand that some Vulcans are
capable of to some degree or another.” He paused when she nodded her understanding.
“Psychokinesis can best be defined as the ability to use mental force to move or change
physical objects.” The pebbles disintegrated into dust but the particles continued to move,
creating a small dust tornado like phenomenon in the palm of Jaret’s hand.
T’Mara stared transfixed. “Could you do that with a larger rock?”
“The only limits placed on a disciplined mind are those that the individual places on
themselves,” Jaret said. The dust storm grew tighter and tighter until it solidified into a single
rock which dropped with a thunk into Jaret’s hand. He offered the rock to T’Mara and she
immediately snatched it. “Perhaps you’d like to study that with your tricorder and report back
to me on the changes I made.”
“I’ll need a control specimen,” she said decisively and marched off back to the garden to find
more pebbles.
Jaret focused on Jim was staring at him in ill-disguised shock. “What?”
“You lectured me for three hours about not revealing these lessons. I had to lock them in your
legacy vault to keep them from Spock during melds.” He glared pointedly at his teacher.
“Oh.” Jaret shrugged. “That was before you bonded, Jim. Spock and in turn his entire clan are
all, in the eyes of Betazed, members of the First House. They are privy to all of our lore, family
history, and most importantly our psionic legacy as a family. I’ve been given leeway to teach
T’Mara and Spock everything I teach you. Additionally, by the time you two marry on
Betazed—we will have finished the construction of the home we will provide for you and
Spock. That home and my own will be open to members of the House of Surak in perpetuity.
My mother, the Matriarch of our House, has been in discussion with Elder T’Pau concerning
this matter since shortly after your bonding ceremony.”
“Oh.” Jim exchanged a look with Spock and found his bondmate only curious. He’d never had
to worry about Spock being unduly upset or irritated by the private lessons he still undertook
with Jaret. Spock above most others in his life understood how important the mental discipline
he learned from Jaret was. “Spock?”
“I’m torn between asking for a lesson from the stone and joining T’Mara in her analysis,”
Spock admitted.
Jaret grinned and retrieved the psionic stone. “I have a lesson in mind for you actually. The
rock will not change again unless some other force acts on it and I’m sure she will share with
you later. She’s very generous for a child her age.”
“Very well,” Spock agreed and waited patiently while Jaret manipulated the stone.
Elder Stavik put his meditation mat down opposite Spock’s and stared pointedly. “What will
you be teaching Spock with the stone, Jaret?”
Jim glanced at his teacher and found him glassy eyed, the stone glowing vibrantly in his hand.
“Forgive him, Elder Stavik, he’s not in a position to answer you verbally, as yet. This particular
psionic stone is extremely dense and it requires much of his concentration to isolate and
prepare lessons. The stone was set previously for me.”
The stone dimmed slightly and Jaret cleared his throat. “Yes, do forgive me, I would’ve had to
start over in my search if I’d broken away to speak with you.” He rolled to his knees and
moved to kneel beside Spock as he placed the stone in the younger Vulcan’s hands. “I’ve
prepared your next lesson on the Mendissia Principles—this is a very dense and data heavy
segment. Are you at a point right now where you can drop into a semi-meditative state?”
“My mind is calm,” Spock murmured. His eyes fluttered shut and Jaret waited until the
tension eased out of his shoulders before he moved away and returned to his own mat. The
light in the stone ebbed and moved like the tide—an indication that Jaret was prodding it—
then it steadied and started to glow consistently light blue, the red facets deep inside the stone
were nearly dormant.
“The Mendissia Principles consists of what exactly?” Stavik questioned.
“It is the foundation for all mental discipline on Betazed, Jim mastered all twenty-two levels
last year,” Jaret explained. “It involves mind organization, psi-vault creation, mental
projection, empathic recognition, lucid dreaming, meditative states, defining extrasensory
perception, telekinesis, psychometry, telepathy, meditation, and precognition.” He paused and
considered the elder Vulcan’s reaction. “And the final stages of mastering the Principles
requires an in-depth understanding of the three psionic hyperplanes—mental, astral, and
etheric.”
Stavik nodded. “Most of which is required for a foundation for the teachings of
psychokinesis.”
“Yes, Elder.” Jaret nodded gently and returned his attention to Jim who was patiently waiting.
He grinned. “When we first started you could barely sit still for five minutes. It’s gratifying to
see how far you’ve come.”
“Spock will not be able to master all of the principles,” Stavik began and raised an eyebrow
when Jim glared at him. “Vulcans do not dream.”
“Vulcans may not dream but Spock does,” Jaret said bluntly and prodded Jim mentally to
return to his work. “He doesn’t remember them but I’ve found remnants of his dreams in both
his mind and Jim’s. Granted, this did not happen before they bonded but I’m confident that I
can teach Spock to remember his dreams and to eventually accomplish lucid dreaming. His
mind is being shaped and changed daily due to his age and his bond with Jim. Once they are
settled into their telepathic bond, I believe they will be able to have lucid dreams together. They
accomplished something quite like a shared lucid dream the day…” He paused and cleared
his throat. “The day that Jim was almost killed.”
“I see.” Stavik paused. “We were confident that Spock’s psionic profile was entirely Vulcan
and there is little to no psionic talent in his maternal line. We thoroughly explored Amanda
Grayson’s DNA before Spock was born.”
“His psionic profile is also very fluid in this point in his development—much the same as
Jim’s. Jim has twice as much mental discipline now as he did a year ago—part of which has to
come from Spock himself. His mental organization is tighter and Jim has had little to no
emotional bleed off in the last six months.” He returned his attention to Jim. “Okay, I’m going
to touch your mind—just relax and let it happen.”
Jim’s gaze narrowed but he nodded his consent. “Ready.”
Jaret’s touch was sophisticated, friendly and familiar. Jim allowed himself to relax as the older
Betazoid gently prodded his paracortex directly—another skill he figured that would make all
the Vulcans in the room stare at them again. He sucked in a deep breath at the intense
stimulation.
The micro psi-stones stirred in his hand and he shivered as Jaret pulled away from his mind.
He settled down in his court yard, a feat he’d only recently learned to accomplish outside of
meditation and melds with Spock and the stones appeared in his hand there as well. His
mind’s eyes sharpened and around him the physical world dimmed in response. The stones
shifted again and lifted off his palm briefly before falling.
“Good,” Jaret murmured. “Again.”
He pushed at the stones and they rolled in his palm, clinking together sharply in the nearly
silent room. Jim closed his eyes. Then they slowly rose from his hand and hovered suspended
inch from his palm for ten seconds before they fell again.
“Oh.”
Jim opened his eyes and found Spock staring at him wide-eyed. He grinned and blushed.
“Hey.”
“Can you do it again?” Spock questioned.
Jaret inclined his head. “Once more and then we’ll move onto a new lesson – we don’t want
you mentally exhausted for the ceremony tomorrow.”
Jim stared at the stones intently. A single stone rose up off his hand and hovered in front of
him, rotating gently like a tiny planet. Their bond bloomed full and vibrant in his mind as
Spock reached out for him mentally—intent on understanding what it felt like. Jaret must have
caught on because he shifted forward slightly in anticipation.
“Good,” Jaret murmured. “That’s great, Jim. Hold it as long as you can. Spock, can you see
how he’s manipulating it?”
“Yes,” Spock admitted. “I can see it both in his mental mindscape and in reality – as if he were
sitting in front of a mirror.”
“The mental landscape isn’t the traditional one you’ve experienced in melds—he’s just used it
as a representation of the mental hyperplane,” Jaret explained.
*****
The shell of the environmental box Jaret had placed Jim’s gift in was mother of pearl. The
effect was startling and beautiful—though Jim knew none of the Vulcans present would say it
aloud, he figured they would appreciate the aesthetics.
The Vulcan robes he’d been bullied into were cooler than he’d expected them to be but they’d
been outside only a few minutes before he and Amanda had been ushered into the clan’s
private temple. T’Mara had gone first which was both what he’d expected and what he’d
wanted. He’d watched as the ancillary bonds were layered over her gently and had felt the
small wave of relief as each one had settled on her. T’Pau had stopped the ceremony twice to
wipe happy tears from the child’s face. T’Sar had caught her up in a hug and had created a
strong sister-oriented bond with her when it had been her turn. Both of them had come away
from the exchange laughing. Their mutual affection had washed over Jim, sweet and soft.
He knelt on the pillow in front of T’Pau and placed the box between. “The First House of
Betazed is honored to gift the House of Surak with an ancestral psionic stone. We hope that it
serves your clan for many hundreds of generations to come.”
T’Pau’s fingers actually trembled as she unlatched the lid and opened the box. The psionic
stone was glowing with a soft white light—Jaret had prepared it beautifully. “We thank you,
James Kirk. We are honored to welcome you and the First House of Betazed into the House of
Surak. May our two families learn and grow together for as long our families exist.” She lifted
the psionic stone from the box and little flashes of green light flickered through it as it
responded to her touch. “Know the lessons I’ve learned.”
Jim reached out and touched the stone with the tips of his fingers. Shards of blue slashed
through the stone. “Know how it feels to be t’hy’la.” He ignored the intakes of breath and
wondered if the Elders would have to resort to brawling later for a chance to touch the stone.
T’Pau lowered the stone back into the case with careful hands and closed it. She touched his
face. “Know me as I know thee, James Kirk.”
A few seconds later Sarek took her place, his fingers were gentle, even affectionate. “Know me
as I know thee, James Kirk.” He lifted his hand away and he was replaced with T’Pol.
Nearly two hours passed in a blur, his eyes were starting to glaze over by the time Jaret knelt
in front of him. Jaret opened the psi-stone’s box and he picked up the stone with two hands. “I,
Jaret Olar Molia, son of the First Daughter of the First House of Betazed offer the House of
Surak my telepathic legacy with the approval of my Heir, James Tiberius Kirk.”
Jim nodded and his hand joined Jaret’s. “I offer the House of Surak the telepathic legacy of my
forefather—George Samuel Kirk, First Son of the First Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed,
so that they may understand the condition of his heart and soul in the moments of his
sacrifice.”
*****
He woke to female laughter. Jim turned his head and saw T’Sar in the small garden with
T’Mara. Spock was with them playing his lyre. He’d prepared George’s legacy in advance of
the ceremony but he hadn’t been prepared for the exhaustion that had followed interacting
with the stone. The telepathic weight of House of Surak was a gentle press in the back of his
mind—comforting and reassuring without being at all overwhelming.
It explained so much about the Vulcan people—the empathic feedback he’d received in the
past suddenly had context. The suppression of their emotions in the face of their violent past
had never seemed to be enough to create the placid front 99.9% of Vulcans presented to the
universe at large. Now, it made sense to Jim. Each individual Vulcan had a well of psionic
support from their families to shore them up mentally and emotionally.
The Betazoid believed and had certainly demonstrated that there was no distance or time
within the hyperplanes. The psionic hyperplanes existed in contradiction to the known,
established laws of physics. A philosopher named Joral Mendissia on Betazed had pioneered
the belief that etheric or physical plane was but a stepping stone in the evolution of the mind.
His later discoveries of the mental and astral planes would brand him the father of modern
mental discipline on Betazed. His basic mental principles were taught to everyone of Betazed
and lessons often began at the onset of puberty. Jim had mastered them ten years faster than
was to be expected of someone with his blood heritage. Some hybrids never mastered them at
all.
A firm knock on the door knocked him loose from his thoughts and he rolled off the bed to
answer the door. Ambassador Sarek stood patiently on the other side of the door dressed in
formal robes. “Sir.”
“Have you recovered sufficiently, James?”
Jim blushed. “Yes, sir.”
Sarek nodded. “There has been an unfortunate incident and I must speak with you and Spock
in my office.”
Jim’s gaze widened. “Of course, sir.”
“Ten minutes,” Sarek said and then paused as he started to walk away. “Please.”
Jim was totally unnerved. He put on a pair of shoes because that seemed like the thing to do
and changed his shirt into something less wrinkled and less casual. By the time he entered
Sarek’s office on the opposite side of the house, Spock, Lady Amanda, Pike, McCoy, T’Pau,
T’Pol, Jaret and Elder Stavik were all seated. He took the place in front of Sarek’s desk beside
Spock and resisted the urge to reach out for his bondmate’s hand.
“I have been instructed to be blunt about this,” Sarek began. “Amanda feels to do otherwise
would just lead to an uncertain amount of frustration. The Vulcan High Council met 3.56
hours ago and heard T’Lena of the clan Koltar’s petition regarding the sanctity of your
unconsummated marriage bond. Under normal circumstances, your bond would be a
betrothal and thus beyond the purview of the High Council. However, you were announced to
be t’hy’la and it is well known that you achieved a deep telepathic bond upon your initial
bonding—a bond normally only achieved by Vulcan’s who have been wed for many years.”
Horror. Shame. Embarrassment. All of it was pouring off Spock and Jim had never once in his
life wanted to shut someone up more than he did in that very moment. His fingers curled into
fists. “And did they reach a decision?”
“They are seeking an independent examination of your bond,” Sarek said bluntly. “The two of
you are expected to submit to the VSA so that you may be studied for a period of no less than
forty-eight hours but not to exceed seventy-two hours. The adepts there are set to determine if
your bond is valid and if T’Pau’s declaration is accurate. T’Lena has submitted that if you were
truly t’hy’la that your bond would not have gone unconsummated for such a protracted
amount of time.”
Well within the time frame of their scheduled trip back to Earth, Jim thought idly. He
wondered how long Devar had left to live. “I see.”
“T’Pau has protested this decision but as she currently does not hold a position on the High
Council, her ability to sway them is lessened.”
“Surely her grandson would not survive long enough for this process to be completed,” Spock
murmured. “And I would never submit to such a union at any rate. She cannot expect a
positive outcome.”
“Devar survived his Pon Farr but the bondmate he finally accepted was… rendered insane. She
fell into a psionically induced coma and died sixteen hours ago,” T’Pau explained bluntly. “He
has not wavered in his desire to obtain Spock as a mate as he illogically believes that Spock
alone is responsible for the strength of his bond. It is their position that if he has accomplished
such a strong, intimate bond with a non-Vulcan then he would be able to do the same with one
of his own kind and that is coveted beyond the measure of it.”
Pike frowned. “You have all spoken of this bond like it was some kind of destiny. It doesn’t
make sense that Devar would expect to have the same with Spock.”
“Not everyone on Vulcan subscribes to the more romantic implications of what it means to be
t’hy’la,” Sarek explained. “These bonds were lost to our violent past—pre-Reformation records
concerning such pairings are sparse and anecdotal at best, Christopher. More analytical minds
believe that such a bond is more a mark of a powerful, disciplined mind. Spock is without
peerage in his generation when it comes to his mental gifts. It is well known.”
Jim took a deep breath. “Pursuant to Federation law, under the auspices of the Dontor
Agreement to the Federation Constitution as outlined in the thirty-first amendment, section
six, paragraph four, I claim my bondmate, S'chn T'gai Spock of the House of Surak, as my
kindred and as such the nature of our marriage is considered sacred. Therefore any inspection
without explicit permission from us both is in direct violation of Federation law unless such
inspection is called for and blessed by the Four Deities of Betazed.”
Jaret made a choked sound that sounded like a mixture of shock and laughter. “Jim.”
He sent his Betazoid teacher a sly look. “How long will it take the High Council to get
information from Betazed regarding my claim and the social implications of such a claim?”
“Years,” Jaret said dryly. “If ever.”
“And the political implications?” Jim questioned.
“Immediately,” Jaret conceded. “It’ll happen so fast some might suspect the answer to their
question was written before the question left Vulcan.”
Sarek cleared his throat. “What is kindred? What does it mean?”
“On Earth, Plato broached the subject of soul mates in The Symposium. On Vulcan, warrior
helpmates became t’hy’la.” Jaret paused and cleared his throat. “On Betazed, the concept of
kindred is sacred because it implies not a just a unique compatibility among bondmates but a
twinning of souls. The implication being that the two—were once one, and that we were all
separated from our twin soul and cast among the stars as a lesson. Only the worthy and
righteous will be reunited by the Four Deities. I have thus far refrained from referring to Jim
and Spock as kindred despite the implication of T’Pau’s declaration of them as t’hy’la as they
would face much fervor on Betazed by our more devout communities. Kindred pairs are
uncommon but not unheard of. I’ve met several pairs in my lifetime but the uniqueness of
their genetics would be cause for much interest. Kindred pairs are celebrated and honored by
our people. To interfere in such a union is so beyond the pale as to be blasphemous.”
“Is that why you grew so angry over what Devar tried to do on T’Pau’s ship?” Pike
questioned.
Jaret averted his gaze, his face flushed with remembered ire. “A potential mental sexual
assault is no less traumatizing or horrifying than a physical one, Pike. Devar is a rapist. The
only reason he didn’t succeed is because Healer Stopak used a Class 8 restricted psi-inhibitor
on him that rendered him psionically impotent.”
Sarek cleared his throat. “James, are you prepared to make this declaration in front of the High
Council knowing that it will draw religious scrutiny from your own people?”
“Yes—even if an adept from Betazed eventually disproves my claim it will be years before that
determination is made, by which point our bond will have been consummated and we will
have also achieved our empathic bond. They won’t attempt to inspect our bond until after we
are married and then only at the request of my Matriarch and we both approve the inspection.
As the Betazoid half of the union, the most invasive part of the testing would fall to me but I’m
prepared to deal with that to keep this situation from escalating now. You and I both know
that Spock would ritually excise himself from his entire planet before he’d submit to the
severing of our bond. He may not love Vulcan the way you do but such a severance on his part
would cost him his place within the clan and that is an unacceptable conclusion to T’Lena’s
stubbornness and Devar’s greed.” He paused. “Alternatively, you could just go kick his butt.”
“Do not think for a moment that I am not tempted to do so,” Sarek said evenly and sat back in
his chair. “Is it true, James? Are you and Spock kindred?”
Jim pursed his lips. “Before I answer that question—I must ask if you are prepared to allow me
to lie to the High Council?”
Sarek raised an eyebrow. “While I would prefer your honesty in all situations, James, I am
prepared to allow you some leeway in your dealings with the political maneuverings of a
woman scorned.”
“Scorned?” Pike asked.
Amanda smirked. “T’Lena pursued Sarek for several years before he escaped to Earth and
allowed himself to be seduced by a Human female.”
Jim made a face. “Has she always worn that wig?” He asked and made a gesture that
encompassed his head in a dramatic fashion. “You know on Betazed women used to have
these elaborate hair pieces and they kept live birds in cages in them. I’ve seen pictures of my
grandmother with a multi-level cage atop her head. T’Lena’s wig reminds me of it. All she’s
missing is a few canaries.” He grinned when Amanda laughed but slowly sobered up. “The
idea of kindred is a religious one, Ambassador. I was not raised in the faith of my father’s
people and while I respect it—I have a scientific and orderly sort of mind. I just don’t… know
that I can accept the concept of a deity. It is a question that I’ve struggled with since I began
my training with Jaret. The idea of a twin soul is romantic after a fashion but the implications
of it are also daunting.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Remember that day when we met
in the headmaster’s office?”
Sarek raised an eyebrow. “Yes, I remember everything.”
Jim smiled. “Right well, there was this moment—this brief flash of something for me when I
was introduced to Spock for the first time and all I could think was finally, there you are.” He
paused at the shock that filtered briefly over Sarek’s entire face. It wasn’t often that he caught
the older Vulcan off guard like that. “I can’t explain it any better than that. Does that mean we
are kindred? I don’t know. I don’t think I have the life experience to make that determination
but I’m completely willing to accept, claim, and defend with my last breath to anyone that will
listen that Spock is exactly that to me.”
*****
In the end, he had filed the claim formally with Betazed and had let Jaret’s mother respond.
Her response had been pointed, excessively blunt to the point of insulting, and it had left
absolutely no room for maneuvering on anyone’s part. The Vulcan High Council had taken a
step back from the entire proceedings so as to not arouse the interest of Federation Council
itself. T’Pau agreed due to political pressure to meet with T’Lena and Devar. Jim and Spock
had been invited to attend which had resulted in the attendance of practically everyone except
T’Mara.
The formal meeting room in the ancestral home of the House of Surak was bright and airy in a
way that would have shocked Jim if he hadn’t been exposed to a variety of architectural
wonders on Vulcan already. High windows and ornate furniture were par for the course. He
settled in at the table next to Spock and as soon as he dropped his hand to his thigh, Spock’s
fingers entwined with his. They’d spent four hours in meditation leading up this meeting so
Spock was calm, focused, and looked as utterly Vulcan as possible. Jim found this rather
amusing but he made sure to keep that emotional response buried deeply. He didn’t want to
be the one to push Spock into an inappropriate reaction in front of the Elders of his clan.
T’Pau prepared her tea carefully and when she was satisfied with it, she lifted her gaze to
T’Lena to begin the discussion. They were on her turf, after all, and Jim knew she wasn’t above
playing power games with people who irritated her. “Shortly after Sarek moved his family to
Earth at his son’s request, you approached me seeking a bond between Spock and Devar.”
T’Lena nodded. “They are well-suited mentally as you well know. You saw the compatibility
results yourself, T’Pau.”
“I declined the bonding offer for several reasons, not the least of which was the fact that Spock
had already vehemently protested one arranged bonding. His Human genetics had, in his
past, warred with his Vulcan blood to an exaggerated degree. Despite his mental and
academic achievements—he struggled socially with the accepted norms for our society, to his
detriment. I agreed with Sarek’s choice to take both his wife and son to Earth. I believed,
rightly so, that Spock would flourish in an environment where he was challenged but not
oppressed. In his time on Earth, he has made dramatic improvements in both mentally and
socially. I was mildly concerned that his academics would suffer but that was unnecessary.
The instruction and tutelage he has received on Earth has so far been superior. He is mentally
and emotionally engaged on a level that would’ve been impossible on Vulcan.”
T’Lena inclined her head. “Emotional engagement is a detriment to his development, T’Pau.”
“Spock is half-Human.”
“His disadvantage did make me question the compatibility results,” T’Lena allowed.
“Dr. Amanda Grayson is not a disadvantage,” T’Pau said. “Her child is the most gifted born in
our clan in three hundred years. She has worked for our benefit and success since she bonded
with Sarek. She is the heart of the House of Surak. Her compassion, courage, and dedication to
the welfare of our family are without equal.”
“You have encouraged Spock to embrace his Human genetics,” T’Lena accused.
“I would encourage all the members of my clan to accept who they are. Self-actualization is the
foundation of a logical and disciplined mind.” T’Pau raised one fine black eyebrow. “Would
you not agree?”
Jim’s gaze dropped to the table when he felt the warm brush of amusement across his mind
from his mentor. He glanced briefly at Jaret who was sitting placid and as solemn faced as any
Vulcan at the table. The great big liar. He was laughing his ass off on the inside.
“It matters not to me that he is half-Human. Spock alone is the best choice for me psionically,”
Devar began. “Divorce is not unheard of in the House of Surak. There would be no stigma
attached to his breaking the bond he has with the Betazoid.”
Spock’s fingers clenched briefly, hard and tight against Jim’s and Kirk sent a rush of assurance
along their bond.
“Spock, what say you?” T’Pau questioned.
“You have recently passed through your second Pon Farr,” Spock began bluntly. His deliberate
rudeness wasn’t lost on Jim. He was never going to survive this meeting without laughing
himself sick. Vulcans around the table flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and barely
suppressed horror. Even Sarek had turned a beguiling shade of green. “You murdered your
second bondmate. What happened to your first?”
“She died shortly after the birth of our first child.”
Lie. Jim projected directly to Spock. Suicide after childbirth.
“No,” Spock said simply. “She killed herself.” The color fell out of both T’Lena and Devar’s
faces.
“My first bondmate was unable to maintain a healthy mental state due to her own lack of
mental fortitude,” Devar said sharply. “It is the same circumstances you will face if you
continue this farce with the Betazoid.”
Jim was really tired of being referred to by his species.
“Even if Jim were incapable of maintaining a healthy link with my mind—I would be more
than capable of doing it for him. My mother is psi-null and has never suffered in her bond
with my father. Such talent and mental ability runs deep in the bloodlines of the House of
Surak.” Spock raised one eyebrow slightly. “It is unfortunate the House of Koltar cannot say
the same.”
“We would be well suited to one another,” Devar persisted. “Your Betazoid friend is fragile
emotionally and physically. He’ll never be a match for you. You’ll outlive him by a hundred
years or more.”
“I’m half-Human. I’ve been told to expect a shorter life span than a full Vulcan. The average
Human lives upwards of a 150 years… it is unlikely that I will survive the death of my
bondmate after being psionically and empathically bonded for more than a hundred years. We
will travel all roads together, Devar, as it is intended.”
Jim knew that, intellectually, and he carried some guilt for their bond shortening Spock’s life
span. Not much guilt though because Spock had not an ounce of regret for it. Kirk understood
that. He wouldn’t want to outlive his bondmate, either.
“T’Pau, obviously the boy is in need of your guidance in this matter. He is incapable of making
a logical and proper decision that benefits both his clan and himself in the long term,” T’Lena
said stiffly.
T’Pau sighed. Jim and Spock turned to stare at her. Unable to help himself, Jim reached out to
her mentally and her dark eyes immediately shifted until they rested on him, unflinching.
“Are you alright?” Jim asked mentally, having taken her direct attention for permission.
Surprise flickered in her eyes and she nodded abruptly before returning her attention to
T’Lena. Their private communication hadn’t gone unnoticed, Jim noted as he was being stared
at by practically everyone except Spock.
“T’Lena, in an effort to avoid future discussions regarding this matter, I find I must be as blunt
as possible. I oversaw the bond between Spock and James. Their minds blended together
flawlessly and their intense emotional love for each other was so overwhelming that I nearly
lost consciousness during the ceremony. They are t’hy’la. Spock has made his choice and I
support him without stipulation in his bond. Your pursuit of Spock as your grandson’s
bondmate is inappropriate. It will no longer be tolerated.” She sat back in her chair. “James,
Spock you are both dismissed. You will not be asked to reconsider your choices on this matter
again—not as long as I stand as Matriarch of the House of Surak.”
They both pushed back their chairs slightly, stood, and made to exit the room.
“I will not accept this,” Devar said and stood.
Jaret easily swung out of his chair and stepped in front of Jim when the Vulcan advanced
towards them. Devar faltered a step and stumbled to his knees with a soft shocked sound of
pain. “You would do well to remember, Devar of Vulcan, that there are those who have no
patience for the mentally undisciplined. James Kirk is my telepathic heir—the Legacy Child of
the First House of Betazed, the son of my mind as much as he is the son of Commodore Pike’s
heart. Had I been on the Sh’Vor when you attacked him the first time—I would have ripped
your mind to shreds.”
“Release him at once,” T’Lena left her chair and tried to help Devar stand. “He was not in his
right mind on the Sh’Vor.”
“You are a liar and he is defective,” Jaret snapped. “He seeks to mate with a child and he
lashed out at another child in mindless jealousy.” Devar sagged suddenly and his body
heaved as if he was gagging.
“T’Pau, I insist you do something about this creature,” T’Lena said, vainly trying to appear
calm.
T’Pau glanced at Jaret. “He is well within his rights to protect his child, T’Lena. Be fortunate it
was the Betazoid and not the Human. It has taken Sarek and Dr. McCoy both to keep the
Commodore in his seat. It was all I could do to convince Christopher to attend this meeting
unarmed.”
McCoy slapped a Starfleet issued phaser on the table. “Yes, she was so focused on him that she
totally overlooked me.”
*****
Jim said nothing while Spock secured the door to their room. It was the first time they’d shut
and locked the door since their arrival but he figured no one would blame them. “That was…
horrible.”
“Yes.” Spock flushed. “I was unprepared for her to discuss our feelings so openly.”
“No shame,” Jim admonished and offered his mate a small smile when Spock finally looked at
him. “Don’t be ashamed of how you feel about me, please.”
“There is nothing about our relationship that is shameful,” Spock murmured. “It is just…”
“Private,” Jim supplied. He took up Spock’s hand carefully and led him through a pair of
double doors onto a small private balcony. He prodded Spock into a lounger and joined him.
“Let’s watch the sun set.”
Spock slid his fingers through Jim’s hair and sighed. “I do love you.”
“I know.” Jim let his head rest on Spock’s chest and closed his eyes against the fading heat. “I
know better than anyone.”
“I will never regret our bond, Ashayam,” Spock whispered against his hair. “Our minds, one
and together.”
Jim smiled against his shirt. “Touching, yet not touching; apart, yet never apart.” He lifted his
head and opened his eyes. “Sounds a little bit like destiny.”
“It was the same for me,” Spock said quietly. “That first day—I did not understand what you
made me feel. The moment I met you—it was as if I had been waiting for you since the
moment I was born.” He glanced around the balcony and his eyes brightened. “On this very
balcony no less.”
Jim grinned. “Really?”
“Yes.” Spock brushed Jim’s hair from his forehead. “For you, I have forsaken all others.”
A
Covet
Most of the school knew they were essentially married. There had been a congrats on your weird
alien nuptials party over the summer that they had attended, mostly out of peer pressure and
political obligations. Spock trusted that Jim was right about how the friendly relationships
they created in the present would impact them in the future. The new school year had proven
to be slightly more stressful as they no longer shared the bulk of their classes. Jim had
rearranged most of his academic plans so they could finish at the same time and start their
college educations together. That meant he hadn’t had room for several of the electives that
they’d both taken the year before out of interest rather than need.
They still shared an engineering class and a class on intergalactic politics that Spock’s father
had been insistent that they take. The material was dry and not particularly interesting but
they both took the class seriously, especially when they’d realized Sarek would be discussing
their various assignments with them on a near weekly basis. In his own way, Spock knew that
his father was doing his part to prepare Jim and himself for a career in Starfleet. Diplomacy
and politics were subjects they would face again and again as they headed towards Starfleet
Academy.
One of the few classes they had together was Advanced Engineering. The classroom had been
rearranged so that four-person teams were possible. Spock hadn’t been at all surprised when
Rob David had claimed a spot directly across from him. He was a brilliant engineering student
and Rob had complained bitterly about his partner last year not pulling his weight in practical
work. The fourth chair at their table was filled by a human female named Dana Marcus. The
class met only met twice a week and this was their second meeting.
The first one hadn’t really allowed for social interaction or introductions so Spock wasn’t
surprised when the girl left her own chair and moved around the large table to speak with
him. He glanced briefly at Rob and found the boy smirking. It was not a good sign.
“You’re Spock.”
Spock set aside his PADD as the girl slid into Jim’s seat. “Yes.”
She held out her hand. “Dana Marcus.”
He blinked at her extended hand and shifted away from her. “I am touch telepath, Miss
Marcus. Vulcans do not shake hands.” She blushed prettily and Spock lifted an eyebrow as she
pulled her hand back. “Did you require something from me?”
“Actually, I was wondering if you were free this Saturday. A bunch of us are going to the
beach. My sister, Carol, and I are hosting a party.” Her fingers twirled a piece of honey blond
hair.
“Vulcans do not party,” Rob David offered sternly from his place in front of Spock and the rest
of the class laughed. “Come on Spock, say it—no one says it better.”
“It is not my purpose in this universe to amuse you, Mr. David.” Spock watched David laugh
for 2.75 seconds and then returned his attention to the girl who still sitting in Jim’s seat. “I
already have plans Saturday but your invitation is appreciated.” He returned his attention to
his PADD satisfied that he’d been polite enough to avoid a lecture from his bond mate on
proper social interaction.
“I heard you hang out with Jim Kirk a lot. You could bring him along. I have a few friends I
could introduce him to that might like.”
Spock cleared his throat and for the first time since he’d met Rob David, looked toward the
boy for help. David shrugged and looked equally uncomfortable. He exhaled sharply because
the thought of his bond mate interested in one of the girl’s surely vapid friends had his blood
boiling, but he was stopped from responding further when Jim entered the room.
“Hey.” Jim shrugged out of his satchel and stared pointedly at Dana. “Get a new lab partner
when I wasn’t looking, Spock?”
“Miss Marcus was inviting us to a party,” Spock responded with a flush.
“And hitting on your boyfriend,” David tattled with a laugh and Spock’s ears went almost
entirely dark green. “And offering to set you up with one of her friends.”
“You’re gay?” Dana questioned wide eyed as she slipped off the stool. “You’re both gay? How
is that fair?”
Jim shooed her away good naturedly. “Thank your stars I’m confident of his fidelity or I’d be
pissed with you.”
She laughed. “Sorry. I had no idea. I mean—no one said that you guys were a couple.”
Jim pulled out his PADD and set it on the lab bench. “It isn’t something we’re keeping a secret.
Half the school attended our engagement party over the summer.” He paused and then
grinned. “But Vulcans do not party. Trust me on this—I have lots of empirical evidence on the
subject. I’m considering writing a paper on the pure lack of party on the planet Vulcan. I think
the Federation should stage an intervention on behalf of future generations.”
“It concerns me, really, that you believe yourself entertaining,” Spock responded.
Dana poked Rob as she settled back on her stool beside him. “You could’ve said!”
“No, I really couldn’t. Nothing makes my day like watching Spock educate someone that isn’t
me on being a Vulcan. I kept waiting for the ‘Vulcans do not date’ line or something equally
awesome like ‘Vulcans do not practice infidelity’.”
“You’re a jackass, Rob,” Jim said sincerely.
“I believe that is a disservice to jackasses,” Spock complained. “The last time you used that
word to insult someone—I researched it and frankly Mr. David is just not that industrious and
hardworking.”
Jim laughed softly and slid his fingers over Spock’s briefly. “You make my day, really.”
“You’re engaged?” Dana questioned. “I mean, aren’t you a little young for that?”
“We’re not Human,” Jim said bluntly. “Betazoids and Vulcans bond early in life.”
*****
“It is not funny, James. It is a serious concern for me.” Spock pulled off his jacket and then his
sweater. “I would think it would be a serious concern for you as well.”
“Well, I certainly didn’t like it and I probably would’ve been a bit of an asshole if I’d actually
witnessed it—but it’s just something you’ll have to get used to. Humans, in fact, most other
species are pretty forward when it comes to seeking companionship.” Jim ran his fingers
through his hair in frustration and exhaled. “You’re very attractive. People of various species
and genders are going to hit on you, Spock. It’s a fact of life.”
“It is very irritating,” Spock hissed. “I don’t know how to respond without being rude.”
“Look, turning down or deflecting attention doesn’t have to be insulting or rude—it’s really
more about tone of voice.” Jim guided him towards the dining room. He wasn’t gratified to see
that his Dad and Bones were already in attendance. The room was silent and they were all
staring at the pair of them. “We’ll work on it after dinner.”
Amanda lifted an eyebrow. “Are you two fighting?”
“No, Mother.” Spock sat down. “I had an uncomfortable experience at school and Jim thinks it
is funny.”
“That is an unfair assessment,” Jim protested and sat back as a plate of food was slid into place
in front of him. “The situation wasn’t funny but the fact that you’ve done nothing but
complain about it for the last hour—kind of is.”
“What happened?” Amanda asked, her gaze darting between them.
“There was a new student in our Advanced Engineering class and she…” Jim waved a hand.
“Invited Spock to a party and basically offered to set me up with one of her friends though I’m
pretty sure she meant her sister because her sister asked me to that same party earlier in the
day.”
“Well, it didn’t bother you when Rob David invited you to his birthday party forty-seven
times,” Amanda responded, her eyes bright with laughter.
“Rob isn’t as hot as this girl was,” Jim informed and laughed when Spock blushed. “She was
seriously working her tiny skirt and barely there t-shirt when I got to class.”
“It was very unseemly,” Spock responded seriously. “Human girls are predators, Mother.”
Bones started laughing softly. “Christ, kid, truer words have never been spoken.” He sat back
in his chair. “I would’ve assumed your relationship was well known among your peers due to
the engagement party you had to endure.”
“There are a bunch of new students—mostly ‘Fleet brats coming in due to parental
reassignment. Dana and Carol Marcus actually transferred in from Darius 7. Their parents are
Xenobiologists,” Jim admitted.
“You do realize you’re actually a ‘fleet brat yourself,” Chris pointed out dryly.
Jim shrugged. “I don’t hang out with them much.”
“There comes a time when it is perfectly okay to be blunt with someone if they aren’t getting
the idea that you’re not interested,” Amanda said.
Spock jabbed at his meal with his fork. “She acted as if she did not have a brain cell in her
entire head while she was interacting with me then during class she built a fully functional
medical tricorder without a schematic.”
“Some Human men like women to act dumb and defenseless,” Amanda explained.
“That is entirely illogical.” Spock looked at Pike and McCoy.
McCoy shrugged. “My ex-wife is a neurosurgeon. But your Mom’s right—this girl was just
acting the way she normally does to attract a boy’s attention.”
“She treated me as if I were Human,” Spock said then. “She tried to touch me.”
“She obviously missed a few lessons in xenobiology,” McCoy muttered. “Look, kid, just you
do as your mother says—be honest but as kind as circumstances allow when rejecting
unwanted attention. You’re entitled to your personal space and no one deserves to have
private information from you. They don’t need to know why they are being told no.”
*****
Jim swung a leg over his bike as he fastened the helmet strap under his chin. It was odd, not to
have his bond mate with him. It had been weeks since he’d ridden by himself. He left Spock’s
house without incident and headed for home. Pike and McCoy had made it clear that they
wanted him at home for a meal since Joanna was visiting. The custody hearing was near at
hand and from what he’d overheard Bones had an excellent case for at least joint custody.
His helmet communicator pinged, “Incoming call from Dad.”
“Activate comm,” Jim murmured. “Hey.”
“On your way home, young man?” Chris asked.
“Yep, about ten minutes out. Traffic isn’t that bad.”
*****
Pike checked his chronometer one more time and activated his comm. Jim’s own
communicator ID was first in his contact list so he hit the name and it went straight to the
voice messaging system. “He’s nearly two hours late.”
McCoy set aside the last of the dishes and shoved his hands into his jean pockets. “Look,
maybe we underestimated how comfortable he is with all of this. We pretty much hid our
relationship from him and he found out by outright asking you. I move in, you add onto the
house, and we tell him that my kid is going to live here half the year if all goes according to
plan.”
Pike’s jaw tightened. “He’s never lied to me, Len. If he was uncomfortable, he would’ve said.”
He pushed up from the table and went to the house communication system. Sarek must have
been sitting at his desk because he immediately answered. “Jim’s two hours late.”
Sarek raised one eyebrow. “He brought Spock home at 1600 hours. It was our understanding
that he was heading straight home.”
“I called him to confirm that and he said he was ten minutes away,” Pike said. “Is Spock
available?”
“Just one moment, Christopher.” The screen went blank and reactivated just over a minute
later with both Spock and Sarek visible.
“I have informed Spock that Jim is not at home,” Sarek explained.
“Spock,” Pike began as he leaned forward. “I don’t even know what to ask, here. Was Jim
upset when he left you? Irritated about being asked to return home? Did you two break plans?
Anything?”
“No, Commodore, Jim was looking forward to seeing Joanna and promised T’Mara he would
bring her around for the weekend so they could have a play date.” Spock paused. “He has
experienced no significant physical trauma that I can sense. I am, however, unable to
communicate with him through our bond.”
“What does that mean?” Pike demanded.
Spock exchanged a look with his father before continuing, “Our bond is telepathic and while I
have limited ability to connect with him mentally when there is no physical contact—verbal
communication requires that he reach out for me unless we are in close proximity. I don’t
know if he’s unconscious or merely refusing to communicate with me. If he were in pain, our
bond would be… resonating with that stimulus. I would know.”
*****
Jim struggled to his feet. He had vague memories of stopping at a traffic signal and a large
transport van pulling up beside him. A phaser engaging. He’d heard the sound enough in his
life to be familiar with it. Contrary to popular belief, using a phaser required training and
good marksmanship. Pike had one in the house so Jim had been thoroughly instructed on its
use. He’d never had one used on him before but the lethargy in his body made him believe
he’d been stunned.
A low bleed of worry was working its way along his bond with Spock but it was a slow,
distant whisper. The room was well-lit and absolutely empty. He reached out hesitantly with
his mind and met with a wall. He recoiled physically, horrified to realize that he was in a
psionic disruption cage. There was nothing in the cell that said Federation Security and he
figured Starfleet wouldn’t risk taking him to ask a few questions. Pike had a lot of power and
even more powerful friends. Even if some of the darker portions of the ‘fleet wanted a
conversation with him they’d probably wait until he was legal.
The thing about psionic disruption cages is that they weren’t perfect. Psionic bleed points were
inevitable and even likely if a facility wasn’t maintained. Considering how much he was
getting from his bond mate, it made him think he was in a pretty old building. Maybe a
decommissioned FS building of some sort. He tried to push assurance of his good health back
at Spock but the worry just spiked.
If Starfleet and Federation Security were unlikely, it left him stymied for a reason for his
detainment. His grandmother had accepted his bond with Spock and would never risk the
political fall-out of trying to have it severed. Jim wanted to believe she’d learned her lesson
after that mess with Delis Brise.
Their problems on Vulcan over the summer were a slim possibility but kidnapping him was
illogical and dangerous. He had a history of lashing out psionically and no Vulcan would risk
their sanity by trying to sever a telepathic bond without permission. T’Lena, herself, didn’t
have the skills to do it and Jim didn’t think she could’ve found a single adept on Vulcan that
would risk T’Pau’s wrath. Her son was afraid of Jaret and wouldn’t risk the potential fall-out
of such a situation.
The only real pending situation was the bombing at the Vulcan Embassy and that had nothing
to do with him as far as he knew. The message boards and news feeds were even starting to
lose interest in the event and no terrorist organization had claimed it. If it had been an antialien group from Earth or a first strike from someone hostile to the Federation Jim figured they
would’ve already let it slip they did it. There was no point in making a statement if no one was
listening, after all.
They’d taken his bag, his communicator, his chronometer, and the light weight jacket he’d
been wearing. He huffed and arranged himself on the floor in the middle of the room. He
situated himself into a comfortable position and closed his eyes. Jim figured he was going to
get a locator planted in his ass due to this shit and that was infuriating.
*****
Spock was sitting in the chair his father had ordered him into, his body nearly vibrating with
anxiety. They’d put in a call to Federation Security but had been rebuffed because Jim had
only been out of contact for just over four hours. Pike had, in turn, contacted Starfleet and
reported his status as compromised. All of his access to Starfleet had been immediately
suspended and Admiral Archer had beamed into his living room. Now, his house was hosting
a dozen security personnel from Starfleet.
McCoy walked across the room and stood in front of Spock. “Do I need to sedate you, kid?”
“No, sir, I am well,” Spock said instantly.
Chris kept his disbelief to himself. He was fucking worried sick and he had no recourse. He
couldn’t imagine that Spock was in any better shape. They’d searched for an hour on their
own before he’d called in for reinforcements. The locator on Jim’s bike had been disabled or
damaged. The last position the system had for the vehicle had put him at a traffic intersection
just a mile from home. He was being treated with kid gloves now—spoken to gently as if he
might shatter into a million pieces. That was pissing him off, too.
Jaret Molia had arrived roughly twenty minutes after Archer. He hadn’t said a word since his
arrival. Pike figured he was mining everyone mentally for information and he didn’t even have
the energy to protest the utter lack of respect the man was demonstrating for himself and
everyone else in the house.
Someone new walked into the room and Chris sprung to his feet. He had the man he knew to
be head of Federation Security pinned to the wall in seconds. “You fucking swear to me on
your life that your people don’t have my kid in custody.”
“Commodore Pike, I assure you that we have exhausted all of our legal options regarding your
son’s participation in our prisoner’s recovery and accepted defeat. No one in my organization
would risk a prison term by kidnapping a minor. Especially the minor son of a high ranking
Starfleet officer.”
Sarek wrapped one hand around Chris’ wrist and pulled carefully. “Christopher, I believe that
Inspector Preston is here to help.”
Chris let his friend pull him away from the man. “If I find out any of you had anything to do
with this…” He took a deep breath.
“No man in this room knows were Jim is,” Jaret said bluntly. “No one even has the first clue as
to where to start looking. If Jim has been taken in some official capacity—it’s a clandestine
operation.”
He stood and went to the replicator where he ordered a cup of coffee just the way Pike took
his. He brought it over and Chris took it with a huff. “Get out of my head, Molia.”
Jaret inclined his head and focused on Inspector Preston. “You have news, correct?”
Preston offered the Betazoid a glare and took a deep breath. “We located Kirk’s air bike. It
doesn’t have any impact damage. I have a team checking it for evidence. He doesn’t appear to
have been in any kind of accident. There was no foreign DNA or any blood evidence at all per
the scans that were taken on the scene.” He paused. “The systems on the bike have been
overloaded. Probably with a phaser set on stun. Commercial bikes like that aren’t shielded
against that kind of threat.”
“You’re saying someone stunned my kid,” Pike said pointedly. “While he was… no damage so
he wasn’t in motion.”
“No, we believe he was stunned and the bike disabled at the intersection where the locator
service stopped reporting,” Preston explained. “I’ve requested… in cases were telepaths have
been taken in the past, I often seek the aid of security personnel from the Betazed Embassy.
Ambassador T’Pol has also made four of her own security people available. Security cameras
in the area were disabled around the same time that Kirk’s bike was taken down.”
“He’s being held in some kind of psionic disruption cage,” Spock said.
“You can’t know that for certain,” Preston protested.
“He can,” Sarek said shortly. “My son and James Kirk have a profound mental bond. He
knows what his bond mate’s mind feels like in a variety of situations—including when he is
behind a psionic shield.”
“My son sleeps under a psionic shield generator,” Pike said bluntly. “I need the room cleared,
Admiral.”
Archer jerked his head and all the security personnel left. When they were alone, Sarek
secured the door. “The kid… he’s not like his father, then?”
“No, Jim might as well be a Betazoid when it comes to his mental abilities. The theory is that
when George gave his son his telepathic legacy at birth, it altered his brain chemistry for the
sake of his sanity. He wouldn’t have survived it otherwise.” Chris took a deep breath. “If
either one of you breathe a word of this to anyone—the consequences will be deadly.” He
paused. “For you.”
Preston nodded. “I believe we’re all on the same page when it comes to how far you’re willing
to go to protect your son, Commodore Pike. Our people did want his help in reviving the man
that attacked him—any data we can get on the slave market is valuable. Surely you
understand that.”
“I do but not at the expense of my sixteen year old son’s mental health,” Chris said evenly.
“And it’s not just him we’re protecting at this point.” He glanced briefly at Spock before
continuing. “My son’s bond mate would have no refuge if Jim suffered a traumatic mental
experience.”
“Spock, can you tell us more about what you’re getting from Jim?” Jaret asked.
“Confusion, irritation, and his repeated assurances that he’s physically unharmed,” Spock
murmured. “But it’s not easy to catch the impressions nor can I hold on to them long term.
This is why I believe he’s in a psionic disruption cage.”
“Telepathic bleed,” Jaret murmured. “If it was an active field generator—the bleed would be
miniscule or even non-existent depending on the sophistication of the device.”
“Who ever took him knows he’s a threat psionically but they haven’t given him an inhibitor.”
“It’s public record that Jim is allergic to most of them,” McCoy said. “It was part of the Brise
trial. If they wanted to kill him—they’d have left him on the street.”
Christ winced at McCoy’s blunt assessment. “Did you get Joanna settled?”
“Finally, yes, she’s upset that Jim isn’t home.” Leonard sat down on the couch and let his head
fall back.
“Dr. McCoy, you are James Kirk’s doctor of record,” Preston began. “Does he have any health
concerns we should worry about? Any daily medications?”
“Kid’s healthy as a horse beyond a few allergies to medications and foods,” McCoy said. He
lifted his head and frowned. “Spock, you’re sure he’s on the planet?”
“We’ve proven we can communicate when one of us is in an orbiting craft but Jim has to
initiate such contact. His ability to manipulate the psionic plane is substantial,” Spock
explained. “Since I was able to use our bond to prod him awake, I believe he is still on the
planet. In fact, he has to be within the city.”
“I should’ve put that transmitter in him,” McCoy muttered.
A knock on the door took their attention and Preston went to answer it. A man in a Federation
Security uniform entered with a clear plastic bag. Jim’s school bag and jacket were
immediately visible. Pike sucked in a deep breath. “Where?”
“About a mile from where we found the bike,” the agent reported. “No blood or foreign
DNA.”
*****
The door opened and a man entered. Jim opened his eyes and regarded his visitor silently. He
had a hand held psionic generator in his hand. Jim could feel the field pushing weakly at him
as the man approached. A second man entered with a chair and it was placed a few feet from
him. The second man left and the first sat down casually in the chair.
Jim glanced at the generator in his hand. “Smart.”
“Better to be safe than sorry,” the man explained coolly. “The people at Federation Security
have you marked as a probable Level 10 psionic threat.”
“Level ten?” Jim questioned.
“One being psionically sensitive and ten being capable of terminating brain function in a
sentient biological organism.”
Jim inclined his head. “They’re pretty intelligent people.”
The man pulled out a PADD. “You’re going to ransom yourself, Mr. Kirk.”
“Ransom?” Jim asked, incredulous. “Are you serious? This is a real kidnapping-for-credits
kind of thing?” He rolled his eyes.
The man smirked at him and sat back in the chair. “What were you hoping for? Interplanetary
politics? Us blackmailing your father for access to Starfleet?”
“Well, I kind of figured you were terrorists,” Jim said bluntly. “And that your main goal was
something to do with the Vulcan Embassy.” He inclined his head and smiled as the man paled.
“After all, that whole bombing thing was something of a failure. The second bomb didn’t go
off and the area around the embassy remained undamaged. No one is blaming the Vulcans for
the loss of lives or property damage. No wonder you guys didn’t claim it—must be really
embarrassing to fail your cause in such a public way. You’re one of those Earth First people,
right?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Of course, my real concern is that you came in here without covering up your face.” He
jerked his head towards the open door. “And so did Henchman #2. I guess that means you
don’t intend to leave me alive.” He glanced towards the PADD. “I’d rather my money go to
the charities I picked out than to line the pockets of a bunch of murdering cowards.”
“You’re going to sign over half of your trust fund,” the man said. “Right now.” He thrust the
PADD towards Jim.
“Just half?” Jim asked. “Really?”
The man leaned forward, eyes hard and furious. “Do it.”
“You should’ve waited until I turned twenty-one,” Jim said evenly. “My access is limited until
that time. I get a monthly allowance. My schooling is paid for automatically and all that rot.
Even my Dad can’t access my trust fund on the level you want. It’s all tied up legally until the
day after my twenty-first birthday.” The man stood with a curse and started towards the door.
“Oh, and by the way,” Jim paused and waited for the man to turn around. “That piece of shit
in your hand wouldn’t keep a five year old out of your head.”
The man’s skin went pasty and he backed quickly out of the room.
“And tell my brother he is a fucking coward and a liar!” Jim shouted.
*****
Spock’s knees went weak at the burst of empathic fury that washed over his mind and barely
acknowledged when his father took a hold of him. He was gently deposited on the couch and
he barely had the wherewithal to grab McCoy’s hyper-spray bedecked hand.
“Wait.”
“Spock, you’re shaking,” McCoy snapped.
“Psionic shock,” Sarek murmured. “Spock, let McCoy sedate you.”
“Jim’s brother,” Spock said. “Earth First. Terrorists. Trust fund.” He took a deep breath.
“Coward. Liar. Betrayer.” He shuddered as another wave hit him. “He’s battering on the
psionic disruption field he’s in. Causing a massive empathic bleed. Tell them to look for a
shielded building. The whole building is shielded.” His grip loosened on McCoy and the doctor
darted in to press the hypo-spray against his neck.
*****
“You son of a bitch,” Jim hissed. “You let Winona tell me you were dead!”
Sam stood outside the room in a non-descript hall. “Thanks for not killing Carl, Jimmy.”
“Shutting down the brain function of that thug wouldn’t be much of a fucking loss,” Jim
ground out through clenched teeth. “Some crowd you hang out with, Sam. Christ, you aren’t
even entirely human yourself for fuck’s sake.”
“If our dear mother had married a decent human being we’d had a different life,” Sam said
shortly. “You wouldn’t be a fucking freak show!” He stepped forward and stopped just short
of entering the room. The air around the doorway was tinged light blue due to the active
disruption field. “And I heard about your bond with that half-Vulcan abomination. You’d think
than when two species couldn’t procreate naturally they’d take as a sign not to disturb the
natural order of things.”
“Spock is not an abomination,” Jim snapped. “But, you… you’re something else. You
kidnapped your own brother for credits?”
“You sold our legacy!” Sam shouted. “You fucking sold our grandfather’s land to Starfleet!”
“Oh, you mean Tiberius Kirk’s land?” Jim asked. “You mean the man that married a woman
from Betazoid and fathered a child with her? That man? Why on Earth would you want any
part of his estate? He’s a race traitor, Sam.” He smirked. “That’s what you think, right? You
want that dirty, alien money? My dirty, alien money?”
“I’m entitled to half!” Sam shouted.
“Winona told us you died on Tarsus,” Jim said quietly. “We settled your estate, had you
declared dead, and donated your half of the money Starfleet gave us for Grandpa’s land to the
colony for the recovery effort. It was supposed to be a fucking tribute to my beloved dead
brother. Now, it’s just a great big fuck you and I’m feeling pretty great about it. At least the
money won’t be used to buy weapons or kill people.”
“My half,” Sam repeated.
“Pike arranged it all. You know he’s been looking for you since he rescued me from that
fucking monster you abandoned me with,” Jim said coolly. “Even after we went through with
the process of declaring you dead—he still kept looking for proof that you’d been killed on
Tarsus.”
“Well, Pike didn’t rescue me,” Sam hissed. “I had to save myself! Our dear godfather didn’t lift
a finger to help me.”
“You didn’t ask,” Jim snapped. “I had my records flagged so the next time Frank beat me half
to death Pike would get notified. That’s how I saved myself, you bastard! You just left me
there!”
“I had no choice!”
“You could’ve told Pike after you ran,” Jim said. “You could’ve left him a message. You
could’ve done anything but maybe you figured if you just left me there to suffer that Frank
wouldn’t tell Winona for months. That’s what happened you, you know. She didn’t know you
were gone for nearly eighteen months by then you were long gone and I was trapped with a
mother who didn’t love me and a monster who liked to rape little girls in front of me.”
“Jimmy…”
“You should leave,” Jim said coolly. “This building is old and the telepathic bleed on the
disruption fields is getting bigger by the minute. Even if I spare you, I’ll probably kill all of
your friends when they fall. It’s really in the best interest of you and your people to be as far
away from San Francisco as possible when Pike comes from me. He won’t be… kind.”
The hum of a phaser activating followed that statement and Sam leveled it at him. “And if I
just kill you now? Had I known what you’d turn into, Jimmy, I would’ve put you out of your
misery before I left Iowa.”
Jim looked at him, eyes glinting with temper. “If you’ve got it in you to kill me, Sam, then you
are not George Kirk’s son. At least do me the favor of never using his name again.” He turned
his head and didn’t flinch when the weapon primed. Mentally, he reached out for the bond he
shared with Spock and clutched at it desperately. He couldn’t even know what would happen
to Spock if the phaser was set to kill.
Sam pulled the trigger.
*****
Spock hadn’t moved from his place by the infirmary bed since he’d arrived at Starfleet
medical. Being stunned twice in just a few hours with what they’d determined was a stunner
of Klingon design had wrecked havoc on Jim’s psionic shields. The area around him and
Spock was practically glowing with the output from Jim’s personal generator.
Amanda had taken charge of Joanna and T’Mara following Jim being found. Both little girls
had been allowed to see him briefly before they’d been returned to Sarek’s home. Two
Betazoid healers and Healer Stopak from the Vulcan Embassy had arrived shortly after it was
made known that Jim had been taken there for treatment. It was nearly one o’clock in the
morning and no one had made move to leave. Pike figured that McCoy was annoyed with the
intrusion of three different healers but he’d shared records with them regarding Jim’s history
and promised all three of them dire consequences should Jim’s medical information be
distributed.
Chris trusted Stopak and the two healers from the Betazed Embassy were probably already
privy to much of the information about Jim considering how he’d been first treated on
Betazed. McCoy finally came across the room and sat down in front of him.
“Just say it, Len.”
“Physically he is fine. There was no bruising, no indication that he suffered any sort of
physical assault at all.”
Pike relaxed. Jim was an attractive young man and he couldn’t say he hadn’t harbored some
fear regarding sexual assault, especially not after Brise and the situation with the slavers over
the summer. “Okay.”
“Psionically, however, he is in shock. Jaret and the two Betazoid healers are concerned about
his compromised emotional state. That’s why we’ve jacked the field generator up so high and
why T’Mara wasn’t allowed to enter it.” McCoy paused. “Chris, his mental and emotional
distress is extreme and it is preventing him from settling his mind and reforming his shields.
We’re lucky he’s bonded.”
“If he hadn’t been?”
“This level of psionic shock can be… fatal in Betazoids.”
“How about giving him an inhibitor until we can get him calmed down?”
“At this point, the only comfort he has is Spock. If we give Jim an inhibitor—he’ll lose that as
well. That’s not good for his emotional health to limit the bond that way while he’s not aware
enough to give permission. Stopak and I agree that separating them like that would
detrimental to them both and might damage their bond. Whatever happened to Jim in those
last minutes before he was stunned—it was extremely painful.”
Pike looked back at his son just in time to see Spock put his hand on Jim’s face in a way he’d
seen more than one Vulcan do during his time with Starfleet. He moved forward but Sarek
grabbed him. “What…”
“Spock would never hurt him,” Sarek said carefully. “They meld often and have since even
before they bonded formally.”
Pike’s eyebrow shot up and Sarek’s face flushed. The three Betazoids in the room shifted away
from the area where Jim was. “You realize when you say meld like that… I think of sex.”
“Your preoccupation with copulation has not waned at all since you resolved your UST with
Dr. McCoy,” Sarek informed him.
Jaret started laughing. Pike really regretted that whole co-parenting thing he had going on
with the man at that moment. He huffed. “Before Jim—I had no family to speak of.”
“Now you’re practically overwhelmed,” Jaret said slyly.
Spock broke away with a harsh intake of breath and immediately looked for his father. “His…
the door to his courtyard is locked.”
Sarek sucked in a deep breath as Jaret swore.
Spock focused on Jim’s teacher. “What does that mean? His mental courtyard has never been
locked to me. There is only one door… only one door I’m not allowed to…”
“The door he keeps Frank behind,” Jaret said bluntly. “What he keeps there is not… I would
keep it from you forever Spock that is how bad it is. I offered to take those memories from Jim
more than once—to dull them in his mind until they were little more than half-remembered
dreams. He’s always refused me.”
*****
“I thought he was going to kill me.”
“I know,” George murmured. “I am so sorry, baby.” He pulled his son close and ran his fingers through
Jim’s thick blond hair. “You can’t stay here. The psionic legacy of another isn’t meant to be used this
way. You were taught better.”
“I’ve never given into it before,” Jim protested. “I know you’re not really here.”
“Everything that I was,” George murmured. “Everything that made me a good officer and a man I could
be proud to be—is here with you. I’ve always been with you, son and I will never leave. You’ll carry me
in your mind for as long as you live and every moment of your life enriches the legacies you carry. I am
so proud of you, Jim.”
Jim shifted on the ground and lifted his head from his father’s shoulder. He looked at the door that held
the memories of his childhood. His mother’s callous disregard, Frank’s abuse, and finally his brother’s
abandonment. He’d worshipped Sam as a child—preserved the memory of him in such a careful way and
now it was destroyed by the man his brother had become. “I never hated him for leaving me—not even
when Frank nearly killed me.”
“And now?”
“I pity him,” Jim whispered. “I pity him and it hurts so much—that he thinks that way about me. He
resents me. He’s jealous of the relationship I have with Pike. He hates the life that I have and the
opportunities that he thinks were just given to me. He really does think I’d be better off dead. He’s
ashamed to be your son and my brother. I’ll never be able to trust him. Not ever.”
*****
Jaret pulled back gently, retreating from his student’s mind and sighed with relief. “He’s
severely emotionally compromised but he’s not suffering like we feared.”
“What’s going on?” Pike demanded.
“Jim retreated into his father’s telepathic legacy,” Jaret said bluntly. “He interacts with it on a
surface level and has since he developed the mental discipline to do so without being
overwhelmed. But this is the first time he’s retreated fully into the legacy.”
“Is it dangerous?”
“It’s seductive on a level that few things ever will be,” Jaret said. “He’s surrounded by his
father’s immense love and all the protective feelings George Kirk was feeling when he passed
his legacy on to his infant son. It is the most safety Jim will ever know empathically. Depending
on how much effort George was able to put into it—there could be an intelligent presence in
the legacy.”
“Like…” Pike frowned. “Like what, exactly?”
“My grandfather’s legacy is in essence a separate entity in my mind,” Jaret explained. “I can
have conversations with it as if I were sitting with my grandfather on Betazed having tea. In
fact, I join him for tea once or twice a month when I meditate and have since he died when I
was fifteen. He left his legacy to me in a psionic stone, which I took into my mind. A telepathic
legacy is not sentient but in some instances they can make every appearance of being so.”
“Why is his courtyard locked to me?” Spock demanded, impatient with receiving information
he already had.
“Instinctual protection,” one of the Betazoid healers murmured. She inclined her head gently
when Spock focused on her. “You’re very talented mentally in your own right but you are in
no way prepared to deal with the level of empathic feedback that must be ensconced in George
Kirk’s legacy. He died violently and his legacy is not… soft and would comfort no one but his
son. The first thing a Betazoid is taught is to protect others around them from empathic bleed
off. Even his bond mate would not be exempt from such protection. In fact, considering your
species, James might exert more effort into protecting you in events such as this.”
“I…” Spock averted his gaze.
“It’s not a sign that he believes you weak, Spock,” Jaret said quietly. “He’s in a unique position
to know exactly what your emotional control costs you. Jim would not add to that burden
unless he had no choice. He protects you because are beloved.”
“Imzadi.”
Spock’s gaze jerked to the biobed where Jim was and found his bond mate awake and
reaching for him. He re-entered the psionic field and slid his fingers against Jim’s the moment
he could. “Ashayam.” Their fingers thread together. “Who hurt you so much?”
Jim made a soft wounded sound and curled on his side toward Spock. “I need Ambassador
T’Pol, Spock.”
Spock’s gaze widened briefly but his gaze connected with his father who had already stepped
aside and engaged his communicator. “My father is contacting her.”
“Get the head of Federation Security in here as well,” Jim whispered. “Dad?”
“I’m here, son,” Chris shifted around the bed and took Jim’s free hand when it was held out.
He was careful not to touch Spock but he shifted as close to them both as he could. “Bones says
they didn’t hurt you physically.”
“No, I’m good,” Jim whispered. He took a deep breath. “Get me up and in a chair at least. I
don’t want to do this on my back.”
“Jim,” Spock began but stopped as a trickle of embarrassment shifted through their bond. He
cleared his throat before he rearranged himself and released Jim’s hand. He slid one arm
under his bond mate and helped Jim sit up. “The lethargy is a result of being stunned multiple
times in a short period of time. Dr. McCoy thinks perhaps at least twice.”
“I remember twice but they might have done it a third time—I think I woke up briefly in some
kind of van. It’s very vague.”
“Jim.”
Jim focused entirely on his father. “Sam isn’t dead.”
Pike grimaced. “Was he a hostage as well? Did they try to use you against him or something?”
Jim laughed weakly, bitter and raw. “No… he was… I’m pretty sure he was in charge of
them.”
“Oh, Jim.” Pike sighed. “Okay. There is a small conference room across from the infirmary.
We’ll get everyone corralled in there.”
“Let Spock take me in there first,” Jim said and flushed. “I’m not going to be able to walk.”
“Right. Whatever you need, son.” He turned to look at McCoy who was standing by with a
scanner and hypo. “Hmmm, but first you gotta deal with Bones.”
Jim offered the doctor a grin and laughed when McCoy just frowned in return. “Don’t be
mean, Bones. I’ve had a very difficult evening.”
“Sure, kid,” Bones said. He finished his scan in silence then set aside the tricorder. “You’ll
need a meal so this meeting is going to be very brief.” He glanced at Pike and grunted when
his lover only nodded his agreement. He pressed the hypo to Jim’s neck. “A mild stimulant.
This will give you a little boost. I’m not going to give you another so make the most of this
one. We’re going to take you home after this and I won’t hear a word out of you about the two
days of bed rest.”
“Two days!” Jim exclaimed in dismay.
“Two days,” Bones snapped. “And I may let your boyfriend sit with you for a few hours if you
behave.”
Jim huffed and turned to Spock. He raised one blond eyebrow at him. Spock took it for the
suggestion it was and barely refrained from rolling his eyes as Jim smiled. It wasn’t the first
time he’d carried his bond mate. Jim was quite light and it wasn’t taxing at all to pick him up
from the bio-bed ‘bridal style’. Jim threw one arm around his shoulders and relaxed against
him.
“You’re ridiculous,” Spock said in low murmur.
*****
“Inspector Daniel Preston.” The man nodded in Jim’s direction as he sat down. “I realize
you’ve had a very difficult evening, young man. This could wait until you’ve recovered.”
“I disagree,” Jim said bluntly. He waited until T’Pol had gained her seat and cleared his throat.
“I have sixteen names, four potential targets, and the addresses of ten potential safe houses as
well as the names of several ships for the Earth First organization.”
Chris sucked in a deep breath. “Hold on. We need to get Admiral Archer in here. I don’t have
the rank for this conversation.” He stood from the table and plucked up his communicator.
Jim sought Spock’s hand under the table and glanced briefly at Sarek who was sitting calmly
at one end of the table. The low buzz of neutrality he normally received from the older Vulcan
was missing entirely. It was surprising. Sarek was suppressing his emotional state so
ruthlessly that Jim felt bereft for him. He knew Vulcans were capable of such but Sarek had
never done so in his presence. Just a few minutes passed before Archer was seated at the table
across from him, in between T’Pol and Preston.
“Just start from the beginning, Jim,” Pike said. “Take your time—every detail matters.”
“I was at an intersection.” Jim took a deep breath and retreated mentally into that moment.
“The traffic signal was… weird. Delayed. Normally, it turns within thirty seconds of a vehicle
approaching the intersection and the traffic wasn’t so heavy that it would have fallen into
another governing protocol. A large transport van pulled up beside me but I didn’t pay it
much attention. I remember hearing a phaser being primed. I think I woke up in a vehicle of
some kind at least briefly and might have been stunned again.” Spock’s fingers clenched
briefly on his when Jim paused.
“Did you hear anyone speak at that point?” T’Pol questioned.
“No, I didn’t see or anything at that point. I was very disoriented—it might have lasted
seconds.”
“They would have endeavored to prevent him from reaching out to someone telepathically,”
Sarek interjected. “It is unlikely that the van itself had psionic shielding of any kind. Keeping
him unconscious was the best recourse. They would not have wanted to risk him lashing out
at them empathically or telepathically.”
Jim nodded. “They certainly knew I was capable of it. They had access to my records from
Federation Security.” He paused and focused on Preston. “When I woke up I was in a room
that had been fashioned into a psionic disruption cage.”
“You were in an old Federation Security building,” Preston admitted. “It was decommissioned
nearly ten years ago when our new facility was built. The room you were in was actually a
detainment cell for telepaths.”
Jim nodded. “Totally not surprised by that. It felt familiar, actually. You guys kept me and
Spock in one similar to it when we were attacked over the summer.” He rubbed his thumb
over the top of Spock’s hand. “Right. Well, I woke up and two men entered the room—neither
one of them bothered to cover their faces. The one who stayed—his name is Phillip Caster. The
second one—he left after putting a chair in the room for Caster to sit in—and his name was
Jake Marstow.”
“How did you come to have their names?” Archer questioned. “I can assume they weren’t
interested in introducing themselves.”
“No, I took it from them,” Jim admitted. “There were five people in the building and the
moment the door opened—the bleed off of the psionic cage became so vast that I was able to
brush over all of their minds. Caster offered me a PADD and ordered me to sign over half of
my trust fund to him. I assumed he would’ve had a secure credit account off-planet to transfer
the credits to. I don’t know because I refused to do it.”
“You refused?” Preston frowned at him. “You realize your life is worth more than credits,
young man? It was foolish to refuse.”
“I had no choice,” Jim said. “My trust fund isn’t set up for open access. I have a limited
allowance and my schooling is paid out of it directly. My allowance will gradually increase as
I get older based on my needs—i.e. college, the academy, or off-planet educational
opportunities. The full measure of my trust fund won’t be available for anyone to access until
I’m twenty-one. I explained that to Mr. Caster and he was very irritated.”
“You said there were five people in the building?” Preston prodded.
“Phillip Caster, Jake Marstow, Lesley Marstow, Darrin April, and George Samuel Kirk, Jr.,”
Jim supplied quietly. “My brother came to the doorway of the room at that point. I believe he
was under the impression that if he didn’t enter the room he was safe from me. I’d already
made it clear that the handheld psionic field generators his people were carrying weren’t a
deterrent for me.”
“And what did your brother want?” Archer asked.
“He was furious with me for selling our grandfather’s land to Starfleet and he demanded half
the proceeds. I told him that our mother had reported him dead to the Federation and that as a
result, we had settled his estate and donated his half of the money to a Tarsus charity.” Jim
exhaled. “He’s… he was furious and so disgusted with me. He said if he’d known what I was
going to become he would’ve put me out of misery before he left Iowa.”
“Jesus Christ,” Preston murmured.
“He wanted to kill me,” Jim admitted. “He seriously thought about it and I wasn’t sure he
wasn’t going to do it. He said if our mother had married a decent human being that we’d have
had a better life. He’s profoundly xenophobic and was obviously the leader of the group. His
mind was a riot of anger, hatred, and jealousy. He’s had some cosmetic surgery – his eyes are
as blue as mine these days. They were black when we were younger. He also took on a new
identity—he’s using the name Samuel Masterson. I think this was a legal change on a
Federation level. Keeping that hidden would’ve taken a lot of money. Pike and I have been
looking for him for years. He seemed proud to have abandoned our father’s name and the
legacy of his service. He just wanted the money to fund his cause.”
“His cause?” T’Pol questioned.
“He founded Earth First about two years ago. His mind was an open book.” Jim turned and
stared at Preston. “Caster told me that Federation Security has me listed a level ten telepathic
threat.”
Preston raised an eyebrow. “Do you disagree with the designation? Vulcans and Betazoids are
both listed as such. It’s not an individual determination of your ability, Mr. Kirk, though if it
were—I’d say you weren’t far off that. I’ve seen the reports concerning your attacker over the
summer.”
“The man is a violent child rapist,” Jim said shortly. “Some people get exactly what they
deserve.”
“You said you had more names? Locations?”
“I tried to keep Sam engaged so I could get as much information as I could,” Jim admitted.
“He… is responsible for the bomb going off in the Vulcan Embassy over the summer and was
really disappointed that I wasn’t among the casualties. He set the bombs off after I entered the
embassy on purpose.”
“His intention was to kill you?” T’Pol said.
“No, his intention was to destabilize the relationship between Earth and Vulcan in order to put
the Federation Charter in jeopardy. He wants to turn the people of Earth against the
Federation and other species and it was just a bonus that the bomb would’ve killed me as well.
They didn’t claim the bombing because they planned to blame Betazed for it. That fell to pieces
when the Betazoid Embassy staff all rushed into the area to help when the second bomb hadn’t
detonated. They would’ve stayed far away from the area if they’d been responsible.”
Jim took a deep breath. “They are so irrational and crazy that they tried to create a war
between two pacifist races within the Federation. They paint us all with the same ugly, alien
brush. Romulan, Klingon, Vulcan, Betazoid, Ferengi, Trill, it doesn’t matter—there is no
difference between us as far as Earth First is concerned. He hates me though, and not just
because our stepfather used me against him when were children. It’s deeper, uglier than that.
He blames me for our father’s death. He blames aliens for our father’s death and he doesn’t
care that it was a Romulan. He doesn’t care at all. The Federation and every non-human in it is
equally responsible in his mind.”
“You believed that he was going to kill you,” T’Pol said bluntly.
“He had a phaser pointed at me,” Kim admitted. “He was so angry and the hatred poured off
of him. He’s not psi-null like his records said he was. But then he hadn’t seen a doctor for a
few years before he ran away from the farm. He must have… been exposed to Frank for
months or maybe longer before he ran away. If I’d been exposed to Frank on that level for
months—I wouldn’t have jumped out of my father’s car when I drove it over a cliff. Death
would’ve been a mercy.”
“Samuel Masterson,” Archer said quietly. “We’ll find out about the name change and if I have
a thing to say about it… it will be buried so deep no one will ever know he was George’s son.
Your father did the ‘fleet and the Federation an immense service, Jim. We’ll all do we what we
can to protect his memory.” He cleared his throat. “And your future.”
Jim nodded. He reached out and grabbed the PADD Archer was using to record the meeting.
Then, very calmly, he began to lay out his brother’s organization. Names, ages, locations
flowed quickly. Ships, contacts within Starfleet and Federation Security came next. He
explained the hierarchy of the organization, Sam’s role, and what each person under him did.
He paused in his narration when he came to Darrin April and focused on Archer.
“This isn’t going to go well for his father, sir.”
“No,” Archer said with some sadness. “Has he been using his father for information?”
“Darrin April joined Earth First about seven months ago when his older brother was killed on
an away mission. It’s all he thinks about now. He passed by the doorway of the room when
Sam was talking to me and it’s on the surface of his mind at on a near psychotic level. I’ve been
in Admiral April’s house, sir. We were all there over the summer. Now that I look back on it,
Darrin took great pains to leave as soon as Spock and I arrived. I didn’t notice him that
evening but I had taken care to withdraw mentally before we went to the party. We were some
of the last guests to arrive at the party but we arrived with a large group of… aliens, to be
frank. Ambassador Sarek arranged for us all to take a transport together.
“Most of us had been an engineering seminar at the Vulcan Embassy so it made sense for us to
just … go from there. Admiral April was there as well. He was very comfortable around the
different kids in the house—treated Spock and I with a great deal of courtesy and respect. He
even presented us with a betrothal gift privately before he retired for the evening. Whatever
his son is involved in, he’s completely ignorant of it. He’s not a careless man either. I doubt
Darrin has gained access to Starfleet data through him.”
“Your defense of the man is admirable,” Archer admitted. “But he’ll have to answer to us
regarding what his son might have learned from him. I don’t believe he is a security risk,
either, but measures must be taken to make sure.”
Preston cleared his throat. “Are all Betazoids this capable of infiltrating multiple minds like
this? You’ve gathered a great deal of information in a relatively short period of time, Mr.
Kirk.”
“I’m not in a position to say what other Betazoids are capable of,” Jim said neutrally. “I have
been trained in the traditional mental disciplines of my people. I have the telepathic legacies of
two Betazoids. I was in distress and very upset. When I feel threatened, I tend to harvest
information from all available sources in an effort to calm myself. The more I know, the better
I’m capable of acting in most situations. In this particular situation, the more information I
gained the more… dire my circumstances became. I wasn’t even doing it intentionally after a
certain point. I… there are moments where my memory goes blank. I believe that I was
teetering on the edge of psionic shock or I had a rage blackout.” His gaze dropped to the table.
“I was very angry.”
“Did you attack any of them psionically?” Preston questioned.
“No, not even my brother when I thought he was going to murder me,” Jim said quietly.
“I’m… Dad, I’m quite ready to go home now.”
*****
He’d gone to sleep wrapped up in Spock’s arms. He woke alone… no, not alone, Jim corrected
mentally as he encountered Amanda Grayson’s fiercely shielded mind. He turned his head on
the pillow and opened his eyes. She was sitting in a chair by the large window in his room
reading from a PADD. He cleared his throat and her gaze snapped to his. “I don’t remember
my own mother ever sitting by my bed when I was ill.”
Amanda frowned briefly but corrected herself quickly enough. Jim knew how much Amanda
Grayson resented Winona’s behavior and how much she disliked her on a personal level.
“Her loss is my gain,” Amanda said as she put aside the PADD and stood. She sat down on
the edge of his bed and pressed slim, cool fingers to his forehead. “You had a slight fever in
the evening. Spock was most concerned.”
“Where is he?”
“T’Mara and Joanna were most insistent that he attend their tea party,” Amanda said with
small laugh. “Though he did inform them, quite seriously, that Vulcans do not party.”
Jim laughed. “Oh, that’s awesome.” He relaxed on the bed and pulled at his covers until he
was comfortable. “Bones around?”
“He was in earlier. Your scans are improving by the hour but the general consensus is that you
will be in this bed for at least another thirty-six hours outside of minimal trips to the
bathroom.”
“I feel very weak,” Jim admitted. “I doubt I could stand long enough for a shower but a bath
would be great. Do you think that would be okay?”
“I think so,” Amanda murmured. “I will discuss it with Leonard and if he agrees, I’ll send
Spock up to help you.”
“Thanks,” Jim snuggled down in the bed. “Didn’t know being stunned would do this to you.”
“A phaser built to Federation standards that has been properly maintained would not have left
you in such a condition,” Amanda murmured. “Federation Security reported to your father
that the energy residue left in the building you were in indicated a Klingon disruptor was used
in the room where you found. To be stunned upwards of three times by one of these weapons
in such a short period of time was very taxing on your body. It’s okay to relax here for a bit.”
“Okay.”
*****
Jim allowed Spock to lower him into the steaming water without saying anything. Just the
brief conversation with Dr. Grayson had been exhausting. He took the bath sponge when
Spock offered it and let his fingers clench around it. Soap slid down his fingers and over the
top of his hand.
“Jim.”
He turned to look at Spock and sighed. “You and I are very unlucky in the sibling
department.”
Spock took the sponge back when he realized that Jim wasn’t going to use it. He turned Jim
carefully and started to wash his back. “We have made a good family in our bonding. Vulcan
and Betazed are enjoying a relationship the likes of which has never been seen between two
Federation planets. My clan and your House now share a history and an even greater legacy.
We are accepted and well loved by those we chose to claim as family, Jim.”
“Yes.”
“Sam and Sybok—perhaps one day they will learn the value of what they have given up,”
Spock murmured. “Would you like me to wash your hair?”
“Yes, please.” Jim reached out for the bottle of shampoo on the corner shelf of the bath stall
and knocked it off into the water with clumsy fingers. “Damn.”
Spock plucked the bottle out of the water with a little raised eyebrow. “Your physical strength
will return, Ashayam. I realize that you take great pride in your independence but you will just
have to endure my physical attention until you are sufficiently recovered.”
“I’m more than willing to endure your physical attention whenever you’re interested,” Jim
said with a little laugh. He rested back on the wall of the tub and let Spock wash his hair. “My
step-father was xenophobic. He said aliens didn’t belong on Earth and he was always saying
he should send me off planet. He had a cousin on Tarsus.” Jim shuddered. “Frank threatened
to send me there after Sam ran away—said he’d be glad to get rid of both of ‘Win’s Little
Freaks’. To be honest, my mother isn’t much better. My father’s death made her hate…
practically everyone that wasn’t human. How she manages to hide it from the chain of
command is stunning.”
“Perhaps she has not,” Spock said. “After all, her career appears to be stalled.”
Jim turned slightly and stared at Spock. “How do you know that?”
Spock’s cheeks flushed slightly and he averted his gaze. “She is your mother. I wanted to
know… about her. Father made a request on my behalf and I reviewed her service record.” He
paused in his ministrations. “Was that wrong of me?”
“I wish you’d told me,” Jim murmured. “But I’m not mad because you’re curious. She’s
actually a brilliant woman—a talented and inspiring engineer. It’s easy to see what my father
saw in her, at least from a distance. She’s, from a strictly physical standpoint, beautiful.
Combine that with her intelligence and ambition… well, not many men in Starfleet could
ignore such a combination. It’s just too bad she let my father’s sacrifice corrupt her the way she
did. ‘Fleet gave her a pass, I think, because she was George’s widow. They let her get away
with too much for too long until it was too late to get her back on the right track mentally.”
“And now they… are waiting for her to retire rather than force her out.”
“Another way the admiralty protects the memory of George Kirk,” Jim murmured. “I guess I
understand that and they’ve kept her out of command which is a good thing. She’s not suited
for that kind of sacrifice.”
“But you are,” Spock murmured.
“I’d never want to leave you, Spock,” Jim whispered. “But sometimes… sometimes the good
of the many outweigh the good of the few or the one.”
*****
“Special Operations in conjunction with Federation Security performed a raid on all four
locations your son gave us,” Archer began. “We had a few major injures but no casualties. The
other side wasn’t as fortunate.”
Pike took a deep breath. “Survivors?”
“Three,” Archer said shortly. “Darrin April wasn’t among them but his father was briefed
beforehand. We did all we could to take them all alive but some were… suicidal. It was very
messy business.”
Pike nodded. “Sam?”
“He’s in a detention cell. Wounded but he’ll heal,” Archer admitted. “He’s been given legal
representation and we’re hoping some sort of deal can be reached. We want to avoid a trial.
The other two have already made deals. Masterson is the only hold out.”
“You took care of the name change business?”
“We cleaned up the tracks left behind by the person who created the identity,” Archer
corrected. “And we confirmed the death of George Samuel Kirk, Jr. on Tarsus through DNA
results three days ago as far as official records go. There was a mass results list generated at
that time. No one will ever be able to tell it was edited.”
“So the only problem is him keeping his mouth shut,” Chris said.
“That won’t be a problem for much longer,” Archer admitted. “He’s a threat to the Federation,
Christopher. A terrorist and mass murderer. He’s a Level Five psionic threat per Jaret Molia. It
will be recommended that he psionically castrated during sentencing.”
“You’re going to…” Chris took a deep breath. “You got them to agree to… I read up on that,
you know. Neither Vulcan nor Betazed has ever agreed to the psionic castration of one of their
citizens by the Federation.”
“Sam Masterson is not nor has he ever been a citizen of Betazed,” Archer said shortly. “He was
born on Earth. I’ve been informed that when a Betazoid is psionically castrated that they often
suffer a death of personality and have to be… re-educated.”
It was a horrifying thought. Chris wasn’t sure he could ever explain to Jim what had truly
happened to Sam. “I…”
“It’s upsetting,” Archer allowed. “You wouldn’t be a good man if it didn’t upset you. None of
us get to actually decide this. It is what the Vulcans and Starfleet will recommend at his
sentencing. The judge in the matter will make the final determination unless he takes a deal.
Any deal he takes will involve psionic castration. He isn’t being charged with Jim’s
kidnapping. We’re hoping to separate Jim from this incident entirely. As he is a terrorist, the
trial will be sealed and unavailable to the public if it comes to that.”
*****
Chris stopped in front of the cell and stared at his oldest godson in silence for a few minutes.
Sam stared back at him from behind a psionic disruption field. “I could kill you for what you
did to Jim.”
Sam blinked then he smirked. “Not much of a surprise, I guess. He’s always been an easy kid
to love.” He relaxed back on bench he was sitting on. “Well, for some people. Winona never
got the hang of that and let’s not even mention Frank.”
“You left him, Sam,” Chris said quietly. “You left that little kid in hell and you sit there
smirking like you forgot to pick him from the library or something.”
“I was a kid myself.”
“You could’ve sent me a single word communication!” Chris shouted and took a calming
breath. He straightened his uniform. “Even that would’ve been better than what you did,
which was nothing. However, you’re right; you were a child. But what you’ve done as an
adult... Your father would be ashamed. I’m ashamed and Jimmy… he’s just heartbroken.”
Sam’s face went slack for a few seconds but then it hardened. “I don’t give a fuck what that
little freak thinks or feels.”
“Don’t you?” Chris asked softly. “He never gave up on you not even when you gave up on
him. Jim had it in him to forgive you for leaving him behind. He focused so much on the good
memories of you than he’d practically blinded himself to your abandonment… until you
forced him to face it. But he’s lost to you and you’re poorer for it. It’s not a loss that is
recoverable.”
“What the fuck would you know about it?” Sam sneered and averted his gaze. “He’s not
yours, you know. He’ll never be anything less than George Kirk’s son. Jimmy—he’ll join
Starfleet just like Dad and he’ll be a fucking superstar, but when people talk about him he
won’t ever be your son. He’s the living embodiment of George Kirk and you’re just the poor
bastard who rescued him from a horrible childhood.”
“You think that matters to me?” Pike asked. “I don’t need or want to live in your father or
Jim’s shadow, Sam. Serving in Starfleet is about duty and honor. If Jim joins ‘Fleet, it won’t be
because he wants to be famous. It won’t be because he thinks he has to for his father. He’ll do
it because he considers it his best destiny.”
“Whatever,” Sam snapped.
“Right.” Chris shook his head. “I don’t know what I thought I’d accomplish by coming down
here. I’ve been briefed on the deals you’ve been offered.”
“I don’t want your advice,” Sam snapped.
“You should take the deal,” Pike said quietly. “You’ll be found guilty of treason if it goes to
trial and they’ll execute you. At least with… what they have offered you’ll be put in a rehab
facility and eventually given a new life. You’re just twenty years old.”
“They just want to make a deal to keep George’s image all shiny and patriotic for the ‘Fleet.”
“Yes,” Pike agreed. “I guess this is the last time you’ll get to bank on his name. I suggest you
make the most of it.”
“Fuck you,” Sam shouted and bounded off the cot. “Fuck you, Pike. Where were you when I
needed you? Huh? You came for poor little Jimmy but not me. You weren’t there when I was
selling my ass on the streets of New York to get enough food to eat, you sanctimonious
bastard!”
“You could’ve reached out for me,” Pike said quietly. “There are instructions with Starfleet—
to give you and Jim direct access to me no matter my posting and they’ve been that way since
your father died. I looked for you, Sam. You’ll never know the lengths I went to, the favors I
called in, and all the trips I took to New York and to Chicago because I heard a rumor you’d
been sighted. I spent weeks combing through the records of the Tarsus colony after Winona
told us you died there. I’d still be searching if you weren’t standing here in front of me. I failed
you; I admit that. But you failed me, too. Take the deal, Sam and spare Jim the knowledge that
his brother was executed for treason. It is the least you could do for him.”
*****
Chris had barely gotten settled at his desk when the door to his office swished open and the
last person in the Federation he wanted to see stalked inside. His gut was boiling with fury
and guilt—the last thing he needed was a confrontation with Winona Kirk. Chris went to the
replicator without speaking to her and ordered himself a cup of coffee.
“Commodore.”
“Commander Kirk,” Chris murmured. He brought his coffee back to his desk and sat down.
He stared pointedly at a chair in front of him until she sat. “What can I do for you?”
“I received notification that my son’s remains were positively identified,” Winona murmured.
“I want… I’m here to claim his remains but I was rebuffed by Federation Security when I
tried.”
Chris pinched the bridge of his nose and considered the story Archer had put into place. He
was bound by duty to adhere to it and he wasn’t exactly fussed to be lying to Winona when it
came down to it. He disliked her personally and couldn’t respect her professionally. “There
are no remains, Winona.”
“What…” She sat back in her chair and stared at him. “What do you mean?”
“There is a large industrial furnace on Tarsus. The bodies of executed colonists were regularly
burned. His DNA was recovered from that furnace along with the remnants of several
thousand other bodies. Some of the samples aren’t visible without scientific equipment.”
“Has Jim been informed?” Winona asked.
“You told him some time ago that his brother had died on Tarsus IV. We had him declared
dead over the summer and settled his estate,” he raised an eyebrow when she started to
respond. “Jim donated his brother’s half of the money he received for the land in Iowa to the
Tarsus IV Recovery Fund.”
“That was at least two million credits,” she protested, aghast.
“Nearly three million actually,” Pike corrected. “The trust fund was managed and invested by
a private finance firm. They still handle Jim’s money and will until he turns twenty-one.”
“I still can’t believe you let him sell his grandfather’s land.”
“He wanted no part of that land and still can’t set foot on the acre where the house still sits.
Starfleet turned it into a museum for the Kelvin. I seriously doubt that Jim will ever see it.”
“Jimmy always was a smart kid,” Winona said. “He certainly has you completely fooled.”
Pike sighed. “Get out of my office, Commander Kirk. Next time you want to come by and
belittle your only living child, make an appointment first.”
“I’ll want to have a memorial service for Sam. Jim should attend.”
“I’ll let him know about it but he has no interest in being in the same room with you and we
held a memorial service when we bestowed the Tarsus Recovery Foundation with Sam’s
estate.”
“I wasn’t notified,” Winona snapped.
“Jim didn’t want you there,” Chris said bluntly. “He wants no part of you, Commander. Your
last visit destroyed any remaining good will he had for you. I don’t see that changing any time
soon. It isn’t like you have any secrets from him. He’ll never tolerate your bigotry nor will he
ignore your obvious disdain for him.”
“He ruined my career,” Winona snapped. “And you helped him do it. All those lies he told,
the way he inferred that I knew about the so-called abuse and did nothing about it.” She stood
up. “I met with Sam before he went to Tarsus IV and I asked him about it—asked him about
Frank and Sam told me that Jimmy was a liar and that all of his accusations were false.”
Pike didn’t doubt that at all. He considered the corrupt young man currently being held in a
Starfleet high security cell. “Had you turned him over to me as you were ordered to by the
Federation courts, Sam might be alive today. You should’ve told me you’d found him and you
should’ve reported his location to Federation Security. I was his legal guardian until he turned
eighteen.”
“He wanted no part of you, sir,” Winona said. “I figured he was old enough to make his own
decisions.”
“We can both see how well that worked out for him,” Pike said evenly. He watched the color
drain from her face and didn’t feel guilty at all. Chris didn’t know if Sam was ever actually on
Tarsus but he wanted to believe that he could’ve saved the younger man if he’d found him in
time. “You’re dismissed, Commander.”
“And if I petitioned the court for visitation rights?” Winona questioned.
“You’d find yourself blocked by both Vulcan and Betazed. You don’t want to be evaluated and
laid bare by a Betazoid, Commander. You’d have absolutely no refuge and the court would
allow it because Jim isn’t a citizen of Earth. He is, however, a dual citizen of both Vulcan and
Betazed. His political ties on both planets reach into the highest positions of government.
You’d also have to deal with his grandmother. She already hates you.”
*****
Jaret Molia paused outside the shielded interrogation room and shared a look with Alexa
Deloia. As one of only a handful of people who had been fully briefed on the situation, he’d
been elected to do the final evaluation of Sam Kirk. “Are you sure we shouldn’t tell his
grandmother?”
“She mourned him already—there is no need to make her suffer more. He is lost to us; damaged beyond
rehabilitation and drowning in self-loathing. He’s a murderer.”
Jaret nodded and looked back into the cell to see Sam staring at him unflinchingly. The boy
had taken the second deal that Federation Security had offered him. Psionic castration, new
name, altered DNA, and if all went well a new mental history. A medical and psychiatric
treatment team from Betazed was already on the way. He knew that Alexia would order Sam’s
mind wiped clean of everything but basic skills. He’d wake a week from now with no
memories of who he once was and with psionic castration—he’d never gain the skills to
retrieve the memories.
He stepped into the cell and the telepathic bond he now shared with Taval muted, dampened
by the psionic security of the room. “I am Jaret Molia. I’ll be conducting your final evaluation.
After this meeting, you will be rendered unconscious and remain so until the procedures you
agreed to are accomplished.” He paused. “This is your final hour as Sam Kirk.”
“I wanted… I wanted to see Jimmy.”
“I can’t and won’t authorize that,” Jaret said pointedly. “You needn’t bother projecting your
sincerity; your weak little mental tricks aren’t going to work on me.”
Sam slouched down in the chair, the cuffs on his wrists clinked against the table. “I was
surprised when they didn’t put a collar on me or give me an inhibitor.”
“Both would’ve impeded me in my task,” Jaret murmured. “You’re as talented mentally as
your father, Sam, that’s quite a surprise considering how diluted your genetics are. Without
the stimulus of a telepathic legacy, you should’ve been almost entirely human on a psionic
level.”
“Telepathic legacy?” Sam questioned. “What are you talking about?”
“Your brother Jim carries the telepathic legacy of George Kirk. It was gifted to him in the
moments after his birth; before your father sacrificed himself for his crew. It is a gift that your
brother could’ve shared with you had you not… taken the path you took. The man you are
today would find no comfort in such. George’s legacy would burn in your mind like lava.”
“What would you know about him?” Sam sneered.
“He was a loyal, brave man who dedicated himself to the safety and security of the Federation.
He served in Starfleet with distinction for years before he made the ultimate sacrifice. The
legacy is heavy with it—intense love and loyalty.” Jaret took a deep breath. “But that is neither
here nor there; you should relax as much as you can. The more you fight this, the more it’ll
hurt.”
*****
Alexia leaned against the wall and listened to Sam Kirk scream before what defenses he had
broke away and his protests faded into a defeated whimper. She closed her eyes even as T’Pol
joined her. “Is this justice?”
“It is all the justice we have,” T’Pol said. “They would have executed him otherwise. I have
arranged for him to be taken to a facility in the Lorianth system—they specialize in the
reeducation of individuals who have suffered catastrophic head injuries. They will teach him
to be productive and perhaps in time he will be happier in this new life he has been given.”
“James must never know what has been done,” Alexa whispered.
“He must be told something,” T’Pol reminded. “Better to tell him that his brother has a new
life, devoid of the experiences that made him a murderer than try to lie to him. It isn’t a secret
we can keep long term from him—he’s far too mentally gifted himself. Commodore Pike
knows and Sarek has been informed. He will tell Amanda Grayson. McCoy will likely know
fairly soon as well. James is a curious young man and more to the point many will think of
Sam in the weeks to come—think of him more when Jim is around due to simply being
reminded of how we came to be here.”
“Does Pike know that Federation Security asked us to do this final evaluation?”
“No, not at present.”
“Then he shouldn’t. I wouldn’t want Jim to come to resent Jaret for what we asked of him.”
“James understands duty,” T’Pol said simply. “Perhaps far more than anyone would wish of
him at this age.” She flinched when Sam Kirk started to scream in fury again.
*****
“His records will be sealed,” Pike explained. “You won’t ever be given access to them, Jim, not
even if one day you sit in Archer’s chair. Do you understand?”
Jim nodded. Sam was strapped to bed in front of him, unconscious and psionically subdued by
a collar. “I…yes, I understand. I don’t want to know.” He cleared his throat. “What if he’s
killed or something?”
“He’ll be a stranger on a planet you’ve probably never visited with a face you’ve never seen,”
Pike said gently.
“He won’t be able to join Starfleet?” Jim asked. “I mean, if he’ll be pretty much a blank slate…”
“No, he’ll never be allowed to serve in Starfleet or in the Federation Security forces. It’s a
condition of the deal, though the new him won’t remember it. The FS will keep track of him
for the rest of his life. His ability to travel from planet to planet will be limited for the first few
years but gradually, if he chooses, he’ll be allowed to travel more. They are going to do some
genetic manipulation so he can’t be traced back to you or Winona as a relative.”
Jim nodded. He reached out and touched his brother’s hand, causing various security
personnel in the room to lurch forward in shock. Pike very gently took a hold of Jim’s wrist
and pulled his son away. “I’m so sorry that I couldn’t save him.”
“He didn’t want to be saved,” Jim murmured. “He wanted to run and that’s what he did. He
wanted to hate, so he did. He wanted to kill innocent people—so he set off a bomb. This isn’t
your fault. We can blame the Romulans who attacked the Kelvin. We can blame Frank.
Winona… well, she’s central to it all, right? It broke Sam, wide open, when he realized she was
never going to save us.”
“Jim.”
“It’s okay,” Jim murmured. “I let her go and I’ll do the same with him. He’ll live a life
unfettered by the childhood we shared and unburdened by the lives he took while he
wallowed in insanity. But it would be so much worse if he were executed for treason.” He
shoved his hands into the pockets of jeans. “They’ll monitor him? Make sure he doesn’t go
crazy again?”
“Yes. After today, he’s not someone you’ll have to worry about ever again. Do you
understand?”
“He’s not my responsibility anymore,” Jim said.
“Jim, son, he never was.”
“No, but he was a burden.” Jim flushed at Chris’ intake of breath. “Maybe he’ll always be that
because while he won’t have to live with what he’s done—I will. He murdered T’Mara’s father
and all of those Vulcans in the embassy because he thought we all deserved to die. I’ll live
with that and he won’t.”
“We’ll all live with it,” Chris corrected. “He’s not just your burden now—we’ll all be here to
shoulder it with you.”
“That’s the best part of being a family, you know,” Jim said quietly.
A
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