Title: The Ties That Bind
Summary: As Vulcan children Leila K'Taari and Spock were bonded together to become life mates. However time and distance eventually break them apart. What happens when they are reunited? Will they be drawn to each other or will an outside force separate them forever?
Verse: Star Trek 2009
Pairings: Spock/OC Uhura/Spock Kirk/OC Kirk/Uhura
Disclaimer: I don't own any part of the Star Trek franchise or the characters. I do own Leila K'Taari. She's a character of my creating.
Author's Notes: 1. I am branching out and dipping my feet into another new territory, so please be a gentle although I like constructive criticism. 2. I am not a major fan of Star Trek as I am of Star Wars but the comparison is almost similar. 3. I've researched as much as possible before writing this story. If they're any points I've left out please let me know. 4. The Vulcan bonding ritual which is cited in this chapter I pieced together out of my imagination but tried to make it look as realistic as possible. I couldn't find much on it at the websites I went to. 5. If there is a tiny note of emotion emanating from the Vulcan characters, my apologies, this is meant to reflect their inner turmoil to keep that part of themselves in check. 5. Please don't throw it in my face about Leila having a human name and a last name. I want her to have one okay.
Chapter I: The Bond
VULCAN 2239
The hiss of a hatch sphincter coiling open alerted a young Vulcan child to the return of her parental units. The murmur of harried words reached her sensitive ears causing them to quiver involuntarily as she took note of a conversation arising in the family sitting room.
"…How dare you speak out of turn Moreia? You actions were uncalled for. Leila's future depends on such a match…"
Peaked with interest by the sudden utterance of her name Leila K'Taari rose from a seated position in small cushioned cathedra—a throne like chair. She set her PADD, a Personal Access Display Device on the table. The hand held device had been projecting a detailed facet on the war between the Vulcans and Romulans hundreds of years prior. Ever so softly, she approached her bedchamber door, listening attentively to the conversation outside. Curiosity, a flawed but infallible trait she possessed.
Sensitive hearing allowed her to eavesdrop without the necessity to press against the hard metallic door. Her prearranged marriage was key point of discussion. She was aware her mother and father had met earlier with Ambassador Sarek and his life partner Amanda Grayson to finalize what was to be an admiral union between their son Spock and her. Nevertheless, Moreia, her mother, was having doubts on her only surviving child being tied to the offspring of a human. Having lost Ra'Vesti, Leila's elder brother, during an initiation of Kahs-wan an ordeal where Vulcan children are left in the desert for a certain amount days to fend for themselves.
Leila had proven to be the stronger and more resilient sibling.
"…Leila has received far greater offers from other well-known families. It is logical to seek a marital alliance with Se'tek." Moreia countered her eyes fused on her husband, Shervic, who stood by a massive transom giving him a panoramic view of the great Vulcan city. "Do you wish to ruin her prospects and our family's good name by letting our daughter be saddled to that half breed degenerate?"
"I shall decide what is best for Leila, not you Moreia," Shervic answered coldly, angling his head slightly to look at his wife through narrowed eyes. "As her father, she is mine to do as I see fit. And despite young Spock's shortcomings he has shown immeasurable talent. His father is a member of the high council. It would be wise for us to take advantage of that situation. Through Ambassador Sarek we can secure for this family immeasurable power and position."
A dark glow settled on Moreia's face as the sun began to set in the distant, desert horizon. An air of discontent illuminated in the dark depths of her brown eyes. "Ah, your true methods now come into focus. It was never about Leila. Once again, it all amounts to you."
She rose gallantly, shaking her robes free of wrinkles, and adjusted the deep amber veil about her head. "If you would give me leave Shervic," she said abruptly. "I must go prepare our daughter for this most wondrous event." She stared at her husband heatedly who with the flick of his head dismissed his wife. Moreia curtsied and turned eastward to her daughter's chambers, her steps less than earnest.
Her hand swept over a sensor panel, a chime signaled as the doors slid apart. Moreia was not astonished to see Leila standing in the middle of her bedroom. Large brown eyes set against a pale round face looked up at her with mellow calm and clarity. Ebony hair well concealed beneath a black scarf added to the pallor of her skin. A bow shape mouth plastered in a tight line rose just above a proud chin. Moreia stilled the quickening of her heart as pride washed over her.
There was no mistake why Se'tek had asked her hand for his son Serron. Leila was slowly growing into a beauty. Now such a jewel was to be wasted on a worthless half breed.
"I suppose you are aware," Moreia began, knowing full well her daughter had been listening to her and her father's conversation.
"Yes mother," Leila replied, acceptance in her voice.
"Ambassador Sarek and his…partner…shall be arriving at dusk with their son, Spock." Moreia looked directly at her daughter. "You are aware of what's to transpire."
Leila bowed her head, "Yes mother."
Moreia nodded and continued, "Tonight, you will be bonded to young Spock. Your minds will be one. You are to respect and treat him as your husband in all things, except that which brings forth children, in this you must wait until you have come of age and are officially married. Do you understand?"
"Yes mother."
"There will be talk about your betrothal and about your husband to be. You must not let it provoke you. You must rise above the cynicism and scorn. Do not let it dampen your quest to perform you duties to the utmost and to make your family proud."
"Yes mother."
With a nod, Moreia placed a hand on Leila's shoulder, leading her to the lavatory. While her daughter soaked in a scented bath, Moreia picked out a soft olive colored gown and veil. Frustration built in her mind like fog and she strived to suppress the embittered feelings percolating under her skin. She disapproved of this arrangement and would not be afraid to show it no matter how long Shervic's face grew. She winced. Emotion was her greatest struggle. She, in the past, had been unable to complete the ritual of Kohlinahr due to the unexpected and shocking death of her mother, L'Ina. Their relationship had broken barriers and rules and emotional ties were made.
Moreia's head jerked up at the soft murmur of voices and knew Ambassador Sarek and his concubine had arrived with young Spock. Turning sharply, she swiftly went to retrieve Leila and helped her to dress. She rubbed oils and scented perfume in her skin and brushed her black, short crop hair with smooth strokes.
"Come," she ushered her daughter towards her bedroom door, walking ahead as they made their way to their guest. "They await our presence."
"Ambassador Sarek," Moreia curtsied in the presence of an austere Vulcan male. His face lean and hard by years of resilient diplomacy, leadership, and by the intense heat of the desert planet they resided. A lovely, petite human female sat on his left and to his right was young Spock. A sharp intake of breath filled her lungs as she noted a large greenish welt at the bottom of Vulcan child's lip. "Lady Grayson," she said, barely making eye contact with the woman. She pushed Leila forward. "This is our daughter Leila."
"Leila," Sarek stated his voice strong and articulate. "This is Lady Grayson my life partner and our son Spock." He let his eyes fall on the Vulcan boy. "Spock, greet your future wife to be."
Spock stood warily and took a tentative step towards the pretty female in front of him. His heart pounded in his chest and his tongue grew heavy and thick in his dry mouth. He lost sight of himself for a moment before bowing and uttering, "It is an honor to make your acquaintance."
Leila curtsied replying, "The honor is mine Spock I am most humbled by your presence."
"Come," Leila's father announced drawing every one's attention. "Let us proceed."
Shervic guided the group into a small atrium beset with glowing orbs. A gushing fountain mounted into a wall of rock flowed into a small stream that was purified and recycled by a hydraulic aquarium. The scent of perfume filled the air as exotic flowers and plants from far reaches of the known galaxy grew in the quaint little garden. Just beyond a massive porthole gave them all a scenic spread of the desert and high mountains.
Spock and Leila were made to kneel before each other. Looking at each other nervously, they exchanged wafers and were given a single goblet of sweet water to drink from. Shervic sprinkled oil on their heads and spoke in an ancient dialect. He then encouraged the children to take each other's hands so their minds would meld and become one.
At the first touch, Leila was slightly discomforted by Spock's clammy hands. It felt strange to be touching a boy when it was so frowned upon by both her parents and society at large. Vulcan morals separated the sexes at birth (except during bonding ceremonies) before reintroducing them at adulthood. It was a means to purge the children of foolish hormonal action that would arise during puberty setting a stage for focus and clear logical judgment.
Leila soon began to wonder how long she would have to hold Spock's hands when a faint image emerged in her mind. It became clearer as the seconds went by. Three boys...harsh words…anger…furious blows. She cringed and dropped his hands suddenly. She looked at Spock with widening eyes and watched as he curled his bottom lip into his mouth concealing the welt.
Leila blinked, realizing where the scar had arisen.
"It is finished," Shervic announced, "They are one."
"We must celebrate," Sarek said, "and we shall stay overnight to ensure that nothing impairs the mind meld between our children."
"Of course," Shervic glanced in his wife direction and saw her displeasure. He quickly sent her away to have a feast prepared so that her wayward tongue would not bring further insult to the ambassador. The two Vulcan men made small talk as they walked to the dining hall; Lady Grayson at Sarek's side and Spock and Leila not far behind, barely saying a word to each other.
Dining on an array of fruit and vegetables, the Vulcan children hardly glanced at each other. Leila kept her eyes firmly fixed on her plate, focusing on the background music and the discussion around the table, rather than the stiff lipped little boy sitting across from her. Eventually her inquisitive nature got the best of her and she lifted her head to let her gaze rest on Spock. She drew in a sharp breath.
He was staring at her with open interest; his little head slightly angled to right.
Leila dropped her head as a strange quiver knotted at the base of her stomach. Her skin felt immeasurably hot. What was this strange sensation? Embarrassment? And why was he looking at her that way? Was he displeased with her? What if he told his parents? Leila knew the dire consequences of being rejected by a future life mate. As she dressed her mother explained such situations without hesitation. She was told of two Vulcan females three years older than her person whose mates had dismissed them and their family's reputation were put in jeopardy.
Without considering the rashness of her behavior, Leila smiled at Spock. He was taken aback for a momentary instant before his face gleamed and he let a smile fall in her direction. Leila's spirits brightened, content in knowing he was not unhappy with her and resumed eating; flashing Spock a kind smile once in a while.
Moreia, however, had been monitoring both children closely and was livid by the way her daughter was behaving. What's worse Spock appeared to be quite taken by her. She cleared her voice, saying, "I think it is time to put the young ones to bed." She rose out her chair, bidding Leila to come to her. "And I shall also show young Spock where his quarters will be for the night."
"That is most gracious of you," Lady Grayson said. She looked at her son smiling, "I shall be there in a few moments."
"Yes mother," he answered, getting out of the chair. "Father."
"Spock," replied Sarek and observed as his son left the dining hall to trail after Moreia.
With Leila at her side Moreia escorted Spock to western quarter of their household. "Here we are," she said stiffly, caressing her hand against the sensor panel that parted the sliding doors leaving Spock alone in a darkened chamber.
"I did not shame you mother," Leila said, lifting her arms to let a white nightdress slip overhead and drape over her body.
"No, you did very well. You have taken a brave step into a new world." Moreia pulled back the covers and tucked her daughter in. "However, I am most displeased by your apparent lack of restraint. Smiling is act your father greatly frowns upon. If he had witnessed what I had seen between you and young Spock he would have been abjectly furious. You were taught otherwise Leila. Emotion is not only a flaw but distracts one from making a clear, wise, and conscious decision. Therefore you must strive to master your inner man and let the logic rule. Do you understand?"
Leila nodded. "Good, now sleep," Moreia walked to the entrance and as she stepped through the sliding doors, the light in chamber dimmed.
()()()()
"It is an azalea, a flowering bush from the planet Earth," Leila informed Spock whilst encountering him in the atrium. Sleep had not come as easily as she perceived especially after a strenuous day of study and formal introductions to her life mate. After tossing in her little bed for quite an hour, she cast off her quilt, and journeyed to one place she could ease her mind and bring her thoughts to rest. It dazed her to see Spock sitting on a patch of grass staring out into the desert while he fingered the delicate petals of the flowers.
"I am fully aware of species. Incidentally, I have never seen a live specimen," he replied.
"Is not your mother from Earth?"
"Yes, but her garden bears no azaleas. I rationalize it to be her least favorite plant, hence the reason why it does not grow in our atrium. Why does your family attain it?" He turned to look at her, his eyes somewhat downcast. "You may approach. It is I who have intruded and not you. Come and sit." He patted the patch of grass beside.
Heeding her mother's vocation on the role she had to play, Leila obediently went to Spock and sat down. They said nothing to each then but mentally agreeing to sit in silence and stare out into bleak desert. Leila kept her hands firmly clasped in her lap, not knowing what to expect. The silence soon became too intense for her sensitive hearing and she said, "The azaleas belonged to my grandmother. Mother cherishes it above other things."
"She detests me," Spock said after a long pause. "As they all detest me. I belong to two worlds and yet I am welcomed nowhere. I am a stranger in my own land as I would be on Earth. I have no home or friend to call my own."
"You…have…me. I should like to be your friend," Leila said timidly, slowly curling her hand over his. Clearly she had misjudged. Spock's hand was neither cold and clammy but warm and soft.
"Good friends?"
"Good and honorable friends."
A smile stretched his lips as he laced his fingers into hers. Leila followed with a smile of her own before realizing her error. Gasping, she covered her mouth with her free hand.
"What is wrong," Spock frowned at the odd display.
"Nothing," answered Leila and squeezed Spock's hand tightly. "Nothing will ever be wrong."
()()()()
VULCAN 2250
"Leila."
"Yes, mother. What is it?" came her daughter's monotone reply. "As you can see I am extraordinarily busy, preparing for examinations that shall determine my future outlook once I apply to the Vulcan Science Academy."
"Spock is here and has requested your presence." Moreia said as she stood just inside her daughter's bedchamber.
Heady brown eyes that had not bothered to glimpse in her direction subtly lifted from a PADD. Doe shaped eyes once filled with innocence and curiosity flickered indistinctly with concealed passion as Leila rose to a good height to place the handheld computer interface device on her bed.
Bending forward, she collected a light grey shawl and draped it over her shiny black hair. She stole a singular moment to look herself over in the mirror before departing her chambers. In line with her daughter's footsteps Moreia trailed Leila to the living room where Spock was seat on a couch awaiting their arrival. He'd grown into a tall, strong, and rather strikingly handsome man. But this mattered little to Moreia who overlooked him with curt eyes.
As Spock rose Leila dipped into a curtsy and remained poised close to the floor. Taking her hand, he bid her to rise. "You are looking well Leila," Spock said his eyes sweeping over her in approval.
"As are you and I hear congratulations are to be in order," said Leila.
"Yes," Moreia interjected, "We have heard of your admittance into the Vulcan Science Academy...a remarkable feat considering the circumstances."
"It is for that reason I wish to speak to Leila alone," Spock looked pointedly at Moreia, "in private."
"Of course," Moreia complied through gritted teeth and departed.
"We must commemorate this day. I shall have some food brought." Leila turned to leave when Spock reached out and took her hand again.
"Leila, do not trouble yourself…please sit," he said urging her to take a seat beside him on the couch. Obliging, she settled beside him back straight, her fingers latched together in her lap. "I merely wanted to speak to you before my departure."
Leila cocked her head, "Departure?"
"Yes. I have declined the academy's offer and have made arrangements to join Starfleet Academy on Earth."
"I do not understand. You have always desired to enter the Vulcan Science Academy ever since we were young. What has happened? Has there been some grave error?"
"It is the council's inability to see pass the one issue that makes me less than defective in their eyes." Spock stated. "No measure of dedication or excellence on my part would venerate the reality that I am half human and therefore unfit." He got up and took a few steps about the living area. "You must be disappointed. Our lives were laid out as clear as day. We were both to enter the academy to bring glory and service to our people." He glanced her way, eyebrows etched together. "Then we were to marry."
Leila rose and crossed to him, taking his hands in hers, "You defended your mother's honor against their bigotry. I am proud of you and always will be no matter what you aspire to do."
Spock gazed into her dark eyes. In spite of alterations in her appearance as the years passed her eyes remained same; calm, dulcet and able to sway him from intense emotions that plagued him whenever he faced the prejudice of others. "My schedule will be hectic so I will not be able to contact you as often as I would like."
Leila shook her head. "It matters not. Send me a communiqué as soon as you are able."
"Once I have completed my studies and finished one year tour of duty…"
Leila placed slender fingers over Spock's mouth, stifling his earnest declarations. "I have studied records where great distances and time can alter one's perception…and promises once made...are easily forgotten."
"I am committed to you Leila," Spock said, "I am bonded to you as you are to me. We will be married."
Releasing a soft breath, Leila rested her hands on his chest. "Just promise me that no matter what happens we remain good and honorable friends. Please, promise me that Spock."
He nodded his head. "I promise."
With that she angled her head and took his mouth in a soft kiss fearing deep inside it was to be there first and last.