AN: Here it is the final chapter in the saga. Again read, I Concubine, Asunder, Fire and Flame, Inheritance, and Standing in the Shadow of Tomorrow to be updated.

Enjoy!

Maelstrom

Truths and Setbacks

The House of Sulu was everything Nassir remembered as a child when visiting with his father. For years, Duchess Himiko and her son, Hiraku tried desperately to align with the House of Uhura believing themselves responsible for the elevation of the family by helping Nyota escape to Vulcan with her infant son.

And for years, Nassir's father Armand rejected any and all advances eventually aligning with other African noble houses in an attempt to distance himself from the House of Sulu as well as his own daughter.

This Nassir couldn't understand. His parents always felt shame for Nyota's actions despite knowing exactly what really happened. But they never had any problem with reaping the benefits as Prince Spock (now Emperor) elevated their family with noble status and giving Nyota the title of Imperial Concubine.

Although Nassir had limited contact with his sister, he was grateful for the sacrifice she made. His family was no longer poor, he didn't have to work as a slave, and he now would sit at the head of High Council among the men of the nobility.

Despite the fact he was still just a child himself.

The nobles stood as Nassir entered the room. The noble women greeted him in proper fashion and then left to talk, plot, and argue amongst themselves.

Only men were allowed to be on the high council.

Nassir waved his hand, "I apologize, I was in another meeting."

The men all sat down with Hiraku sitting closest to the young man.

Nassir knew Hiraku did this to show the council that he his house was now aligned with the powerful House of Uhura.

Duke Kirk spoke first, "Have you heard anything from Vulcan regarding the attack?"

Nassir swallowed hard as did Hiraku. So far the only person communicating from Vulcan was Prince Syon who at the time had no real influence.

Nassir shook his head, "It doesn't matter. We need to think about our defenses. My family's army has already been sent to the Earth Defensive Forces."

Hiraku agreed, "So have mine." In truth, both Nassir and Hiraku knew who was responsible behind the attack but couldn't share this with anyone else.

Nassir shifted in his seat, just hours before, Hiraku unloaded a multitude of secrets effectively putting himself and his entire family at the mercy of Nassir.

Judging by the faces of the other nobles, both men knew it that was going to be a long day.

(House of Sulu- Chrysanthemum Gardens)

The noble women admired the House of Sulu's famous gardens which were a perfect blend of Japanese and Vulcan desert flowers.

All expect Duchess Anira who impatiently waited for the High Council meeting to end.

She wanted to talk to her son, Nassir.

However, Duchess Himiko shadow loomed over her following her every step.

"Do you like the gardens?" She asked.

Duchess Anira smiled, "Yes, I do. I also see you made it a point to include are Vulcan desert flowers in the garden."

The Japanese woman laughed softly, "The House Sulu is always looking at ways to show their loyalty to the Vulcan Empire."

"You sure do," Anira said mockingly.

"Still can't forgive me for what I've done with Nyota?"

Anira turned towards Himiko and just stared at her. She knew Himiko looked down on her because her background, Anira wasn't born a noble; she wasn't born into the life of riches and privilege unlike Himiko and her family.

"You never involved me, Himiko. Once you learned Nyota was caring Syon, Prince Spock's child, you took upon yourself to secure her position. Armand and I didn't even see Nyota until years later when she already a concubine. Why didn't you stay out of it?"

Himiko sneered and leaned in closer to Anira, "I was instructed to see about her safety by Prince Sybok. I never wanted anything to do with it."

Anira stepped back, "Prince Sybok? Emperor Spock's brother? You took your orders from him?"

Himiko nodded her head, "Yes, I aligned myself with him. It was a foolish thing to do but I did it anyways because I believe in him."

"You Sulus only care about advancing yourselves no matter what the cost. That is how your family fell into power when the Vulcans invaded, you used your wealth to support the Vulcan cause, help them to enslave the humans and now you are telling me you wanted nothing to do with it?"

Himiko licked her lips, "Prince Sybok years ago came to my father and told him a secret about Emperor Spock….about his mother. And with this secret he trapped my father who was force to keep it for fear of the destruction of our family. At the time, it was believed Sybok would become Emperor. When that didn't happen….."

"You re-align yourself with Emperor Spock and now with us!"

Himiko put her pale hand on Anira's dark shoulder, "You better get use to betraying and being betrayed. The noble houses on Earth have no true power but so many don't know it. I did what I had to do to ensure the survival of my house. And by the time this is all over you will too."

Anira looked past Himiko to see the men leaving the meeting and Nassir making his way back to her. His expression was one of exhaustion and frustration.

Himiko's words had a lingering ominous feeling.

"What do you mean?"

Himiko's eyes went to Duke Kirk and his family.

Anira noticed this but before she had a chance to say anything, Nassir interrupted, "Mother, the meeting was long, and I need rest."

Nassir nodded respectfully to Himiko who in turn responded and greeted her own son.

"We need to talk," Anira said as she watched Himiko and Hiraku leave.

"What did she say to you?"

"It's more about what she didn't say."

(Vulcan-Imperial Palace)

T'ula pace back and forth in the small room, as Syon stood there staring at her.

Since killing T'Uynal, something hadn't been right. His hands shook uncontrollably, he sweat profusely and his he couldn't control his emotions.

Something was wrong but he didn't know what.

"So you killed her and now blackmailing your brother to support you?" She asked.

Syon shook his head almost as if he didn't hear what T'ula asked.

"Syon! What is the matter?"

Syon moved closer to T'ula with his hands shaking so hard his face betrayed his fear.

"I need you to get the doctor!"

"Syian?"

"YES!" Syon roared as T'ula ran out of the room.

Collapsing to the ground, Syon wrapped his arms around his wait to prevent them from shaking so badly.

Something was wrong and he didn't know what.

He wanted to eat raw meat…almost unheard of for a Vulcan.

He wanted to fight and tear his opponent apart with his bare hands.

And he felt a strong desire to be with T'ula in the most primitive way possible.

Suddenly the door burst opened with both Nyota and Syian standing there.

Without talking, Syian began examining the Vulcan boy and turned to Nyota.

"I already know what is wrong."

Nyota put her hands to her chest. She thought her son might have been poisoned.

"Syon is showing the first signs of Pon Farr."

Everyone eyes widen with the exception of the doctor who secretly knew of the dangers of male Vulcan/human hybrids as it related to the Pon Farr. Prince Spock entered Pon Far at the young age of fifteen and due to lack of a suitable mate…had to be given a female servant.

Syian knew it could happen again but Syon was even younger than Spock was.

"What do we do?" Nyota asked as Syon continued to stare at T'ula.

T'ula backed away towards the door, "We are not bonded, and I am far too young!"

"We can't…" Nyota was interrupted by Syian.

"Of course not! I will talk to the Emperor to see what can be done to resolve the condition medically without resorting to that. In the meantime, the prince will come with me and will be confined in his room."

Expecting him to resist, Nyota was prepared to wrestle with her son but Syon walked with Syian and left the room.

T'ula and Nyota exchanged glances with both happy that the doctor could resolve it without the need for mating.

Syon went to his room as Syian locked it behind him.

He wasn't happy.

The Pon Farr was coming at the worst possible time. Never mind his age, he was in the middle of planning his ascension.

But for now the only thing he could think of was mating with T'ula.

An: I hope everyone like the story so far! Read and Review!