A/N: This is my first Star Trek: TOS fic, but even so, I won't ask you to "go easy on me." And yes, my OC is almost a total Sue for the first chapter (Please note that she is prejudiced, so she at least shows that flaw). I know these stories are a dime a dozen, but since it actually conforms to the canon, I don't feel too bad about it. I promise not to make this one too run of the mill. All I ask is that you give this story a good chance, be honest with me and tell me where I've fucked up (You'll have plenty to work with). Except when it comes to spelling and grammar, don't be anal, that's just fucking annoy (Though even the least-anal person on Earth would still have a lot to work with). But be totally anal about Star Trek factoids (Only don't point out that I'm wrong about when the Betazoids joined the Federation that I don't want to know because it's too important to the story). Go nuts with everything else. Okay, rambled long enough.

Chapter One: Dinner On The Enterprise and How I Got There

There were two choices: my life or my brother's.

I loved Cassius. I always loved Cassius. That's why he broke my heart so many times. Brothers are not supposed to break your heart. That's what College Bad Boys are for. Brothers are supposed to be the ones who defend your honor and give you hugs to make you forget about the jerk who broke your heart. But I couldn't help it. No matter what he did to me, I never wanted to see him in pain.

He had gotten into trouble again, but this wasn't the usual kind of trouble. This was the diplomatic-incident type of trouble. Cassius had stolen a large store of Dilithium crystals from a Vulcan Embassy ship, causing the ship to almost have a complete system failure. People died. Worse, he did the job while on a Betazoid ship, so we were all held responsible. Though not aggressive by nature, the Vulcans insisted on the most logical solution to the problem: they wanted my brother to be held in one of their prisons for the rest of his life.

My brother might have the nerve to steal from a Vulcan Ambassador, but he didn't have the strength to deal with the consequences. Neither were our Ambassadors willing to consent. Everyone said it looked like it could lead to armed conflict. I couldn't let that happen. And as much as I knew that Cassius was a cowardly, pathetic, selfish, greedy, thoughtless jerk, I couldn't stand to see him ruin the lives of two races. So I went to the negotiations and offered to go to prison instead.

The Ambassador Sarek said that they could not ethically haul me off to prison, as I had done nothing wrong. But he was willing to make a deal.

"You are very brave, Lady--?"

"Amelia Cripsin, daughter of the third house, holder of the Fire Stone of Betazed, heir to the Sacred Chain."

"Lady Crispin, I will not imprison you or take your life, that would be barbaric and illogical. But I do see a way you yourself could help heal some of the injury your family has done mine. You have Vulcan relations, I checked your records, and one of those relations is T'Pring, a former kinswoman of mine. T'Pring was supposed to marry my son, Spock, but instead turned him away during the Pon-Far and used a ruse to make him think he murdered his best friend so she could marry her lover."

I usually abstain from reading the minds of other species, and I didn't have to in order to figure out where this was going. "You want me to marry your son."

"Did you read my mind, Lady Crispin?"

"I didn't have to, I have one as well you see, and as someone with a brain, I could clearly see where this was going."

"How old are you?"

"I am eighteen Federation years old, Ambassador."

"Both of our races conduct arranged marriages, though you are a bit young for either planet's customs. Still, if you will consent to marrying my son, I will spare your brother."

I looked at Salus, our planet's Ambassador. I could hear his thoughts.

It may be the only way.

Yes, I thought back at him. I understand.

I looked at the Vulcan and took a deep breath. "I will marry your son if you spare my brother."

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The alternative was being married to Octavian, a son of the fifth house with the brain of an Allerian Swamp-rat. I knew nothing about this "Spock" except that he was in Starfleet. I didn't even know how old he was.

It didn't matter though, I still felt like a whore for some reason, though the circumstances were as noble as they could be. But I had made my decision and that was final.

Surprisingly, my brother tried to talk me out of it, the one selfless act I had ever seen him commit. But I knew it didn't matter, he'd die in one of those prisons before long.

"Just promise me that you'll start living a good life. Don't make me regret this." I told him tearfully as I packed up my things. I was to meet Spock and Sarek at the Vulcan Embassy once Spock's ship, The Enterprise, landed down on Betazed.

"But Vulcans are awful, Amelia, you know that!" Cassius protested. "They're so cold and repressed and unexpressive. How will you be able to survive being married to one?"

"How would you be able to survive being imprisoned by many?" I replied. "And considering the character of Vulcans, he probably won't be too possessive. I'll still be allowed to continue my studies through away courses, they let me have that. And I'll be able to visit. It's not as bad as what they were planning on doing to you."

"I still don't like it."

I was suddenly seized by such an intense rage that before I knew it, I was throwing heavy objects in his direction. "YOU DON'T LIKE IT? YOU DON'T LIKE IT? PARDON ME, I'M JUST SAVING YOUR LIFE HERE, YOU SELFISH IMBECILE! YOU THINK I WANT TO DO THIS? YOU THINK I WANT TO GO AND MARRY SOME MAN I'VE NEVER MET BECAUSE YOU'RE A LITTLE THIEF? DO YOU THINK I WANT TO PAY FOR YOUR CRIMES? I'M SAVING YOUR LIFE AND ALL YOU CAN SAY IS HOW YOU DON'T LIKE IT. WELL, SORRY IF IT HURTS YOUR FEELINGS, ME SACRIFICING EVERYTHING I KNOW SO THAT YOU CAN GO ON LIVING WHATEVER LIFE YOU WANT!"

"Amelia, please, I—"

But I had no more patience. I was thinking about the time he skipped school and I did all the homework he missed. The time he got arrested and I spent the money I was saving up to buy a new info pad filing papers for our father 24/7 to bail him out. I thought about the time I cleaned up his room when he had the Gornushian flu and ended up getting a mutated version of it from him. I thought about every time I had stood up for him, gotten in trouble for him, worked for him, loved him and saved his ass so he wouldn't have to deal with the consequences of his own stupid actions. I thought about all of that and said, "Get out."

He backed out of the room slowly and I glared at him all the way. Once he was out of sight I realized I'd have to repack the things I'd thrown at him and groaned.

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I was still fuming when I went to the Embassy, flanked by my mother and father, my brother mercifully absent. We walked into the great hall where Sarek awaited us with his wife and three Star Fleet Officers, one of whom was gorgeous, and definitely not Vulcan. Damn.

I spotted the Vulcan almost immediately after I spotted Mr. Gorgeous. He looked like… Well, like a Vulcan. Pointy-eared, upswept eyebrows, dark hair. He looked like a younger version of Sarek. Not that he was young. In fact, he looked about thirty-six Federation-years old. Twice my age. I knew my face crumbled when I saw him, I didn't need a mirror or the look on his face to tell me. I am Betazoid, Betazoids never hide what they're feeling and I had no experience doing so. I wasn't good at keeping a straight face.

He wasn't bad looking, but he looked like my worst nightmare. Composed, older face, exactly like one of my school masters. He had barely any expression outside of a raised eyebrow, or was that just how his eyebrows were? My worst fears were confirmed, I was marrying a frigid old robotic alien.

There were a few pleasantries exchanged, but all I could hear was dread until Sarek had his son step forward and said, "Lady Amelia Crispin, may I present my son, Commander Spock of the USS Enterprise. Spock, this is your bride, Amelia Crispin, daughter of the third house, holder of the Fire Stone of Betazed and heir to the Sacred Chain."

Spock gave a Vulcan salute and I instantly wanted to kill myself.

"It is an honor," he said in a slightly deep voice.

"An honor." I repeated, bowing my head slightly.

"This is my Commanding Officer, Captain James T. Kirk, and the Chief Medical Officer aboard The Enterprise, Dr. Leonard McCoy." Hunky was the captain (go figure) and the brown haired guy with the twinkling blue eyes was the Doctor. I smiled at both of them and shook their hands, a human gesture of welcome.

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I was escorted to my quarters aboard the ship by an elegant human Lieutenant named Uhura. We were silent for the first minute or so, until I was tired of hearing her wonder inside her head if I could read minds like the Captain said.

"The answer is yes," I said, as kindly as I could, "I can read minds, but I'll try to stay out of yours. I'm not really used to it, you see, trying to keep out of people's heads. We all read each other's minds on my planet. We're a very open people."

"Is it true that the bride and groom are naked at your weddings?"

I laughed. "Not just the bride and groom, but all the guests as well. But I will be clothed at my wedding. We agreed on a mixed ceremony, and nudity was thrown out. I don't want to have to be naked with Commander Spock any sooner than I have to."

She gaped at me and I winked. "We're very honest and open."

She cleared her throat and said in a very let's-change-the-subject sort of way, "How strange that you're marrying a Vulcan then."

"It's almost funny, isn't it? Vulcans spend their entire lives repressing their emotions, and we spend all our lives exchanging them. I don't much care for the Vulcan way of life, to tell you the truth, though I suppose Commander Spock probably disapproves of the Betazoid way as well, though it's not like we can really help it."

"I guess not. Are you going to try and follow the Vulcan way though, like Spock's mother did? Not that' it's any of my business."

"No, that's quite all right. I'm accustomed to everyone around me knowing exactly what's in my head at all times, I don't care. And the answer is no, I'm not going become a follower of the Vulcan way. It would probably be impossible for me, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm marrying the man, not the lifestyle. I'm not going to give up who I am, not even for my brother."

"So it's true! You did agree to marry Spock to save your brother. I thought that was only a rumor. Can I just say, that's such a brave and selfless act."

"Thank you. Trust me, I know."

She stopped in front of one of the doors lining the hallway and it opened. "Here are your quarters."

We enter a rather smallish apartment space with a bed, a desk, computer, a small dresser and a washroom off to the side. The walls were grey and the whole room seemed very dull. I gave a weak smile. "Oh, you've already got my bags up here, this is very very nice."

"I don't need to be a mind reader to guess how you really feel. Don't worry, after the wedding you and Commander Spock will be moving into larger quarters. This is only temporary."

"Well, thank you Lieutenant. Thank very much for lending a kind ear to me. I won't take up any more of your time, though. I imagine you must have a lot of work as Communications Officer."

"You're very welcome. Oh! And before I forget, at nineteen hundred hours Mr. Spock will arrive here to take you to dinner."

"Will it be private or with the crew?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't ask. Don't worry about it, I'm sure Mr. Spock will be happy to do it however you wish."

"Well, thank you, Lieutenant. I will be ready for him." I didn't know if that was exactly true.

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I cried into my pillow for a good half hour, but then I stopped and shook myself. Amelia, suck it up. You're responsible for this. You put yourself in this position. No one else did. You're not going to make anything better by crying about it. You made your decision, time to suck it up, be strong, and live with it or you'll be much more miserable for the rest of your life. Come on, you're better than this! You're a daughter of this third house, holder the Fire Stone of Betazed and heir to sacred chain! Hold your head high!

I wiped my tears and decided I would let my pent up emotion out later in the gym or at target practice. At least then I'd be doing something constructive with it.

I decided to fix myself up for dinner. I wasn't really sure what I should wear, but I decided to be a true Betazoid and dress up. I decided to wear the sacred fire stone on its gold chain and my flowing Zintaxian pearl-lined green dress to make the color of the Fire Stone stand out. I wasn't usually very invested in what I wore, I still let my mother pick out my clothes for me sometimes, but tonight I cared. I wanted Spock to know he wasn't dealing with some pathetic little girl and that I wasn't going to let myself go or try to spite him by making him look bad due to unjustified resentment. He was dealing with a daughter of Betazed nobility, and I was going to keep my heritage.

Spock arrived at nineteen hundred hours sharp. I opened the door and stood before him, wearing the same gold-collared blue uniform he had worn when we met. I was not sure what to say, so I read his mind. His thoughts were dry, over-scientific, and old sounding.

Attractive, disturbingly young. It is difficult to tell how she might look naked due to the flowing nature of her dress. I cannot tell how she would react to my form of speech. Betazoids are even more irrational than humans.

I glared at him. "Mr. Spock, planet Betazed is a paradise. We have not had a war in over six Earth centuries, we have no poverty, minimal mental illness, next to no disease, sophisticated technology, a prosperous economy, a sound and democratic government, we have made first contact with hundreds of races and are an accepted and respected part of the United Federation of Planets, we did not get where we are by being irrational. Oh, and we aren't crippled by a near-lethal sex drive every seven years, by the by. So your opinion of our rationality is definitely an illogical one, and aren't you Vulcans all about logic?"

His face was like stone. "I apologize, but I would ask you to abstain from reading my mind."

"I'm afraid that won't be easy once we're married. Betazoids share a stronger telepathic link with their family, loved ones and spouses than they do with regular humanoids. The good news is you'll be able to read my mind too, so it'll be even."

"I could read your mind, if I wished to."

"Oh yes, the mind-meld. Unfortunately, I'd be reading everything you have and you'd be exhausted afterwards. Vulcan mind powers are nothing compared to Betazoid ones. I know about your culture, Mr. Spock, my mother is one of the Federation Ambassadors. But I promise to try and stay out of your head." I found it very funny that I had managed to annoy a Vulcan. Unemotional my ass.

"Thank you. I would find it distracting, you see, to have you read my thoughts."

I sighed. "Very well. Trust me, I have no sincere wish to read what is inside your head. Now, who are we dining with."

"We are dining with Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy and Mr. Scott, our Second Officer." He said, taking my arm and escorting me out the door.

"Very good. Will there be a crew member there to play the chime?"

"To what chime are you referring?"

I pulled the chime out of the green bag I had brought with me. "Why this chime, of course. It is Betazoid custom to have someone strike the chime at intervals of several seconds throughout the meal as a way of giving thanks." I said as we walked into a dining room where the captain, the doctor, and a new man in a red uniform were waiting for us. They all stood up when we entered.

"Amelia, that will not be happening tonight." Spock said.

"What won't be happening?" The Captain asked, looking at me with interest.

I knew exactly what to do. "Captain, please understand, it is the custom of my people to play the chime during a meal to give thanks for our food. All we need is a crewman to strike it every fifteen seconds or so as we eat. It is a very important Betazoid tradition."

"Mr. Spock, that's not a very nice way to treat your bride-to-be. Denying her her cultural traditions! I'd be happy to have Yeoman Grey to come in and strike the chime, she has fantastic rhythm."

I smiled. "Thank you Captain."

The Captain pressed a button on a little device on the table and said into it. "Will Yeoman Jane Grey please report to Dining Room one." He smiled at me. "She'll be here in no time. Now, if I may introduce you to Mr. Scott, our Second Officer and Chief Engineer."

"Very please to meet you, Ma'am." The man said, extending his hand. I set the chime to the far side of the table and shook it.

"Thank you, Mr. Scott. That's a wonderful accent you've got there. Tell me, what part of Earth are you from?"

"Scotland, Miss. And you can call me Scotty, everyone does."

"Mr. Scotty from Scotland, my, that is amusing. You are a charming man, just like your Captain, and, of course Dr. McCoy. Tell me, Doctor, how do you get your eyes to twinkle like that?" I asked as we sat down. Before he could answer, a young woman in an extremely short dress entered.

"Yeoman Grey reporting for duty Captain."

Kirk gestured to me. "Amelia?"

I looked at her. "My, that's the uniform for women, eh? Interesting. Anyways, Yeoman, see that chime? Please take it to the side and just strike it occasionally as we eat, please."

What the Hell, I was called up for this? She thought. I just smiled at her. "Thank you."

She carried the chime to corner of the room and struck it. I looked down at the meals set before us only then, seeing some sort of vegetarian dish. I took a bite and smiled. "Very nice. Just so you know, I won't be reading any of your minds during the meal. It's only polite. Now, Dr. McCoy, you were going to tell me about your eyes?"

Dr. McCoy was trying not to laugh, as were the Captain and Scotty. "I don't know, Ms. Crispin, they just do, I guess. I've got very active tear glands."

"That's a very beautiful necklace, Amelia," Kirk said to me.

"It's the Fire Stone of Betazed, it's been in my family for several of your Earth centuries. Thank you very much, James."

"You are not going to address him as 'Captain?'" Spock asked.

"Why? I'm not one of his Officers. And I know I heard you call him Jim. He called me Amelia, which, by the way, all of you are free to call me, we Betazoids are very frank. You don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all." James said, still smiling. "You are not my subordinate or a Federation Employee, you can call me James or Jim."

"Tell me, how long have you and Spock been stationed together?"

"Well, McCoy, Spock and I first met at the Academy. Spock was our superior officer when we graduated and we became good friends, but I moved up the ranks pretty quickly and was granted Command of The Enterprise two and a half years ago. I consider the gentlemen sitting at this table to be my best friends. Mr. Spock has done a great many things for me. You're marrying a good man."

I smiled at him. I believed him, but the fact was, good wasn't good enough. He might be a man of the highest morals, but that didn't mean he could make me happy. "I believe you." Was all I said, and I patted Spock's arm.

"You are a student of neuroscience, psychology and genetics, I believe." Spock said.

"Yes, I'm going to be continuing my degrees through correspondence classes."

"Excellent, are you thinking of becoming a Doctor, Amelia?" Leonard asked.

"Of a sort. I have a great amount of interested in the mind and what makes us up. There is enough in one race that is fascinating, and there are so many to study."

"Hey Spock, you think there would be any lab hours she could use for study and experimentation?" McCoy asked my fiancé.

"Most likely, there are. If you ever wish to use one of our labs, I would be perfectly happy to schedule some time for you." Spock said to me.

I smiled at him. That was the sort of kind gesture I wouldn't expect from a Vulcan.

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