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.


Chapter II: The Break

VULCAN 2257

Solidarity and isolation beckoned Leila as she organized her private workstation and shut down her holographic projector. Bidding farewell to comrades and her instructor T'Janikrel she headed to her dormitory to revise the days teaching. The human anatomy was quite simply the easiest circuit of study in the final part of her course. Nor could she ignore the bias and disdain emanating from her instructor's voice as she explicated the err of species interbreeding. T'Janikrel reflected how 'remaining within the collective boundaries of one's society kept it strong and resilient'.

Leila felt more than saw a wave of eyes fall upon her but was not fazed. She, on the other hand, disagreed. Interbreeding with other species produced more hearty and robust offspring (as certain species of animals have shown). It weeded out diseases that could be passed down on a genetic level and the offspring were indeed better looking and were smarter.

She rode the conveyor to the twelfth level. As she stepped off the lift she encountered the one person she had been avoiding for most of her life. Serron's smile reached his eyes and they glittered like hot coals. He stood impressive, well built; fine features obscured an arrogant manner and conceit rendered partly by his Romulan ancestry.

Leila dismissed him and walked quickly to her dorm room; drowning out the steps that were coming up behind her. "I hear you have received no transmissions from your doting intended."

"And where have you heard such false tales," she asked, her eyes cutting into him as she stood at the entrance to her room.

Serron flicked his hand nonchalantly. "From here and there. Spock has finally succumbed to lesser half of himself and abandoned you the fool. Although I must say I am most grateful." He allowed his forefinger to stroke the cool softness of her cheek.

Leila reared her head back and glared at him. "If it is any business of yours, which it is not, Spock and I have traded words the previous evening and all is well with him. His workload and erudition keeps him in full demand at Starfleet."

"Starfleet," Serron spat. "That dismal institution is nothing compared to the greatness of the Vulcan Science Academy."

"With such vocation it is a wonder members of the council did not give you an invitation to join," she tapped her lips as she pretended to be deep in thought. "Now why was it you were dismissed. Oh, yes, I remember. You aptitude tests were the lowest in history of the institute."

She swung around to enter her room but Serron grabbed her arm preventing her attempt to flee. "You shall be mine Leila. It is only a matter of time before that human whore's offspring breaks his promises to you. You know we were rightly meant for each other."

He bent his head to kiss her but she lapsed into a defensive maneuver. He overpowered her easily and thrust roughly against the wall. He held her bound. His hands latched like fierce manacles about wrist as he pushed the weight of his body into her. "There shall come a time," he whispered hotly, his face buried in her hair, "where you shall come to know me and enjoy my caresses."

"Not in thousand years," she said coldly.

Serron roughly pushed her aside, scoffing. "We shall see."

Leila remained rooted momentarily before she hurried into her private sanctum pacing fervently to cool her riled emotions. What had transpired outside could cost her position at the academy. Not only was a promised bride forbidden to interact with another male. It was frowned upon by Vulcan belief and principle. She was lucky no one was in the vicinity.

Nevertheless, if someone had beheld the scene, she would simply inform the council that Serron was taking liberties with a female promised to another. However Serron could claim she was trying to seduce him and in a world where a man's ideals were praised far above women the scorn may rest on her.

She felt her nerves calm and the heat leave her face. It was then she saw Lady Grayson seated in a velvet cathedra, looking rather pleasant and elegant in her silver colored gown and shawl.

"Lady Grayson," Leila released a breath. "What an unexpected pleasure?" Her heart began to pound against her ribcage as she pondered the reason why she was here. "Is Spock well? I pray no grave danger has befallen him."

Lady Grayson smiled, "He is in good health. There is no need to be concerned. Are you all right my dear?"

"Yes, I am."

"I hope the trials of the academy are not wearing you too thin."

"No."

"Good. The reason why I am actually here is Spock will be promoted to the rank of First Officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise in a few short weeks. I thought you would like to accompany me to Earth to watch the ceremony take place and join the festivities. I am sure he has sent you a notice of the event."

Leila looked away, taking a moment to suppress a quiver arising within. "No, actually, it has been a good number of days since we last had contact with each other. I have yet to receive an invitation."

"Oh, sweetheart," Lady Grayson rose and went to the Vulcan girl she considered to be her daughter even outside the sanctity of marriage. "His heart still runs on you I know it. He was probably consumed by the immense load of his work. I am sure he will be delighted to see you."

Leila wanted to believe it was true but the stir in her heart told her otherwise. The psychic link they once shared was beginning to wane. Even as she and Spock had communicated several evenings prior she sensed hesitation on his part. He had less to say on personal matters yet was boisterous about his profession.

"Will Ambassador Sarek also be attending?" Leila asked wanting to switch conversations. She offered Lady Grayson some spice tea.

"No, unfortunately, he is settling a dispute occurring on the far side of the planet," she replied, a sad smile on her face. "The proceedings are guaranteed to run for a month or two perhaps longer."

"He is still displeased with Spock even after all this time."

"Vulcan men are set in their ways…a stubborn bunch they are," Lady Grayson lightly shook her head. "I hear you too are close to completing your stay at the academy."

"Yes. With the completion of my examinations next week I shall be graduating with high honors."

"Spock would be proud to know what an accomplished woman he's about to take for his wife. I have once imagined myself becoming a doctor," Lady Grayson set her empty cup aside, sighing wistfully. "Well, that was a long time ago."

"If I may ask," said Leila. "Why did you not become a doctor?"

"I fell in love with Spock's father," admitted Lady Grayson, a red hue arising in her cheeks.

"It must have been difficult leaving your home world to come here and have to face the scrutiny of others." Leila collected the tray of empty cups and tea pot and placed the dirty items in her small kitchen.

"Yes, it was. Many Vulcans are not accepting of our relationship. Some still do not consider are marriage to be valid. There was a time I hated their harsh words and cold stares. Until I realized I hated the very species that had stolen my heart. The Vulcans who prey on me and Spock…I pity them. They will never get to see the true beauty of world around them. Their arrogance has blinded."

Leila sighed taking a seat next to the elegant woman. "Like it has blinded my mother. She still disapproves of Spock and our impending marriage."

"I am just thankful her bigotry has not affected you," Lady Grayson said taking her hand. "You are good to Spock as you are to me and I know you shall make a fine wife."

EARTH 2257

Four weeks later a registered shuttle zipped across the San Francisco Bay, gliding beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Staring out a tiny porthole, Leila was enormously impressed by the massive structure that was a commemorative relic of the twentieth century. She absorbed in earnest the majestic infrastructures similar to ShiKahr, a major city and her place of residence on Vulcan, but marveled at the lush foliage and temperate climate.

"Your home world is quite beautiful," she said to Lady Grayson who sat in a seat right beside her.

"Thank you. It has not changed much in the last years."

Minutes later the shuttle docked at a huge transportation station. Disembarking, the women collected their luggage and rode a trolley through the immense complex. "I have made arrangements for us to stay in a suite at the Grand Royale in which we can rest and maybe have a light lunch before meeting Spock at Starfleet Headquarters. By then Spock should be free of his duties."

Leila wanted to say that she'd had more than enough rest on the ship that had brought them all the way to Earth. All she desired now was to go to Starfleet Academy to find Spock and pull him into an embrace. It alarmed her at how her emotions were steadily going off the deep end at the prospects of seeing her life mate. However, she saw the tired lines beneath Lady Grayson's eyes and agreed they retire to their hotel. Settled in their suite Leila indulged in a hot bath while Lady Grayson took a nap.

She then passed the time by activating her PADD and performed a detailed research on Starfleet Academy, which was founded in 2161. Once Lady Grayson had awakened two women journeyed to main grounds of the academy which was currently brimming with activity.

Leila followed Lady Grayson as they weaved through a field of officers and cadets; all of them dressed in different colored uniforms that declared their rank and station. Entering one of the larger buildings Lady Grayson spoke to a receptionist while Leila took a seat on the bench allowing her eyes to look about the interior of the building.

After a few moments, she turned her head to the sound of marching footsteps, and watched as Spock embraced his mother. Her heart quickened when his eyes fall on her. Leila came to feet and took a hesitant step before pausing. He was still devastatingly handsome, but he looked somehow older and harder. For a second she caught a glint in his eyes and frowned. Was he not pleased to see her?

"Leila," he said going to her.

"Spock, you are looking well."

"Thank you."

"Congratulations on being promoted to the rank of First Officer in such a short period of time. No one else I believe is well deserving.

"I thank you again," he extended his arm out. "Would you care for a tour of this facility?"

"That would be most admiral."

During the entire tour, Leila could not shake the unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach; nor could she shy away from the knowledge that something was truly out of place. For one thing, Spock appeared elusive, distracted to the say the least. Secondly, he kept his distance. He had not so much as laid a finger on her or even took her hand when he greeted her. A logical explanation twisted around inside her brain for the last hour; a truth she had somewhat anticipated.

Spock had met someone else.

While escorting them back to the Grand Royale, Lady Grayson ran into an old friend, leaving the pair to their own devices. Spock felt the tension between them and suggested they partake of a late lunch in the hotel.

"It has been quite a long time since we have shared a meal together," Spock commented as they sat at a nice table not too far from a massive water fountain. "Tell me all that has transpired for you since we last spoke."

Leila told him about completing her subdivision courses at the Vulcan Science Academy and graduating with high honors. She'd also been offered internships by several well-known scientists but had not decided if she wished to remain on Vulcan to further her education.

"Would you decide to come to Earth?" asked Spock as he dug into a fruit salad. "Starfleet Academy could use the expertise of someone who comes straight from the Vulcan Science Academy."

Leila sipped her sweetened water. "It is a consideration, but one that is currently not at the top of the list."

"Why not?"

"Would you be comfortable with my presence here?"

Spock narrowed his brows and tipped his head saying, "Of course. Leila, you are my friend."

"But that is all I am to you now is it not? A friend."

"Leila," he released a breath. She had read him as easily as the PADD every sole at Starfleet Academy had in their possession. A sense of shame took root but he dismissed the emotion; routing to tackle the situation he had conjured at an honest level. "Leila…"

"It is true?"

"Yes."

"She is a fortunate young woman."

He stared deeply in her eyes, although her face was calm and reserved, he saw a tinge of anguish swirling in the dark depths. "It was never my intention to break the commitment I made to you."

"And I once told you not to make promises you were not sure to keep," she reached for his hand, but he shied away. Leila lowered her head in understanding. Vulcans were contact telepaths. This only concluded one reason why he would not let her touch him. He had given himself to this woman; both in body and in spirit.

"I have not slept with her if that is your implication of our relationship. For obvious reasons we thought it logical not let to let our basic desires distract us from our studies."

"She is a fellow student?"

"Yes."

"Your student?"

Spock's mouth firmed, "Yes, she was for a time. I am sorry Leila."

"Your apology is unnecessary as it is irrelevant. I have noticed the distance for the longest and it is clear we have grown apart."

"We have," he admitted.

"Then let it be so. Which is better Spock? To part as friends or bitter enemies. I wish to remain a good and honorable friend to you if you would do as much for me."

"Yes, I shall."

Leila pressed her lips together and after a pause said, "Now you know what you must do."

He conceded with a heavy sigh, "Yes, I release you…from our engagement." He then made a sign with his hand. "Live long and prosper Leila."

"Live long and prosper Spock," she repeated to him.

He rose and walked a short distance before stopping shortly. "There is an Officer and Cadet Ball tonight. Perhaps you would like to attend."

"Thank you. I shall consider it."

A strange emptiness began to consume Leila as she watched Spock make his way out of the great dining hall. A wave of longing gripped her which was soon followed by a confusion of the feelings she was experiencing. Lacking the desire to complete her meal, Leila rose shakily, and walked out the large room to a conveyor that would take her back to her suite.

She arrived to see Lady Grayson laying out silk light blue gown on her bed. "I hope you do not mind," she said happily, "but I purchased this gown while I was out with Cordelia. I thought you would like to wear it to the ball I hear the academy is entertaining."

"That is very kind of you."

"The sales associate praised my selection. Claiming it is a gown that is certain to catch the eye of every man. Surely Spock will be filled with awe once you make your appearance."

"I should think not," Leila said, sinking into a nearby couch. "Spock has released me from our engagement."

"What? That is not possible," Lady Grayson gasped eyes wide in disbelief.

"I deduce he has met another during his stay here on Earth and wishes to pursue a relationship."

"Does he not need the permission of both our families to end your engagement?"

Leila shook her head, "He is of age. Vulcan law decrees he can now decide whether or not to proceed into an arranged marriage regardless of previous preparations made by our families."

Lady Grayson steeled as she took up her shawl. "I am going to speak to him. See if I can talk some sense into him."

"You shall not," Leila stated simply. "I do not want him to be beholden to me. He has made his decision. We parted on good terms. That is that." She rose from the chair, crossing to Lady Grayson's bed to sweep up the fine garment. It shimmered as the fabric was folded over her arm. "I shall go tonight to enjoy his company and others and in the morning after the ceremony I shall return to Vulcan to commence my career as T'Janikrel assistant. Under her guidance I shall arise to be a great physician and educator myself."

Lady Grayson watched with a tearful expression as Leila walked to her adjoining bedroom and spread the gown on the bed. "Spock, you foolish, foolish boy," she cried as the door slid close.

()()()()

"There isn't one decent chick here to save my life," Cadet James T. Kirk groaned to himself as he stood at the open bar and flagged down a bartender. "Every girl is either taken or—"

"Or not interested," came a soft honeyed voice behind him.

Drink finally in hand Kirk swirled around to stare at a gorgeous black woman. "Ah, she who chooses to remain nameless and incidentally beyond my reach…Uhura."

"Kirk," she stepped around him to order a sweetened water and one Cardassian Sunrise.

"Quite an odd mix," Kirk jeered. "Who's the other drink for?"

"When it becomes your business you'll be the first to know," she answered back as she weaved through the throng of bodies crowding the enormous vestibule.

"Hey, Uhura," Kirk cried out and grinned when he saw an annoyed look cross her face. "You look nice tonight." Implying to the slinky black dress she wore that hugged every well-proportioned curve of her body.

"Thanks, you look nice too." Uhura replied and faded among the mass of bodies that filled the reception area.

Kirk kept his eyes fixed on the empty place where she had stood before gulping down the remnants of his beer. He tossed the glass over his shoulder, drawing a few annoyed looks when it shattered on the floor. Bored by the perpetual state of small talk and primordial classical music he went outside to catch a breath. And to decide whether or not to skip this snazzy affair and head to a real party. He walked about the full length veranda. It was clear night and the moon shone full and bright. A little ways off he marked two cadets making out in the shadows. They ceased their lust filled antics the moment they saw him.

He grinned and saluted them. "Get a room you guys."

Embarrassed, they headed inside to rejoin the party. He too was about to perform the same action but instead a nightclub one and half miles away from Starfleet Academy was his prime destination. Just as he turned to leave he saw a woman in a luminous pale silk gown standing with her back to him. A veil of the same shade covered her head but did little to hide a smooth flawless back that was revealed through the V-shape of the gown's design. It clung to what he could describe as a perfect figure and wicked grin eased across his face.

His mood suddenly brightening, Kirk made his way to her, and was mildly astonished. He'd pegged her human until he noticed her sharp pointed ears. Vulcan. The night was getting interesting. Vulcans were few in number at the academy and females her age were generally not left unattended. He wondered if she was an escort of one particularly uptight Vulcan (who taught Phonology and Xenolinguistics) whose name he'd just misplaced.

It didn't matter. The hobgoblin's lost was his gain.

"Alone?"

Leila hardly stirred. She'd sensed the human male's presence the second he stepped onto the veranda. His heavy aftershave was strong enough to choke an Anthropoid Ape, a humanoid creature found on Talos IV.

"Why do you ask?"

"Well, the last time I spoke to girl I got my face smashed in by some big hairy guy," he said sheepishly, "so I was hoping not to run into anymore 'hairy situations'.

Leila careened her head to look at the man who was evidently invading her need for silence and personal space. He was good looking for a human with a full head of brownish blond hair and piercing blue eyes. His mouth was well formed and he had a strong chin. Kirk was easily bowled over by the strikingly beautiful Vulcan female but the dissatisfaction in her dark eyes told him he was playing a bad hand.

"Is this the extent of your scintillating wit," she quipped. "Or should my heart be pounding and breasts moist with perspiration."

Kirk leaned against the railing, his smile reaching his eyes. "I prefer the latter. I've got a room for maybe an hour if you've got the time."

"Sorry," she said in a soft drawl, moving away from the railing, "but I have a shuttle to catch."

"Leila?"

She and Kirk turned simultaneously to see Spock standing just outside back entrance leading into the festivities. He was dressed in traditional Vulcan garbs. His was face hard and manner restrained. He looked from Leila to Kirk and then back to Leila a question forming in his eyes.

"Spock."

"Leila, what are you doing?"

"You two know each other," Kirk said.

Leila answered Spock, "Making polite conversation."

Spock frowned and took a step onto the veranda. "With Cadet Kirk I see?"

"Is that a problem?" Kirk barked, disliking the manner in which Spock addressed him.

In huge strides, Spock reached Leila and took her by the arm. "We must speak," he said.

"You have said your peace so leave it at that" she countered, disturbed by his rash behavior. "Now if you will excuse me."

"Leila," Spock tried very hard to keep his emotions guarded. Yet upon sight of seeing Kirk cozying up to her something went off in his brain. "You will understand once we have spoken…in private."

Kirk stepped into Spock's path. "Hey," he snapped. "I don't think the lady wants to go with you."

"This has nothing to do with you, Cadet," Spock narrowed his gaze as his eyes drifted callously over the cadet who had made a household name for himself as a philandering, cocky underachiever. He refused to allow Leila to be tainted by such a contemptible human being.

"It may not have anything to do with me but it has everything to do with her and from the looks of it. She doesn't appear to want to go with you."

"Fascinating observation," snubbed Spock and started to lead Leila away.

"Spock…please…you are making too much of this situation," Leila said finding the situation to be completely prosperous. "And…you are hurting my arm."

"You see that! You're hurting her." Kirk flattened his hand on Spock's shoulder bringing him to a halt. "Why don't you let her go?"

Spock eyed darkly the hand on his shoulder then glared at Kirk. "Remove your hand Cadet, or I shall remove it for."

"Oh, really tough guy," Kirk smirked. "So, you Vulcans do get angry."

A throat cleared and all three persons turned to see Admiral Richard Bennett standing on the veranda with a look of displeasure on his face. A decorated officer and a member of the Starfleet Council, his voice matched the piercing depth of his gaze. "What's the meaning of all this?"

Kirk dropped his hand. "Nothing, sir," he said. "It's just a misunderstanding."

"It looked to be more than a misunderstanding. It looks as though the two of you were about to engage in a fistfight."

"Sir, I was just about the escort Leila K'Taari, a close friend of mine to her shuttle. Cadet Kirk became most disagreeable and has tried to prevent me from doing such."

"Yeah, sure, make yourself look like the Boy Scout," snorted Kirk.

Admiral Bennett came forward. "Regardless of the situation, the two of you should not be behaving like a bunch of hooligans. This is completely unacceptable. I want to see the both of you in my office at 1300 hours after the ceremony tomorrow."

"Yes sir," they said simultaneously.

"And Spock…this is highly irregular…I expected far more sensibility from you. I hope the council and I have not made a mistake in regards to making you First Officer under Captain Pike."

Spock straightened his ego blistering. "No sir, they have not. I shall not fail to meet demands you have set."

Admiral Bennett nodded. "Very good." He looked at Kirk, his face grim. "And as for you…Cadet Kirk…you are one act away from being expelled from this institution. Another one of your shenanigans and that's it. Do you understand?"

"Completely," he muttered, glowering in Spock's direction he stalked back into the regalia, Admiral Bennett on his heels.

Spock filled his lungs to capacity; his emotions were running high. Pacing the full length of the veranda he fought the heat rising in his blood. He felt childish and foolish and completely out of control. He wanted to throttle Cadet Kirk till there no life left in his body and astonishingly his desire for Leila had thrown him into a loop. The sight of another male engaging her filled him with an indescribable sense of possessiveness and anger.

Yet his feelings were unjust. He had set her free hadn't he? Why should he care if another male made advances to her? He let her go so that he could pursue a relationship with Uhura on equal terms. It wasn't right that he was still pledged to another while she was free. He had made the right decision. Hadn't he?

It was at that moment he noticed Leila had gone. He stared out into the brightly lit courtyard but she was nowhere in sight. It was wise for her to leave at the risk they might clash into a heated debate that would put further strain on their friendship. Either way, he knew it was jeopardy. Leila would never respect him as she had before.

From afar Uhura had witnessed the whole affair as she stood in a discreet spot inside the reception area. Introduced earlier to Spock's future wife she marveled at how lovely and brilliant she was and couldn't fathom why he would sever ties with her. He wanted to be with her, she told herself. Yet as she watched Spock shed his anxieties she felt a twist in her chest. Gathering her fazed emotions she walked out onto the veranda.

"Are you all right?"

Spock swerved slowly and saw the look of concern on her face. "Yes, yes, I am," he clarified.

"And your friend is she—"

"Leila went back to her hotel I assume, but I do not believe she will attend the ceremony tomorrow."

Uhura bit her lip, lowering her head. Somehow guilt ridden by the fact she'd cause the break in Spock's relationship to his betrothed. "You told her."

"She came to the conclusions all on her own. It is only right, Nyota," said Spock. "I could not count myself to be honorable if I continued to deceive her as I begin to affiliate with you on a more personal level."

"Is it what you want though?" she asked.

"Yes."

Smiling, Uhura reached up to stroke his cheek but he shook his head. Taking her hand, he quickly led her far away from prying eyes. For now, they had to keep their relationship a secret.

For now.