Disclaimer: I don't own anything Star Trek it is all property of Gene Roddenberry, J.J. Abrams, Paramount, and whoever else owns rights to the franchise. I am not making any profits off of this so please don't sue me.
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Chapter 3: Memories of a Morning After and a Marriage
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A small sigh escaped past Commander Spock's lips as he rode the turbo-lift. The First Officer of the Enterprise had just handed the main Bridge off to the main crew after having successfully commanded the Night Watch. Now it was very early in the morning and Spock was headed for his quarters for some much needed rest. The lift came to a smooth stop and the door slid open. Spock stepped out into the brightly lit corridor and made his way down till he reached the fork where he made a left and proceeded further further till he reached the gray door to his living quarters.
The door slid away granting him entrance. Spock stepped inside and the door slid shut behind him. The Vulcan took one more step before he suddenly stopped all together as he felt a wave of emotions engulf him. The warmth and gentleness with which these emotions entered his mind had Spock instantly relaxing somewhat from his usual rigidness. It could only be one thing.
Jim, sending him some early morning affection through their bond.
Spock's eyes fluttered shut as he looked within himself and reciprocated his mate's silent gesture. From all the way down the corridor and even back further past the fork, behind one of the door at the very end Captain James T. Kirk paused in pulling on hi left boot as a wave of emotions gently caressed his mind. Warmth, quiet but deep love, and a strong familiar presence. Spock.
" I'll see you on the Bridge when you get back on duty." Though Jim, the mental message seamlessly passed through the bond where it was received by his Vulcan mate.
Spock in turn sent a mental reply to Jim.
" Indeed, I will resume my duties in approximately six hours. But for now I must rest."
In his quarters Jim nodded and pulled his boot on the rest of the way and stood, sending another thought to Spock.
" Alright then, I'll leave you to it."
Spock nodded in his own quarters and send a final message to Jim.
" Thank you for sending me your affections, they were most welcome. I shall see you later on, my T'hy'la."
Instead of a worded message in return Spock experienced what felt like a massive warm deluge of love enter his mind.
Allowing himself an almost full smile Spock nodded his head and gently closed himself to the bond. From where he was Jim smiled and gave himself a final once over in the mirror before he headed out of his quarters. It was time the Captain of the ship got to work himself.
Back in his quarters Spock made his way into his bedroom and proceeded to change out of his Starfleet uniform and into some dark gray Vulcan robes. Then he made his way over to the foot of his regulation bed and gracefully sank down onto his knees, taking up his preferred position for meditation. With a deep breath Spock closed his eyes and cleared his mind of all thoughts.
For an hour or so the Vulcan sat in deep meditation.
When he came out of the tranquil state Spock felt more relaxed and slowly rose up from his position on the floor. His robes swayed about him as he made his way over to the soft mattress and sank down onto its edge. He sat there deep in his own thoughts for a long while before he turned his head and gazed at the nightstand that stood by the head of the bed. With a pale hand Spock reached over and pressed a small button next to the top drawer on the nightstand.
Instantly with a small beep the top drawer open and extended outward to reveal its contents.
The Vulcan reached in and pulled out a very personal item from within the drawer. It was a rectangular shaped device that at the moment didn't really look like much of anything special, just a simply framed screen that at the moment was totally blank. Spock held the device in his hands and stared at it for several long seconds before his right index finger sought out the small button at the back of the device. Spock pressed this button lightly and the screen instantly came to life with a small whiring sound.
The holo-image that filled the screen probably would've had the whole if the Federation gawking in shock had they seen it.
It was a still image of Spock and Jim Kirk. They were kneeling side by side before an ornately dressed female Vulcan elder who had her delicate looking hands on both of their faces. Both were garbed in ceremonial Vulcan robes and looking calm and collected.
This was one of the images that had been taken, of their wedding day on New Vulcan.
As he stared at the still image taken just as they had finished with the bulk of the marriage ceremony, Spock's mind drifted to the events that had led up to this monumental event in both his and Jim's lives.
Still five months ago....
Warm, almost hot. That was the first thing that registered to Spock's mind as he came back to consciousness. The second thing that registered to Spock was the faint beating he could feel against his cheek. Blinking away sleep and inwardly feeling confusion Spock carefully lifted his head up from where it was resting so that he could see just what he was using as his pillow.
Turned out it wasn't a what but a who.
Spock's eyes widened in complete shock as he stared down at a still sleeping Jim Kirk. Further looking had the tips of Spock's pointed ears turning a pale green as he realized that the human was without any clothing, and so was he himself.
" Mmm."
The small groan from the human had Spock draw back a little as Jim shifted in his sleep, turning his head to the other side and revealing his neck to the Vulcan.
In all of its bruised and bitten looking glory. Seeing these markings on the human had Spock's eyes going further, looking about all that the bedsheets failed to cover. To Spock's silent chagrin, he could see quite well how the human's upper torso was littered in similar markings, the chagrin grew when Spock caught sight of the angry looking redness that surrounded the small dusky pink bud that adorned the human's right pectoral. a sign of having been repeatedly gnawed on by blunt teeth.
The events of the night before suddenly and unmercifully bombarded Spock as he remembered and realized that it had been he who had left all of these marks on Jim Kirk's pale skin.
The thought of making a hasty escape whilst Jim still slept had just entered Spock's mind when a small groan escaped Jim and his brow knitted together in a small frown before his pale blue eyes were fluttering open. Spock went stock still where he loomed over the slowly awakening captain. Jim blinked his eyes into focus and then looked up to see his First Officer hovering above him with a hint of uncertainty actually tinting his features. The human's eyes widened comically and he was quickly pushing himself up into a sitting position. For the better part of an eternity Jim stared at Spock and Spock stared at Jim.
It was Jim who finally broke the awkward silence.
" So last night wasn't a figment of my imagination?" He asked softly.
" Indeed it was not. It would appear that what you are referring to was in fact an actual physical occurrence between us." Agreed Spock.
There was another beat of tense silence before Jim gasped sharply. The next thing Spock knew there were very warm and strong hands suddenly grabbing hold of his face with surprising firmness. Urgency was radiating off of Jim as he gazed at Spock with his blue eyes wide and concerned as he spoke.
" Are you alright Spock?" He asked softly.
Spock blinked a moment and then spoke in reply.
" I am physically undamaged, but I must ask Captain, why do you ask?" Asked Spock.
" Spock, you came in here last night in the full throws of Pon Farr because of that freaky alien plant dust. I thought I was gonna die myself and I know what happens when Vulcan's don't go though Pon Farr in the proper way so yeah, I'm asking you if you're alright." Said Kirk in all seriousness.
Spock blinked again and then it all clicked into place.
" I assure you I am alright, out of danger... Because of you, Jim." Said Spock softly.
Jim was about to say something else in return but instead he felt his already wide eyes widen further in shock as he felt this strange, massive wave of warmth suddenly flood into him through where his hands were holding Spock's face. Jim gasped and then began to slump in on himself as all the tension suddenly left his body. As his hands slid from Spock's face Jim distantly felt strong and warm arms wrap around him and pull him in close to an equally warm body. Spock looked down at the human he was now holding in his arms and felt a mixture of emotions well up inside him.
There was of course pure disbelief at the whole situation itself. There was anxiety over just what he and Jim were supposed to do now that they had indeed mated with each other. There was also a small glimmer of warmth and tender gratitude when Spock realized that Jim had thought of him first, his well being before his own. And all of this was cocooned in this massive surge of vibrant energy that they were both in the full grips of. A low humming buzz that flowed beneath their skins.
Spock lightly shook Jim where he lay in his arms in order to bring the young man back to the present. Pale blue eyes once again fluttered open and stared up at him.
" Spock, what just happened? Why do I feel like I got this low electric current going through me?" Asked Jim slowly.
" I believe that at present you and I are both experiencing the effects of bond that was formed between us through what we did last night." Answered Spock softly.
" Bond?" Asked Jim.
" Yes, the bond that forms when a Vulcan mates with another." Answered Spock.
These words had Jim sobering from the pleasant buzz. With his eyes focusing back into clarity Jim pushed himself back into a sitting position but oddly enough he did not move to have Spock remove hims arms from around him.
" Spock, I remember everything from last night. I want you to know that I don't blame you and I won't allow you to blame yourself." Said Jim earnestly.
" But Captain I-" Spock began taken aback by the Captain's words.
" But nothing Spock, you couldn't help what happened, the dust got to us both. I'm just glad that it was my door you showed up at and not some unsuspecting ensign, like Chekov." Said Jim with a small chuckled at the mention of the young helmsman. But he quickly grew serious once again as he continued.
" Spock, I gave myself to you willingly last night, both because as Captain I am responsible for the safety of everyone on board this ship and because I am your friend, I wasn't gonna let you end up attacking someone else and I wasn't gonna let whatever it was that was gripping you get you killed either. And I think it was also a little bit of self-preservation on my own part cause I felt like I was hung like a horse and had acid eating away at my insides at the same time." Said Jim as he thought back on the dire situation he and Spock had found themselves in last night.
" It was the most logical choice I could think of and in a way it worked out, we're both alive and well." Said Jim, trying to find the bright side.
" Alive, and now irrevocably joined to one another." Countered Spock.
" Yeah, that too." Said Jim, there was a beat of silence and then he happened to realize something.
" Spock? I just noticed that we are in my bed, I'm laying in your arms, and we're both totally naked. Have you noticed this too?" Deadpanned Jim as he felt a thrill of shocked embarrassment go through him.
" I was well aware of that the moment I woke up but during the course of our conversation this fact had receded to the background. You have now brought the subject back to the forefront therefore yes, I am now keenly aware of the fact that were are currently laying together with the absence of any form of attire." Replied Spock.
There was a long moment of tense silence before Jim speaks.
" Alright, let's just go about this with as much dignity as we can, I'm gonna get up and stop laying in your arms and then we can wrap the sheets around ourselves and get out of bed, how's that sound?" Asked Jim.
" That is acceptable." Said Spock.
With a small nod Jim slowly extricated himself from Spock's arms, feeling an unexpected pang at the loss. He swallowed the feeling down quickly and focused instead on covering himself with one of the bedsheets and then holding the corner of the other out to his bed mate. Spock took the offering in silence and went about covering his own nakedness. Still in utter silence the human and the half-Vulcan rose from where they had been sitting on the bed and stood facing each other. It was Spock who finally broke the silence this time.
" Captain, I will redress and take my leave." Said Spock in all Vulcan seriousness as he began looking about for the black sleeping robes he had been wearing the night before.
" Spock wait." Said Jim as he did his best to securely fasten the sheet that covered him around his waist. Once that was done he stepped closer to the Vulcan who had paused in his search for his clothing.
" What are we gonna do?" He asked softly.
Spock looked to the ground for a long moment before he brought his eyes back to meet the Captain's uncertain blue orbs.
" I do not know Jim, the answer is proving to by very illusive." Answered Spock honestly.
With a small nod, Jim turned and stepped back over to the bio-bed and wearily sank down over its edge. He sat facing away from Spock as the Vulcan resumed looking for the clothes he had discarded. He found his robes laying near one of the corners of the bedroom and he quickly retrieved them.
" You can use the shower Spock, I figure you'd wanna get clean first." Said Jim suddenly, still not facing the half-Vulcan who had paused midway to donning the robes he had just recovered.
" That is most gracious, thank you." Said Spock softly.
" Don't mention it." Said Jim softly still refusing to look at his First officer.
With that Spock disappeared into the bathroom to sort himself out. Fifteen minutes later he was stepping back out fully dressed in his sleeping robes and looking fully in control of himself.
" I shall see you on the bridge Captain." Said Spock.
" Yeah, I'll see you later too Spock." Said Jim with only a momentary glance at the Vulcan over his shoulder before he looked away again.
Spock took this as he cue to leave, he turned on his heels and took a few steps towards the door before he came to a slow stop. The half-Vulcan clenched his jaw and his fists as the feelings of indecision tore at him. Then in a move that was clearly illogical Spock turned back around and strode back into Jim's bedroom. Jim turned his head were he still sat and felt confusion flood him as he caught sight of the formerly retreating half-Vulcan suddenly striding towards him with purpose in his eyes.
" Spock what-?" Was all Jim had enough time to say before he felt warm and unyielding hands take hold of his upper arms and pull him to his feet.
" Mmmph!" Was the muffled noise that escaped Jim as his words were cut off by a hot mouth firmly sealing itself over his own.
It took Jim a second to realize that he was being kissed to within an inch of his life but once it registered the human's first reaction was to fight against it, to push Spock away. They couldn't do something like this, not now, not when things were still too raw and too unknown. Spock, sensing Jim's intent to fight him acted quickly, wrapping his arms tightly around the human with his hands seeking out certain points on Jim's bare back. The Vulcan's hands splayed out over the smooth pale skin, his finger tips lightly pressing inwards to get the desired effect.
Sure enough, Jim let out a small, muffled noise of surprise that turned into a light moan into Spock's mouth as his entire body went lax. Spock had found certain points on Jim's back and had used his Vulcan ability to calm the man down pass along some of his feelings to him. A moment later Jim was kissing Spock back and wrapping his arms tightly around the tall Vulcan's lithe frame. For several long moments after that Jim and Spock were lost in each other till the need for air became too much for both of them to ignore.
They broke apart with reluctance and Spock went further, seeking out Jim's pale neck. Jim gasped and buried his face into Spock's shoulder as he felt the Vulcan gnaw lightly at his already well bruised skin. After enjoying this for many minutes Jim felt Spock finally stop a pull back just a little so that now, he was right by Jim's ear as he spoke.
" I really do not know what is going to happen. But what I do know is that you saved my life, you gave yourself to me and I am alive because of that. I know that what we did last night cannot be undone. You are my mate now James T. Kirk and I am yours." Said Spock lowly before he pulled away even further so that he and Jim were now face to face.
Spock pressed his forehead to Jim's as he spoke.
" We will figure this out, we must."
Jim looked up at Spock and nodded before he forced himself to speak with vocal cords that had constricted with the many emotions he had was feeling.
" Yeah, we really do." He whispered before tilting his head upwards and pressing his lips to Spock's in a chaste kiss. One the Vulcan returned before he made himself draw away.
" I must go now, our duty shifts will be starting soon. But in the mean time, shall we keep what had transpired between us in confidence only to us?" Asked Spock softly.
Jim wordlessly nodded and then unwrapped his arms from around Spock, the Vulcan doing the same. With a lingering look at one another Spock forced himself to turn away and walk out of the Captain's quarters. Once Spock was gone Jim forced himself not to linger on what had happened and what was said, he pushed Jim to the side and became Captain Kirk. And Captain Kirk had to get ready for another day at work on the Enterprise. Similarly, Spock had taken on the same mentality as he made quick work of getting to his quarters further down the hallway.
The two of them arrived onto the bridge separately, Kirk using the turbo-lift and Spock using the main door. Both had done very well at hiding the lingering physical traces of what had transpired the night before. They greeted each other like they usually did and dutifully took up their respective stations and went about their jobs. To the rest of the Bridge crew nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary between the Captain and his First Officer.
The two individuals in question knew better.
Back in the present Spock set the holo-image picture screen he was hold down on the top of the nightstand and silently laid down on his bed. He laid on his back with his eyes gazing at the plainly painted ceiling of his bedroom while his mind wandered to the days that had followed after his and Jim's slightly awkward morning after. These day had been particularly difficult for them both. He and Jim had had to keep up the image of normalcy while facing a personal maelstrom behind closed doors. They had had to go through two whole weeks of this before the Enterprise had been ordered back to Earth for routine maintenance work and systems upgrades had meant shore-leave for everyone on board.
It was while they had been on their way back that he and Jim had finally been able to talk to each other properly and also reach a very important decision.
All those months ago while they were on their way back to Earth...
Spock finished up what he was working on at his station and rose. It was the end of his duty shift and he had it in mind to head to the mess hall for a late dinner. The Enterprise's First Officer left the Main Bridge to the night crew and used the turbo-lift to make his exit. Once he'd stepped inside and the door and slid shut Spock reached out to press the button for the deck the mess hall was located on. His finger was just about at the proper button when a strange sensation overtook him out of nowhere. The sensation was that of being physically pulled towards somewhere else on the ship. As if on auto-pilot Spock's finger went two buttons up from the one he was originally going to use and pressed down on the new button. It was for one of the upper level decks just a a little ways above the deck the senior staffs quarters were located on.
The ride up was smooth and uneventful and the Vulcan stepped out when the door slid open with a soft hiss.
Spock looked about his surrounding before he felt the invisible force tug him down the corridor and then turn into the path perpendicular to it. As he walked down the corridor Spock caught sight of a large triangular window at the very end of the corridor. As he drew closer the sensation guiding him grew stronger and he also caught sight of the lone individual standing before the window, leaning against it. As he looked more closely at this person Spock felt a jolt of recognition, the estimated height, the blond hair, the gold colored uniform. In an instant Spock knew exactly who this was.
" Jim." Said Spock as he came to stand a few feet from where the Captain of the ship stood.
Jim slowly turned away from the window to face his first officer.
" Hey Spock." Said Jim softly as he eyes the tall half-Vulcan.
Spock wordlessly stepped forward so that he was stand beside the window but facing his captain. There was a moment of unsure silence between then before Spock finally spoke.
" I believe that there are some rather pressing issues between us that need to be discussed Jim." Said Spock.
" Way to state the obvious Spock." Said Jim though his tone was more good-natured exasperation than anything else.
" These last few weeks have been difficult for you as well? Asked Spock.
" Very much." Answered Jim.
Spock nodded before turning his gaze to the view of the tar filled blackness of space the triangular window provided.
He then spoke.
" As you are well aware Starfleet has ordered us back to Earth, this will mean shore-leave for everyone on board. I see this as an opportunity for us to properly rectify our situation." Said Spock.
Jim's brow knotted together as he spoke.
" How will we rectify the situation?" He asked.
" Upon our arrival back to Earth I shall make arrangements for the both of us to travel to New Vulcan. I will inform my father and the proper elders of our situation. After that it can be decided whether we will dissolve the bond between us or consummate it properly." Answered Spock.
Jim found himself reeling at these words.
" Wait, go to New Vulcan? Dissolve or consummate? I thought we were bonded." Said Kirk haltingly.
" We are bonded, but we can have the bond dissolved by the elder of my family T'Pau should we both decide that our joining together is not what either of us desire." Said Spock in answer.
" And if we don't choose to dissolve the bond?" Asked Kirk.
" Then we will partake in the proper marriage ceremony which T'Pau will preside over." Answered Spock.
" Marriage." Whispered Jim softly.
" Yes Jim, marriage. Does the idea of marriage to me repel you?" Asked Spock in his emotionless way.
" What? No, no not at all it's just, the gravity of the situation is actually hitting me full force is all." Explained Jim.
Spock nodded at this as spoke.
" It will still be approximately four days before we reach Earth, I believe that is ample time for the both of us to ponder the situation and make absolutely certain of what our individual decisions will be. As I have said earlier we may choose to discontinue our bond if that is what we wish." Said Spock.
" Do you wish to?" Asked Jim.
He was met with silence for a moment before Spock finally spoke.
" I believe that the hour is late Captain, I shall retire for the night." Deflected Spock, taking Jim slightly aback because if anything he had expected from Spock was a straight and blunt answer. He eyed the half-Vulcan with disbelief as he stepped away and began heading down the corridor he had come through earlier. It was after he had taken a step down the corridor that Spock paused and then turned to gaze at the Captain over his shoulder as he spoke.
" No, I do not wish to discontinue the bond I share with you James T. Kirk." He said softly before he turned away and strode down the corridor and turned to make his way to the turbo-lift.
He left behind a completely astonished Jim Kirk in his wake. The wide-eyed young man turned back to stare out the window feeling somewhat light headed and strangely excited inside.
One week later...
Jim swallowed down an inescapable wave of nervousness from where he sat in the co-pilot's chair of the small rented shuttle craft he and Spock were currently on board. The Vulcan in question sat in the pilot's chair look calm and collected as ever as he went about pressing controls to steer the ship.
They were currently at warp 5 and on course for the new Vulcan home world. They had just reached the halfway mark and had another two and a half hours to go barring any complications. From where he sat Jim couldn't help but feel the surreality of the situation he was currently in. He would've asked Spock how he felt about the entire thing as well but he had the feeling that he would've have gotten a desired answer. In fact Spock had become more closed off than usual after they had landed on Earth and gone through the proper channels to go off duty and also secretly procure an serviceable vessel.
The beginning of the journey had been one of Jim asking questions and Spock replying in curt fashion. Now there was a charged silence.
It would remain silent this way for the remainder of the journey until a planet came into view far off in the distance. The planet consisted of earthy tones and colors, almost desert like with small patches of green scattered through out.
" We have arrived at New Vulcan." Said Spock deeply.
Jim simply nodded and stayed silent as he and Spock brought the ship out of warp and closed the rest of the way on impulse power.
Spock opened up a communications channel and hailed the planet.
Jim said and felt his nervousness grow as they slowly descended from the star fill expanse of space and sank through the planet's atmosphere. From the front viewscreen Jim could make out the main Vulcan settlement. It was remarkable the amount of progress that the colonizers had shown, they were fast on the way to fully stabilizing and hopefully flourishing again.
Spock piloted the ship into an awaiting dock, going through the standard procedures with ease. When the ship was safely locked into place Spock stood from the pilot's chair and Kirk followed. In silence the two men gathered up whatever sparse luggage they brought with them and headed out of the ship through the air-lock. When the second door slid away Spock stepped out with no trouble but Kirk paused as the thin, sweltering air immediately struck him. The human managed to catch a glimpse of the small party of tall and darkly dressed individuals before he bent over to catch his breath, taking in deep lung fulls to compensate for the lower oxygen content.
He started when he felt a warm and firm hand close around his shoulder. The human looked up to see Spock eying him with concern.
" Are you having difficulties Jim?" He asked.
" No, well sort of. Just give me a minute to get used to the air. I'm okay though." Said Jim as continued to breath in deep. A few moments later he felt himself improve as stood up straight.
" C'mon, we got people to meet." Said Jim. Spock nodded and together the two of them made their way down from the landing platform and headed over to the group of vulcans who stood waiting.
Standing at the very front of the group stood Spock's father Sarek, looking tall and serious as was his nature to be.
Spock made his way over to his father with Jim following close behind. Spock came to stand before his father and raised his hand in the traditional Vulcan greeting. Jim came to stand beside Spock and held his hand up in the same gesture of greeting.
" Greetings father." Said Spock neutrally.
" Greetings Spock." Responded Sarek before he turned to Jim.
" Greetings Captain James T. Kirk, welcome to New Vulcan." Said the Vulcan.
" Greetings Sarek, thank you for having me." Answered Jim with a small nervous smile. Sarek nodded his head before he looked between his son and the human.
" As I have been informed through an earlier correspondence with you Spock, you have chosen this human as your intended and that you have already established a bond with him. Your purpose now is to either dissolve or consummate this bond through proper tradition." Said Sarek.
" Affirmative father." Answered Spock. Jim simply nodded and fidgeted a little.
" Then it is T'Pau who you must both give your decision to." Said Sarek before he turned smartly and started walking, the other vulcans parting for him to pass.
Spock and Kirk quickly followed after him with the group following after them. Sarek led then to an awaiting train-like vehicle. They all piled in and took their seats, Jim taking the seat beside Spock. The ride was made in silence but Jim could feel the solemn but curious stares from those on board the vehicle as he glided to an as of yet unknown destination. Sarek himself was staring at him like he was measuring him up. Biting back on his nervousness Jim met the older Vulcan's gaze head on and held it. As they stared at each other Jim could just see a small hint of emotion swimming beneath the surface in Sarek's eyes. He mustered up as much confidence and resolve as he could and in that instant in say something shift in the Vulcan's gaze. Then Sarek nodded almost imperceptibly and Jim realized what it was.
Tentative acceptance.
Then the train was stopping and they were all getting off.
" As is custom, the two parties will separate and wait for T'Pau to visit them." Said Sarek.
Many heads nodded including Spock and Jim's. The group split into two half going with Spock and Sarek one way, the other leading Kirk off to another building.
A few minutes later found Kirk standing alone inside a dimly lit and heavily ornamental building. He stood wondering just what he was supposed to do now when the doors opened, signaling an arrival. Kirk turned to see two tall male Vulcan's enter first and then a petite and severe looking woman entered. She was dressed in a supremely elegant and formal set of Vulcan robes and wore a black and red head-dress atop her head.
She entered the room and raised her hand in the traditional greeting. Jim immediately raised his hand and realized that this was T'Pau, the elder who would preside over everything.
" We keep the two parties apart so that they can reach their decisions in peace. As such I have come for your decision. Do you wish to dissolve the bond you share with Spock, son of Sarek or do you wish to consummate the bond and be joined with him in the ties of marriage for the rest of your life?" Asked T'Pau emotionlessly.
Kirk swallowed and crushed down the urge to run and instead steadied his voice as he spoke some of the most important words he ever had to say in his life.
" I wish to consummate the bond I share with Spock, son of Sarek."
There was a beat of silence before T'Pau nodded her head and spoke.
" Then kneel before me James T. Kirk." She said somberly.
Kirk did as he was told, closing the distance and then sank to one knee. He looked up at the Vulcan woman and waited to see what she would do. He watched as T'Pau reached out with a gnarled hand, her long fingers seeking out points of his face. A mind meld. Jim braced himself and waited for contact. Then there was a sweeping feeling across his mind. Then just as quickly as it had began T'Pau was withdrawing her hand.
" I have given thee all thou needs to know in order to prepare thyself for the marriage ceremony. Thou has an hour to prepare thyself and thy body." Said T'Pau before she turned and seemingly glided away with the two guards following after, closing the door behind them.
This left Jim all alone and in a bit of a daze.
" What the hell did I get myself into." Whispered Jim before he quickly shook himself and got to it. He was getting married in an our after all.
Searching his mind Kirk was amazed to discover that he knew exactly where to go and what to do, it was all there inside his head.
Jim made his way over to the large wooden armoire that stood on the other side of the room and open both doors. On one side hung a light colored ceremonial Vulcan robe with short sleeves, on the other were shelves full of glass viles and jars of various liquids. Jim paused for a moment and let the gravity of these items slowly sink in. Holy crap this was happening, he and Spock were doing this. Jim himself was surprised that he was excited, that he wanted to be with the Vulcan. With that in mind Jim steadied his nerves and went to work getting himself ready.
Half an hour later found Jim sitting on the soft plush sofa dressed in the nearly white robes and with various different oils and potions rubbed into his skin. He sat with his right knee bouncing to a fast tempo and his hands clasped tightly together. He looked up when one of the doors to the room opened. He felt a small jolt go through him when he saw who it was coming in.
Spock Prime.
The older version of the one whom he was going to marry stood before him with twinkling eyes and an almost smile.
" Hello Jim." Said Spock Prime.
" Hi Spock." Said Jim with a nervous smile.
" Oh no, I go by the name Telvik here." Corrected Prime.
" Right, cool." Said Jim.
" You are nervous?" Asked Prime.
" Well yeah." Said Jim.
" Do not be, you will get through this just fine." Said Prime.
" Thanks for the vote of confidence." Sighed Jim.
" Though I must admit that this was an unexpected development, I am pleased to see that you and my younger counterpart have achieved this level of closeness." Said Prime matter of factly.
" Yeah, I'm still in disbelief." Said Jim with a breathless chuckle.
" Well you have readied yourself and you have the added security of knowing that the younger Spock in no in Pon Farr therefore there will not be the added danger of the Plak Tow. He will be in control of his senses." Said Prime.
" Yeah, I already got the full Pon Farr experience before hand." Said Jim.
And so for the next twenty minutes or so Jim and Spock Prime conversed about the impending nuptials and of course all things pertaining to the USS Enterprise as well. Then the elder Spock took his leave and left the young man to himself and his thoughts. The nervousness of before returned to Jim though not as intense thanks to his conversations with Prime.
The minutes winded down both too fast and too slow and sure enough the doors to the room were swinging open once more.
Several stone faced guards garbed in ornamental armor entered the room, two held strange shield shaped arrays of bells, two were bearing weapons, and two were bearing a throne-like chair upon which T'Pau sat with a change of formal robes and no longer with a head dress but with her hair braided similar to one. And last there was one guard wearing a black mask.
The guy resembled an executioner was what Jim thought of it.
" Art thou prepared?" Asked T'Pau.
Jim mutely nodded his head.
The procession lined up as it was supposed to and Jim took his place behind T'Pau's throne like chariot. Then they were proceeding out of the building, which Kirk realized what was a temple. And as the blazing hot sun glared down at them Jim was quite thankful for the robes he was now wearing, the thin airy material helped somewhat against the nearly stifling heat. The procession made it's way past great shoulder of earthy red rock before coming to a halt, waiting.
Jim wondered for a moment as to what they were waiting for but a flash of memory had him knowing and sure enough, a few second later an ominous gong echoed through the still air. The guards who held the bells began jangling them in discordance, it was ominous and harsh. Jim did his utmost to remain calm as the procession began moving again through the pass, which ended up leading to an large arena. When the arena came into view Jim immediately spotted Spock dressed in an elegant dark blue robe standing between Sarek and Telvik.
From where he stood Spock's eyes were riveted to the sight of the human, who looked stunning in the Vulcan attire he was garbed in. Spock felt glad that he was not in Pon Farr or else he would've been on the attack before anyone could stop him. This was not a matter of life or death like so many others, this was to me a marriage of two willing souls.
At the very center of the arena stood a raised dais of flat red rock. On top of this platform was a small coal fueled fire burning bright and fierce. Above this stood a ceremonial gong and mallet.
The procession came to a stop on one side of the fire, Jim came to a stop next to T'Pau and waited. With his face devoid of expression Spock stepped forward and approached. The bell shakers stopped in their noises. Spock raised his hand in greeting to T'Pau and then knelt before her. The old Vulcan reached out with her hand, seeking out the points on Spock's face to meld with him. Moments later Spock stood.
" Kalifar." Said T'Pau and then she pointed at the gong.
Wordlessly Spock turned and made his way to the dais. He reached the gong and picked up the mallet. A moment later he swung his arm back and struck the instrument.
The gong resonated throughout the whole of the arena. Jim felt in reverberate through his whole being before it faded into less intense echoes.
Now T'Pau turned to him with her piercing stare and spoke.
" Kalifar." She said again.
Jim nodded as he realized it was now his turn. Clenching his fists tightly to keep them from shaking Jim stepped forward and made his way to the dais. He stood beside Spock and picked up the mallet. Feeling like he was hammering in the final nail on the coffin which held the life he had known, Jim swung away and hit the gong. The gong resounded and then faded slowly before T'Pau spoke.
"K'rhth'a."
Spock turned to the Bell shaker closest to him, Kirk did the same. They were each handed a small bag of strange and pungent herbs. They each reached in a pulled out a small pinch of these herbs and as one dropped them into the open flame. Thin light colored smoke instantly billowed up from the flames carrying the strong scent. It left Kirk feeling just a tiny bit light headed.
For the rest of the ceremony they repeated this act twice, ring the gong and then drop some herbs. At the very end Jim wonder if he was going to be able to stay conscious.
Then T'Pau beckoned then to her. They knelt before the old Vulcan and she placed her right hand of Jim's face and her left on Spock's. Moments later Spock and Jim could both feel the effects of her touch. Emotions not their own but each others filled them. From excitement, to nervousness, to the beginnings of joy all in a soft caress of the mind. Then T'Pau withdrew her hands and as one they stood. The marriage guards assembled once more.
The Bell shakers took up positions in front of the newly wedded couple while the man in the black mask stood behind them.
The Weapon Bearers and the men in charge of the throne all gathered around T'Pau.
" You are now married to each other, may your days be blessed." Said T'Pau before the guards bore her away back to the temple.
" Well, that wasn't so bad." Said Kirk in an effort to lighten the mood.
Spock merely turned his head and pinned him with a look as the Bell Shakers began to lead then towards the other side of the arena into the red sanded desert. The two of them nodded their headed in respect as the passed Sarek and Spock Prime, Jim taken slightly by surprise when he caught sight of the imaging device the elder version of Spock was holding. Looks like they would be getting some pictures of their wedding day after all.
As they walked into the desert Jim immediately caught sight of where they were headed or more specifically what they were headed for.
And in all honest, who with functioning eyes wouldn't be able to spot the large dome-like structure that resembled half a snow-globe with something substantially green in it standing amidst an endless sea of red sand?
" What is that place?" Asked Jim softly.
" That is the oasis, specifically designed for newly wedded mates to retreat and consummate their bonds." Answered Spock.
" Look neat." Said Jim.
" Indeed, it is meant to be aesthetically pleasing seeing as to how mates usually spend two or more days within it." Said Spock.
" Days?" Thought Jim as the procession made it's way across the dry red sand.
Wondering about what was going to happen next Jim dutifully walked beside his new husband as the procession reached the awaiting Oasis Dome. They stopped a few feet away. The Bell shakers shook their bells a final time and then stepped aside. The man in the black mask silently pointed to the dome, then the three remaining guards bowed, turned, and walked away leaving the newlyweds standing by the dome.
" Do you know how to get into this thing?" Asked Jim, not really seeing a doorway around.
" Observe." Said Spock as he reached out his hand, first pressing his five finger tips to the glass like surface and then taking away all but his index finger and ran it downward in a straight line before drawing away completely. A second later a large glowing oval appeared against the surface that rapidly increased in size and the melted away leaving an opening large enough for them to use as a door.
" Cool." Said Jim as he followed Spock into the Oasis.
The strange glass material rematerialized after they were inside. Jim's pale blue eyes grew wide as he took in the place that he and Spock would basically be having their honeymoon in. It truly was the oasis amidst the red sand desert. Under their feet was lush, moss-like grass, at the very center of the the place stood a thick trunked tree that resembled a Japanese Weeping Willow. The place was illuminate with filter light from outside.
It was beautiful.
" Wow." Whispered Jim.
Spock was oddly silent as he stepped further inwards towards the tree. Jim quietly followed after the half-Vulcan and felt the nervousness of before fill him once again. As he looked around Jim caught sight of his and Spock's luggage from the ship on one side and some boxes with vacuum seals on them, food for the long days ahead.
Not being able to stand the silence any longer Jim spoke.
" Spock?" He began.
Spock turned and finally faced the human he had just minutes before married.
" Yes Jim?" Asked Spock.
" Are you alright?" Asked Jim softly, while unconsciously taking a step closer to the Vulcan.
" I am alright, given the circumstances, and at the very least I am glad that I am not in Pon Farr." Said Spock.
" Yeah, that's what started this whole thing in the first place. So what now?" Asked Jim though he already had a vague sense as to what was supposed to happen. They were married after all.
" I believe that you are already well aware of what is meant to happen in this place Jim." Said Spock softly.
" You got me there Spock." Said Jim with a small smile. It quickly faded back into seriousness as he nodded to Spock.
Spock toed off the simply slipper like shoes adorning his feet and Jim did the same. Then as one they sank down into the soft mossy grass, resting on their knees as they sat facing each other.
Unlike the painful and actually life-threatening situation they had found themselves in that night in Kirk's quarters, this was the exact opposite. Things were calm, unsure, a little awkward, but mostly hopeful and curious.
The couple sat there for several moments before Spock finally broke the silence.
" Jim you are aware that Vulcans are tough-telepaths correct?" He began by asking.
Jim merely nodded.
" We Vulcan use our hands in a similar fashion as human's do their lips in a show of physical affection." Said Spock.
" You mean a kiss?" Asked Jim.
" Affirmative, it is known as Ozh'esta. I wish to show you." Explained Spock.
" Alright." Said Jim, genuinely curious.
Spock nodded and then slowly held up his hand with only his index and middle fingers extended. In silence he waited for Jim to catch on. The human stared for a few second and then realization flashed across his features. Looking just a tiny bit apprehensive Jim raised his own hand with his fingers extended. Slowly but surely he closed the distance between their hands and finally pressed his fingertips to Spock.
The instant their hands touched Jim's eyes flew wide and he gasp at the unexpected sensation that overtook him.
It felt like a warm electrical buzz was passing through his fingers to the rest of his entire being, and it seemed a hundred times more stronger than what Spock had done to his back that morning. But, along with the pleasant buzzing Jim could also feel emotions that were not his own, but Spock's. It was the bond they now shared with one another. And eternal bond between sworn mates.
When Jim finally came out of the warm haze he found himself laying on his back with the grass feeling surprisingly soft and cushioning. Above him loomed Spock, his expression had softened but still did not really give much away, but his eyes conveyed everything at this moment. The deep black depths sparkled with hope and something suspiciously close to affection.
For some reason Jim found himself compelled to speak, the words coming to his mind were ancient yet timeless.
" Parted from me and never parted. Touched and Touching. For better or for worse. With you I will remain till the end of time. My husband." He said softly.
He watched as Spock's eyes widened minutely for a moment. Then to quiet astonishment Jim watched as the corners of Spock lips turned upwards in what could only be described as a microscopic smile as he spoke, leaning in closer with each word.
" And I will remain with you till the very end of time, and whatever lies beyond, my husband. My T'hy'la" He said softly as he came to a stop so close to Jim's face that they could almost taste each others breath.
Then the Vulcan was closing what distance remained between them and pressed his lips to Jim's in a proper human kiss. Jim melted beneath Spock and let a small moan escape him as he felt Spock's warm and solid weight settle over him. He wrapped his arms around the Vulcan's neck and shoulders and responded fervently to Spock. Spock's hands sought out Jim's head, his long finger hands burying themselves into the short golden locks. After several long moments they began to start rolling about on the mossy-grass, breaking their kisses every now and then when the need for air was too much to ignore.
A few moments later two sets of ceremonial Vulcan robes were tossed half-hazardly onto the grass by the tress, one was a deep royal blue, the other a light almost white. There owners were occupied.
There in the domed oasis, beneath the branches of tree that once flourished through out the old Vulcan planet, a new bond was consummated and allowed to flourish itself.
Spock blinked as he came out of the memories of his and Jim Kirk's secret wedding day. The Vulcan looked about his surroundings and remembered that he was on board the USS Enterprise and that at the moment he was off duty. He carefully made sure that he was still closed off to Jim and hoped that his musing off their consummation period had not reached the Captain. Jim was on duty in the Main Bridge, he did not need the distraction of an emotional transference. It would be detrimental to both of them and also raise suspicions. They had kept this marriage under wraps for months now, no need to throw it all away now.
With that in mind, Spock did his best to clear his mind and actually get some sleep like he was supposed to.
But unbidden, a memory of him and Jim lying in each others arms in the warm afterglows of their passion followed Spock as he sank into a peaceful slumber.
All was at peace now for all on board the Enterprise, but as fate would have it discordance was not too far off on the horizon.
And it was approaching fast and in a way no one, especially not Captain James T. Kirk or Commander Spock would ever see coming.
