*Note* this story is the sequel to Hearts of Two Worlds which I suggest you read first!


The three of them are just about to return to the table with breakfast when a golden-sleeved arm catches T'qella's halting her movement. She notes the insignia on the sleeve is that of a Captain's rank. The male's arm is strong yet weak compared to Vulcan strength, so it is more her will than his that keeps her there. It is unwise to cause trouble for the federation.

She stares at the strangers face and tries to place him. As a human he lacks most qualities that can be considered favourable in a mate such as slanted eyebrows but she supposes he is somewhat pretty. He is not a patch on Ensign Pavel Checkov though.

"Ladies" the Captain begins his tone strange and slightly slurred. "Would the three of you lovely ladies be interested in coming back to my place to play with my telescope?" he asks pulling on her arm a little as if unable to appropriately support himself.

The three of them stare at him unsure how to answer the drunkard. His arm is suddenly pulled away from her by another human male. "Sorry about him ladies, he's had a tough couple of days" says the man with a southern drawl pushing a hypo into the Captain as he does so. Within seconds he's on the floor sleeping.

T'qella smiles at the doctor recognising him as the man who saved her hand for which she is grateful. Spock and the others may disapprove of her actions but for once she doesn't care for Vulcan etiquette and chooses to vocalise her gratitude to the man who she owes so much.

McCoy blushes slightly at the compliment layered upon him by Tequila. Who out of all the Vulcans he has had the pleasure of meeting is quickly becoming his favourite. Leaving Jim where he lay on the floor he joins them and Spock for breakfast.

His addition to the table significantly improves the quality of conversation along with the noise levels. Not that the females of the clan mind for Spock seems to come alive again in the short moments he spends in debate with the doctor discussing the plans for New Vulcan. Admittedly much of their talk is irrelevant as this eventuality had already been planned for, and there is little left to decide upon besides the colour of the new buildings (a sandy orange colour seems the most popular choice).

After they have eaten T'qella finds herself dragged off to sickbay by the McCoy, his sharp eyes noticing her pain in spite of her Vulcan mask. "Next time tell someone" he grumbles as he runs a tricorder over her slightly swollen and sore arm. He gives her a few injections via hypo along with a piece of hard candy attached to the end of a small stick before letting her return to her quarters for rest.

T'qella doesn't return there however for she finds herself strangely concerned about the whereabouts and well being of the young man she had met the night before. Returning to the gardens she had visited with him albeit briefly she finds herself appreciating the beauty of the plants instead of their efficacy. She rests there trying to come to terms with her illogical hope at meeting with Checkov again.

A part of her wonders if her unusual reaction is somehow related to the change in environments or some sort of allergen, but quickly finds it to be unlikely. No this strange feeling is natural, originating from the part of her that is overrun by her fierce emotions. She sits in the garden contemplating her feelings for several hours until Sarek comes to fetch her.

The walk back is quiet and uneventful, for she doesn't know what to say to her grieving uncle who has lost yet another bondmate. The words "I grieve with thee" seem insignificant, as every Vulcan grieves. She is sure her aunt would have known the right words, the right thing to say to mend a shattered heart.

They are almost at the door when he informs her that Spock has found her a tutor to teach her about the federation. It is then that she remembers the conversation with the elders on the return journey and of her newfound position and duties. She touches the gold around her neck and scolds herself mentally. Now is not the time to be thinking of boys and affection. She must behave logically and become the leader they need her to be.


Please don't forget to review as I love hearing from my readers!