Star had drifted off to sleep in his arms. He had gently laid her down and moved away from her. For a few minutes he just sat and looked at her. She was beautiful. There was no way to deny that she raised something in him that he had not really experienced before. He could only really describe it as a kind of tenderness. The ease at which she fell asleep was disturbing to him. He knew a little of Humans and there emotions, he guessed that the stress for the last few days (or years really) had completely exhausted her. Plus now he looked a little closer she did show signs of being a little undernourished and lacking in vital vitamins. There were white marks on her finger nails and though she was well toned she was also a little underweight, he could clearly see the shadow of her ribs. Still, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
He didn't actually just think that did he? He could not concentrate on that. He would look after her because she was strong and resistant and needed somebody to try make her life a little better. He needed to get her freedom back and take her home to her mother so she could go back to school and be whatever passed for a normal teenager in her little spot of Earth. Though an unreasonable and illogical part wanted her to stay with him on Vulcan so that he could continue to look at her like this and play chess with her and talk to her and occasionally hold her close to him.
His hand brushed a few stray hairs from her eyes without thinking about it and then paused. Where were these sensations coming from? Was it just a normal part of his maturing process? He knew he needed to meditate. The last few days were becoming the most emotionally tumulus in his life. Still, it seemed somehow right to him, as if he was just as suited to solving unusual interplanetary problems as sitting at a desk studying or carrying out experiments in the school laboratory. He shouldn't be thinking that way, Vulcan's did not enjoy trouble, they were content when their lives were peaceful and they had time to work out puzzles that did not involve other peoples lives and emotions and sexual intercourse. His Human D.N.A was definitely starting to surface on this planet. All his life he had prided himself on matching and exceeding his full Vulcan classmates in the ways of logic. But now he felt as if all that was fake, the moment that he actually had a situation that threatened his emotional control it crumbled.
Spock took a piece of fruit from the ever refilling buffet table in his room and quietly closed the door behind him as he walked out towards the gardens. He paused as he saw Pon the slave master coming round the corner. He felt a rush of anger towards the man who he knew had made Star feel so uncomfortable and afraid. He stopped walking.
"Good evening Mr. Pon."
"Good evening Mr. Spock, is the girl servicing you well?"
"Very well. I am looking forwards to taking her off the planet and keeping her with me for a long time."
You can't have her he thought to himself. You will never touch her.
The corners of Pon's eyes crinkled slightly in anger but when he spoke nothing showed in his voice.
"I shall be sure to prepare her for the transition."
"She is adaptable, she will not require assistant."
"It is normal practise."
Spock felt a sudden raise of anger and stepped towards Pon as he was at least a foot taller he imagined he looked quiet threatening. He lowered his voice.
"It is my wish that you will not spend any time in her company. It should not be too difficult as we are leaving in under forty- eight hours. I am aware that you might have had plans, I know how the slave system works in this house. And I know how you take advantage of it. But you should resign herself to the fact that you cannot have intercourse with her. She is rightfully mine."
"Not yet from what I've heard. You know if you needed somebody to finish the job.."
Spock wanted to grab hold of him and shake him but instead just walked past.
"As I said before your assistance is not needed." He said clearly over his shoulder.
Spock sat in the corner of the garden he had previously use to meditate. It was strange how so much had changed in a few days. It forced him to consider just how little really happened in his life. He studied, he walked, he meditated and went through all the necessary processes of living. But there was very little else.
It was an awkward situation. On Vulcan sexuality is not talked of. It is shameful, babies are born , husbands and wives have quiet time to themselves, it is not discussed. Of course young Vulcan's know of these things but sexuality is a private matter, and it is linked to the time all Vulcan's fear. The time of madness and boiling blood. The fact that Spock's parents knew that he was about to lose his virginity was embarrassing and although Spock could not let his embarrassment alter his decisions it didn't mean he didn't feel it.
He had not given himself time to think or prepare for what he was about to do. His scientific mind tried to make it simple. The penis extends as it fills with blood. It is inserted into the vagina. The pumping sensation brings forth ejaculation. The semen that Nyota needed as proof of their intercourse. It seemed simple in words but not in thoughts. It also seemed impersonal, as if it were something that required no further touch or conversation than the bare minimum. Spock did not want that, Nyota had seen this act performed. Seen the discomfort and fear and degradation that happened when the individual was just used. He wanted to touch Nyota. Her beautiful smooth skin, the soft silky hair. Follow the paths of her long limbs, her breasts and down her stomach to.. His member stirred at the thought. At least that part would not be difficult. Bu what did he know of touch? What did he know of pleasure? Only what he had read in non-Vulcan texts.
Lovers become lost
Their bodies and breathe entwined
Pleasure rises and takes hold
Just a moment
Nothing is withheld
All is lost in sensation
This scared him as well. He did not want to loose his logic in sensation. He had not been out of control in the way that he would be since he was a child and that had always been a negative experiences for him, anger , fear how was pleasure any different in it's affects?
"Spock, am I disturbing you?"
Spock looked up to see his father stood a few feet away looking at him.
"No."
"You did not appear to be meditating."
"Merely thinking father." Spock did not want to admit that meditation was not coming easily to him at that moment, that his mind was so full that he couldn't even start the process to siphon some off.
"Well I apologise for interrupting your thoughts. But I have something I wish to discuss with you."
"Proceed."
Sarek sat on the small bench beside Spock.
"I need to ask you if anything about Miss Star's story struck you?"
Spock considered the question, a lot about Star's story disturbed him. It was an awful story, to see her father killed and her sister raped in front of her was disturbing and the strength that she showed to still have some resistance after that impressed him. He doubted that even the most well trained Vulcan mind would survive without a lot of help from a healer. But it did not strike him as odd, for years there had been rumours that the pirates that hung around the edges of federation space were involved in slave trade.
"No, it was a story that held a lot of tragedy but it did not strike me as odd."
Sarek nodded slowly.
"Am I to understand that something about it has raised some concern for you?"
Sarek's eyes narrowed and he looked out to the distance not focusing on anything.
"I came to this planet to deal with one delicate federation situation yet have found myself talking two." He said thoughtfully.
"What is the second?" Spock asked.
"Four years ago I went to a federation meeting of ambassadors. When I arrived I heard a story that had been spreading rapidly throughout the federation. The Ambassador for Earth had been ill and had sent his second, A man called Uhura. During his journey he had taken a small run out with his daughters and a pilot. They did not return at their due time and the main ship could not contact them. They found debris of the shuttle floating close to the federation border lines. There were signs of a engine breach followed by an explosion and after looking into the ships records they found that the necessary safety checks had not been performed before taking the ship out."
Spock nodded. He remembered seeing the article on the web connections four years previously. It had been a tragedy, two children dead, one his own age. The article had underlined the need for better records on safety checks to track underlying engine problems.
There had been no mention of pirates but it would not be the first conclusion jumped to.
"It does add up." Spock said. There was an ancient Vulcan saying coming from the time when Vulcan's had first started off planet mining that basically translated to 'space is so dark that you can never truly see what is happening' in the case of Nyota's shuttle they had missed some important information and come to the wrong conclusion.
"Yes Spock, the youngest girls name was Nyota Uhura. Translated from its native language the name translates as Star of freedom."
"Nyota." Spock repeated to himself. It was a beautiful name that felt right on his tongue.
"It suites her."
Sarek looked at him for a long moment as if he were seeing something in him he had not expected.
"A name is a name, how does it suite one person and not another it does not have any defining features."
Spock felt his cheeks darken as his father pointed out how the statement was illogical.
"I had always been led to believe that there are children and adults and that there is some noticeable point of transition between them. But as I have watched you grow up I have come to the realization that it is a constant process. Sometimes I don't see those points I expect to see and then all of a sudden as if it has been there all along and I have not noticed I see that you are a young man. The decision's you have made in the last few days, I would not say that they have always been the right ones, but I have felt pride in the way that you have followed Vulcan teachings. Not many young Vulcan's would handle these situations as well."
Spock nodded slowly. He could understand that his father was telling him that he was proud in him but the emotional statement made him just as uncomfortable as happy. He also knew the reason why his father was telling him these things. There was some kind of apology for not noticing his Human puberty and telling him that he was managing fine on his own.
He nodded and his father took this as a valid response and stood up.
"I have made you aware of the situation, I shall now leave you to your thoughts."
"Thank you father." Spock responded as he watched him get up and leave.
Spock hesitated around his mother's door. He was suffering from humiliation and embarrassment today but he only had to talk to his mother and then he could hopefully meditate in his room. He knocked and waited. His mother looked tired when he opened the door.
"Hello Mother."
"Hello Spock." She said automatically standing aside to allow him entrance.
Spock walked in and she shut the door behind him.
"Are you well mother you look tired?"
"I'm worried Spock." She said in the tone of voice that let him know it ought to be obvious.
"What is worrying you?"
Amanda threw her hands up in the air dramatically.
"About all of this Spock, I knew this mission would not go well. I knew that these people were..."
"Mother lower your voice." Spock interrupted her knowing she was about to point out all the perceived faults of the K'pilians. It was not the sort of thing that should be overheard when they were guests on this planet but at times his mother seemed to get frustrated with constant politeness and had these outbursts, usually about other ambassadors and members of the Vulcan high council. She looked at him and sighed.
"Spock, I hate that you're being forced to do this. And don't say it's the logical decision because it's obvious that you will try to save the girls life. Lord Pur is playing this game for his own titillation."
"There is nothing else to be done mother."
Spock was a little uncomfortable when his mother threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. He awkwardly patted her back until she pulled away.
"Spock, you're my little boy. This.. this is not something you should ever have to handle. You don't understand how this can affect your mind Spock. It's not just a physical action.."
"Mother, as I have said the decision has been made. If I have any difficulty in managing my emotions afterwards I shall seek the necessary help to gain control again. And I am here to ask you for help."
Amanda looked like she wanted to say a lot more on the subject but held herself back. She had been doing this more often, as he was growing into adulthood she had to respect his decisions.
"What did you want to ask me?"
"I believe that sexual intercourse can hurt females, especially the first time or in stressful circumstances."
Amanda nodded.
"I do not wish to hurt Nyota. I was wondering if you knew a way of reducing any pain that she might experience."
"Nyota?"
"It is Star's true name."
Amanda nodded again.
"She trust you a lot you know?"
Spock did not know how to answer so he did not.
"I'm sure this place has a doctor that I can talk to and if not then perhaps the main gardener will know of some plants with medicinal properties."
Spock nodded, his mother had a large knowledge of plants and often made her own herbal teas and medicines, it was a respected talent on Vulcan.
She suddenly looked nervous.
"Is there any rush for it Spock?"
"You know the deadlines that have been made by lord Pur and the need of the quick completion of the trade agreement."
Amanda nodded.
"I know." She sighed. "I love you, you know that Spock?"
"I know mother. I must go talk to Nyota."
She nodded again.
"Yes. I'll knock on your door once I find some sort of muscle relaxant or pre-pain numbing for Star, It's not the sort of pain that can easily be avoided, of course if she was relaxed that would be another matter all together."
"If she knows that she will suffer less discomfort if she is relaxed then surely it is logical for her to relax."
"Women don't work that way Spock."
Spock was about to argue that she did not know Star as well as he did but it would seem that he was arguing that he knew more about Human women than a human woman and that was a discussion that would not go well.
"I shall teach her some simple meditation techniques to help her relax."
"I am sure she will appreciate your concern."
Spock turned to leave.
"Spock?"
"Yes mother."
"You're forgetting something?"
"Yes mother."
"Birth control."
Spock felt the tips of his ears grow green. It was indeed something he had overlooked though he did not know how.
"Perhaps " He swallowed as for some reason his mouth seemed rather dry.
"Perhaps you could look into that as well mother but seeing as I am a hybrid it seems.."
"We don't know whether you're fertile yet Spock, If me and your father had realized that you had reached that age…" His mother cut in.
"If it were not for the current situation then I would have not needed to know that information for quite some time. As for now, I shall ask Nyota if she knows of any way to prevent pregnancy and I will continue with my plan to not have the tests for another six years."
"Six years." Amanda smiled fondly. "Spock, sexuality doesn't turn off at will."
"I have already found way to control it mother." Spock said before turning to leave. "Thank you for your assistance."
As Spock entered his room Nyota was pouring herself a drink. She gave him a small still weary smile.
"Would you like a drink?"
"Yes, thank you Nyota." Spock said in Earth standard.
Her hand froze as she was pouring the liquid. She turned to look at him wide eyed.
"You called me by my name." She said softly.
"I have turned off the universal translator."
"You know my name?"
Spock nodded.
"My father informed me that Star is the literal translation."
Spock expected her to question this but she just continued to stare at him.
"Nobody has called me by my real name in four years."
"Well, it is yours again Nyota. Unless you wish to be called Star or by number."
"No." She said shaking her head. "I want to be Nyota again."
Spock turned his head so that he didn't see the tears running down her face. He knew that she did not require comforting and it would be best for him to let it pass without commenting especially as Nyota had before told him that despite the last few days she did not cry often.
"Nyota when you have finished your drink there are matters that I wish to discuss."
She looked down at the glass in her hands as if she had forgotten she was holding it. She continued to pour the two glasses and handed one to Spock.
"This conversation is not going to be comfortable, it is best if you sit."
Nyota's eyes widened slightly and he noticed her tremble slightly as she sat down on the bed. Spock took the desk chair.
"Spock? Please tell me what it is?" She asked quickly.
"Nothing to be so concerned about Nyota." Spock said as softly as he could.
"You've not changed you're mind?"
"About securing your freedom by having sexual intercourse?"
Nyota nodded.
"No, I have not changed my mind about that. I just need to discuss with you some of the particulars."
"Particulars?" Nyota gave him a quick look up and down. "Is there a problem?"
"I wish to avoid causing you discomfort and also impregnation. This is what I wished to discuss."
"The slave girls are forced o take a mixture of herbs once a month that stop pregnancy."
"You have taken this within the last month?"
Nyota nodded.
"And how effective is it?"
"I don't know. All I know is that girls do got pregnant unless Lord Pur wishes for an increase in his slave quarters."
"That seems a little too well planned."
"I have heard rumours that the men receive gifts for impregnating the right slave girls."
Spock nodded, the K'pilian's were really starting to disgust him. He doubted he'd be able to hide it for much longer.
"We shall consider that matter taken care of." Spock said. "Now, you know of the discomfort that sexual intercourse can cause."
Nyota stared down at her hands. Spock wished to reach out to her but he did not know whether it would be appropriate.
"I lied Spock." Nyoat finally said. "To your father, It's not resignation. I do trust you."
"Thank you Nyota, but…"
"It won't hurt too much, I won't be fighting you."
"I did not expect you too. But as this is not under the best of circumstance. I expect you will be nervous. That will cause some discomfort. My mother is trying to find some kind of relaxant and if you wish I will teach you some meditation techniques. If you have any specific wishes then I will do my best to honour them."
Nyota blushed beautifully.
"There… There is.." She stuttered and then shook her head.
"Please, do not feel too embarrassed to ask. We must both make the best of this situation."
Nyota nipped her bottom lip between her teeth and Spock had the distinct feeling she was nervous.
"Spock, I've never been kissed."
Spock waited for her to continue onto her point or he request. She glanced at him from under long lashes. She looked away as if ashamed and shook her head.
"Forget I said anything."
"I do not understand what …"
Spock stopped speaking as he suddenly had a thought. Was she asking him to kiss her?
"Nyota, tell me what you wish me to do. I shall not stop asking until you do."
"Is that logical Mr. Spock." She said defensively.
"No but it is true."
"I was… " Nyota kept her eyes on her fingers as they nervously rubbed over each other. "I was saying I do not wish to lose my virginity without never being kissed."
"You wish me to kiss you Nyota?"
"Yes." She said quietly.
Spock felt his heartbeat suddenly jump upwards causing a nervous uneasy sensation but it was in some ways pleasant.
He got up off the chair and knelt on his knees in front of Nyota. He reached for her hands and took them firmly in his. She glanced at hm a little unsure of herself. Spock held his hand up with two fingers extended.
"Like this." He said softly.
Nyota's eyebrows crinkled in confusion but she put her two fingers together. Spock reached over to caress her fingers with his own. He took down his mental barriers and let what she was feeling flow into him. At first she was curious but that changed as his own emotions of stunned wonder at experiencing this intimate gesture for the first time, it tingled pleasantly not just in his fingers but all over his body.
Nyota gasped and her eyes widened as she too started to experience the sensations. He looked up at her. Her eyes meeting his intently. She leaned her head down. Her breath tickled his cheek for a second and Spock closed his eyes. He felt her lips on his and although it was not something he had experienced before his body seemed to know what to do. He opened his lips slightly and felt the plump warmth on his. Her lips were sweet.
Shameless Plug, If you enjoy Sarek and Amanda in this story then check out my completed Sarek Amanda romance Building good human/vulcan relationships
