CHAPTER EIGHT

Lyla's knuckles were solid white as she gripped the edge of his desk, her body rigid as she tried to hold herself together. Jim stood behind her, unsure what to say or do – platitudes would be worthless at this point. He felt useless and impotent, something he rarely experienced but abhorred when it occurred.

"What are we going to do, Jim? They know we have Lwaxana – we have to take her down to the surface now. How can I take my niece into this? How can I give her over to people who might hurt her?" Her voice was shaking, but she did not cry or fold in on herself. Where she drew the strength from to deal with each blow of this tragedy as it unfolded mystified him. Hands lifting, he smoothed them over the rigid edges of her shoulders, feeling her tense muscles and her stiff posture, and trying to instill some calm. When his hands smoothed over her bare arms, the familiar heat between them hit, and he felt her relax slightly.

"We're going to figure this out, Lyla. Between you and me, and the rest of this crew, we will figure out what's going on and we will save Lwaxana and the Matriarch. Before you know it, this is all going to be a bad memory." Jim kept his voice low and soothing, trying to relax her – to reassure her that she was not alone. She turned slowly, trapped between him and the desk, her chest pressed against his. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but none fell.

"I'm so glad that I met you. I don't know how I would be standing right now without you." Her dark eyes were gazing at him, and he felt his heart flip-flop in his chest. Jim often felt the urge to defend those under attack, whether it was physical or not. But the desire within him to wrap this woman up and protect her from every hurt was a tangible ache inside of him – one he had not felt before.

"I'm going to be here until this is over. Right here next to you." Arms wrapping around her, he drew her in for a hug, her head lying against his chest, her right hand against his heart. Jim could feel the heat of her body through his uniform and it comforted him. He was grateful she did not ask where he would be after these events concluded. He was not ready to confront the decision he had made in her quarters, or the feelings coursing through him. Deciding to open oneself up to love and implementing said change were two extremely different things. This he could do – he could comfort her and show her though his actions that she was important to him, that he cared.

"Thank you." Her words were whispered, but he could feel her breath on his skin, even through his shirt. Jim smoothed her hair with one hand and kept the other firmly against her back, holding her against him.

"You don't have to thank me, Lyla. The last few days have been pretty terrible. I would do the same for anyone."

She lifted her head from his chest, her eyes no longer glassy, but smiling. "You've hugged all of the people you've helped over the last year?" Her tone was teasing but her smile genuine. He was pleased to note that the tension in her body was slipping away and her anger and fear under control.

"Nope." He leaned his mouth down close to hers, feeling more than hearing her breath speed up at his proximity. "And I certainly haven't made love to them like I made love to you last night."

"No?" Her voice was breathless and difficult to hear.

"Have I kissed you yet this morning?" He gazed into the bottomless pools that were her black eyes and felt himself sinking into them - those magic eyes that seemed to transfix him.

"Jim, we don't have time for this, we –" He cut off her words with his lips, gently touching his against hers. She pulled back and glared at him. "You can't interrupt every slightly argumentative thing I say with a kiss."

"I wasn't ending an argument. I was trying to comfort you." He kissed her lightly again and was pleased to note that she kissed him back.

"That's very sweet." She kissed his jaw line and cheek lightly and he felt his eyes close automatically, his arms tightening around her. "But we have to go."

"Are you going to be okay?" Blue eyes open, he stared into hers, seeking confirmation. She nodded and as his arms relaxed, slipped out of them.

"I'm going to prepare for the trip down to the planet." He nodded but did not respond, watching as she walked to the door. As she reached out to the door panel, she paused and turned to him. "Thank you, Jim. Even if you think I don't need to say it – I want you to hear it."

"You're welcome, Lyla." She nodded and the door slid open, letting her back out onto the bridge before closing behind her. Jim walked around his desk and sunk into his chair, his feelings confused and his brain racing.

*************

The possibility that Majel Troi was already present on Betazed in some fashion and already making her move on the Matriarch's throne changed the game to a certain extent. Not proceeding with their attempt to contact the Matriarch was out of the question – she was the only individual on Betazed with the ability to overrule the High Council's decision to dissolve the relationship between Betazed and the Federation, and more than that, she was most likely a personal target of Majel. He had an obligation as a Starfleet officer and as a man to ensure that she received warning of the possible threat against her life. They absolutely had to pass this information to the Matriarch, and in person. Which, he acknowledged with a rueful shake of his head, Lyla's surprise plan of introducing him as her Consort actually achieved them, and legally – completely bypassing the delicate political situation between Earth and Betazed. He was unaware of the technical requirements for him to actually hold the position, but a consort was, in essence, the sexual partner of a female member of the royal family of Betazed. As of six hours ago, he had become exactly that. Granted, he would have preferred if she had told him in advance that this was the tactic she was going to use to get them an audience with the Matriarch, but considering that she came up with a logical, legal reason for him to speak with her on the fly when the situation suddenly and radically changed, he was impressed. This led him to the second issue they had to deal with: Council Tamarin's possible control by an outside person with nefarious intentions against himself and his Away Team. The chime of the door startled Jim from the daze his mind had entered. "Enter."

Spock's stoic face greeted him as the Commander entered the room, hands clasped firmly behind his back. "You requested my presence, Captain?"

"Spock, take a seat. I want your opinion on something." He gestured to the chair in front of his desk and leaned back in his own, trying to gather his thoughts. "Lyla believes, based on her interaction with Councilor Tamarin just now, that Tamarin is being controlled by the same project Lyla was working on before the Suwayda was destroyed."

"Indicating that Majel Troi or one of her co-conspirators may already be present on Betazed." Spock nodded. "A logical assumption."

"We don't have a choice in speaking with the Matriarch. I have to get down there and tell her what is going on. But now we're possibly dealing with individuals who may want to physically harm us as well – who knows what we're going to be facing down there."

"I agree, Captain, that we have no choice but to continue with our current plan to contact the Matriarch and explain what we know about the possible coup. I have already selected Ensign Linane and Lieutenant Ford from Security to accompany the Away Team. May I suggest Dr. McCoy also join us? In the event of a physical altercation, it would be prudent to have an individual with human medical expertise present." Spock's expression did not change at the mention of the possibility of violence, but Kirk had learned his moods and voice modulations well enough to know that he was concerned.

"I agree with having Bones come. Spock, if you want Uhura to stay onboard—"

"Jim." Spock relaxed slightly and shook his head in what could almost be a humorous manner. "If you attempt to remove Lt. Uhura from this mission because of the possibility of physical danger, she may physically harm you."

Kirk grinned. "You make a very good point, Spock. But I felt I should offer a newly married man the opportunity to protect his bride from possibly homicidal Betazoids."

"I have no doubt that Lt. Uhura would ably handle herself in the face of a Betazoid attack of any nature."

"No doubt."

"I also have no doubt that Lt. Stone could ably handle herself in the event of an altercation." Spock looked straight at him with that unnerving gaze that he could muster when he wanted Kirk to know that he knew exactly what Kirk was thinking.

Jim cleared his throat. "Yes, I'm sure that Lt. Stone can handle herself just fine."

"I was impressed with Lt. Stone's idea to present you as her Consort. According to Betazoid law, you now have many of the rights and abilities of someone with senior status on the planet. It will make our attempt to speak with the Matriarch easier. She is quite intelligent."

Jim's eyes widened and he realized that what he was feeling at that moment was flat-out surprise. "Spock, are you trying to tell me that you approve of Lt. Stone?"

Spock's eyebrow rose slightly. "Nyota has informed me that an undefined relationship exists between you and Lt. Stone and instructed me to offer my encouragement." He sounded more than a little disgusted and Jim's lips twisted in an effort to keep a straight face. "While I informed her that this was not the appropriate time to discuss personal matters with the Captain of a starship, she was quite adamant that I ensure you are not angry with Lt. Stone for her decision on the bridge. I felt that my positive assessment of this plan and an accurate description of her more admirable qualities would be sufficient."

Jim couldn't help but laugh out loud at that. "I never took you for one to bow to his wife's demands."

"As you pointed out, Captain, I am a new husband." Spock's voice took a sardonic turn. "I would like to remain such in the near future." Jim laughed harder. "Additionally, the majority of your command staff believes that if you are not already in a relationship with Lt. Stone you will be soon. I felt it best to confront that possibility head-on."

"What?" That sobered him up quickly. He did not want there to be any questioning glances toward Lyla regarding her relationship with a commanding officer. While he and the command staff were aware that she was not officially a Starfleet officer at this time, the rest of the crew didn't, and the last thing he wanted were rumors regarding any extracurricular activities to follow her around. "I wasn't aware that Lt. Stone and I had made any public gestures that would give that impression."

Spock's voice was very firm, more so than usual. "Neither you nor Lt. Stone have behaved inappropriately in public. I highly doubt that any of the crew could or would insinuate that such a relationship exists." He hesitated slightly but plunged forward. "Those of us who consider you a…friend…are very aware that your behavior toward Lt. Stone indicates more affection than a commanding officer would show toward a subordinate."

Jim hesitated, as a thought occurred to him. Here was a Vulcan man who had supreme control over his own emotions and an appreciation for logical thought and action – yet he had just married a human woman. He was also a friend – and possibly the one person who could help him understand all the strange feelings coursing through him whenever he looked at or even thought of Lyla Stone. "Spock, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Yes."

"How did you know that what you felt for Uhura was more than just a physical attraction? I mean, how did you know that she was different from other women?" He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, aware that his question was giving away his own feelings – making him vulnerable.

"Lt. Uhura and I had a more unique situation than most human couples. She is the only woman, other than my original betrothed on Vulcan, who I have been involved in a romantic relationship with." Spock's face was impassive as ever.

"Oh, well. Never mind then." Jim placed his hands on his desk and moved to stand.

"However," Spock interrupted, "I believe that I can still answer your question. Uhura – Nyota – was a dilemma for me, as you know. I felt that I had a duty to the Vulcan people to marry a Vulcan woman and sustain our race. I found, however, that I could not leave her company."

"Why not?" Jim was actually intrigued by this. The relationship between Uhura and Spock had intrigued him since its abrupt revelation in the transporter room a year ago.

Spock's answer was simple and direct. "Her presence improved my very being, my thoughts were clearer – the room around me was. My life was improved. Simply put, I am a better man and Vulcan when she is a part of my life."

Kirk was shocked by this response. Spock, in his Vulcan way, was saying that Uhura's very presence made him happy. This, was in effect, how he felt around Lyla. It was food for thought.

"Don't you want to quote the regulations regarding inappropriate relationships between subordinate and commanding officers?"

"Why would I? According to a legal treaty signed by both the Federation and Betazed, Lt. Stone is not a member of Starfleet at the moment and you are not her commanding officer." Spock frowned slightly. "I would remind you, though, that should your relationship with her continue for any period of time, that situation will eventually change."

"Spock, if I didn't know better, I would think you are telling me to pursue Lyla." Kirk smirked. "That's not what Uhura asked you to do."

"Scientific studies have shown that individuals in high stress positions with a stable personal life are far more capable of handling unexpected situations and rebounding from difficult ones quickly. As your first officer, I approve of anything that would decrease the stress of your position and allow you to function at a superior level as Captain of this vessel."

"Stress reduction. That's one reason I've never heard for starting a relationship. Sex, yes. Dating, no." Kirk leaned back in his chair and spun from side to side for a moment before standing up abruptly. "We should get going; it's almost time to beam down to the surface. I want all the members of the Away Team armed."

"I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable, Captain." Spock also stood, his hands automatically clasping behind him.

"Spock, how many times do I have to tell you that I like it when my friends call me Jim in private?"

"I apologize…Jim."

"And you didn't make me feel uncomfortable. You gave me something to think about." He walked around the desk and put his hand on Spock's shoulder, a physical gesture that the normally reticent half-Vulcan had grown accustomed to as their friendship developed. "And I appreciate your support."

Spock nodded, but did not respond. Jim turned toward the door leading to the Bridge. "Despite my usual habit of ignoring protocol, it's nice to know that a relationship with Lyla would have my by-the-book Vulcan first officer's stamp of approval." The door slid open and he walked toward the turbo lift, Spock close behind.

*************

Jim Kirk had briefly studied Betazed at the Academy during a familiarization class that all cadets were required to attend during their first year. He had also taken twenty minutes the day before to call up information on the planet in his office in an attempt to brush up, as he figured that a good Captain would know something about the planet he was currently attempting to prevent a coup on – and he did want to be a good Captain. He briefly perused the protocol database for information on addressing the members of the royal family. But nothing in those moments of study had prepared him for the lavish opulence of the Matriarch's royal palace on Betazed or the sight of Lyla in the formal dress of a member of the royal family. She had appeared in the transport room, Starfleet uniform exchanged for an elaborate set of robes she had created the day before with the assistance of a replicator and Quartermaster Juliet Blinde. Her hair was less sophisticated than what he had seen on Councilor Tamarin during their brief conversation, but it was far more intricate than he had seen on her before. Her natural inclination was a simple, functional style – something he appreciated about her. She had blushed pink when their eyes met and he grinned at her, but had explained to the group that it was inappropriate considering her current legal position to appear before the Matriarch as a member of the royal family in Starfleet dress. She was attempting to obey the law to the letter, which he already knew from his studies included a very formal process on the etiquette for speaking with the Matriarch, something usually reserved only for high-ranking Betazoid women and very few men.

As the shimmer of the transporter faded and the elaborate gardens of the royal palace materialized, Kirk found himself grateful to hear Bones' typical grumbling behind him. "Goddamn machine is going to malfunction one of these days and then we're gonna end up scattered all over the damn universe." Some things were dependable – Bones' irritated mood was one of them, and never failed to put Kirk into a good mood.

A contingent of male palace guards stood before them, Councilor Tamarin's furious face prominent at the front of the group. Lwaxana gripped his hand tightly, and he looked down. Despite having one hand in his and the other in Lyla's firm grip, Lwaxana looked scared and she peered up at him with an expression similar to the one on her face when she awoke in Sickbay following their rescue from the Suwayda. He smiled slightly to reassure her and looked up when Lyla began speaking.

"Councilor Tamarin, thank you for meeting with us." She inclined her head as the Councilor reciprocated stiffly.

"You did not give us much of a choice, Lyla." Tamarin's sneer was barely contained. "If this Captain Kirk is in fact your Consort, as you claim, you are within your legal rights to request an audience with the Matriarch. I assume you will want to present Lwaxana and claim the Matriarch's appreciation for her survival. At least you are dressed appropriately."

"I would never insult her Grace by appearing in my Starfleet uniform. I am aware of the delicate political situation that currently exists between the Federation and Betazed."

"And yet you were wearing a Starfleet uniform on board their ship. How very interesting that your allegiances change as easily as your clothing."

Tamarin's hands were curled into claws at her sides, and Kirk had the odd feeling that she was barely containing her desire to launch herself at Lyla. He momentarily resisted the urge to move closer to her, and then realized that with his position as Consort it would not be inappropriate. Moving closer to Lyla, he swung Lwaxana up into his arms, her chubby forearms wrapping around his neck. "The information that we have for the Matriarch is extremely time sensitive. We would appreciate if you could lead us to her Chambers immediately."

"You will not address me directly, Captain. Until the Matriarch has confirmed that you are indeed Lyla Stone's consort, you have no position on this planet and therefore no legal right to speak to a senior woman of Betazed." She turned abruptly, her robes swirling around her. Lyla turned to him and they shared a smile of silent encouragement before the entire Away Team began to follow the Councilor, surrounded by the palace guards, through a multitude of ornate rooms.

Lyla whispered next to him. "Matriarch Sabhanna is one of the most powerful telepaths on Betazed. She will be able to confirm that you and I are together, and her decisions are final."

Coming to a stop before a door embossed in gold, Tamarin turned to them. "Your Starfleet associates will remain here. Only Lyla, Lwaxana, and the Consort may proceed into the High Council chamber. A session is not on-going, so it will only be the Matriarch and her current counsel, Councilor Reittan." Lyla moved to speak, but thought better of it, and moved forward when the door swung open, Kirk following.

The Matriarch was smaller than he had imagined. A woman who wielded such authoritative power over an entire planet in his mind had seemed to be seven feet tall. In reality, she was several inches shorter than Lyla's own 5'6" frame. He placed Lwaxana on the ground, and could not help but grin as she immediately ran to the elderly woman, who embraced her tightly. Tamarin stood to the side, her face a grim shadow. A non-descript male, obviously Councilor Reittan, hung to the side near Tamarin, his eyes observing.

Lyla bowed deeply, her legs dipping close to the ground, her robes spreading out around her in a wide circle. "Your Grace." She glanced to the side at him and he quickly followed her lead, dropping into a low bow.

"I am grateful to you, Lyla Stone, for saving my granddaughter and returning her to her rightful place in the royal palace of Betazed." Her voice, much like her stature, was not what he expected. It was soft and difficult to hear.

"It was my great pleasure. You know that I consider Lwaxana like my sister."

"Councilor Tamarin informs me that you bring this un-titled male to speak with me – a Federation Captain. You are aware, are you not, of our laws and of the fact that Betazed is no longer a member of the United Federation of Planets?"

"Yes, your Grace." Lyla stood up and placed her hand on his arm. "Captain Kirk has become my Consort and I have chosen to fully share the minor honors that your Grace has so magnanimously bestowed upon me as your very distant relative. We both desire to utilize these powers to beg an audience with you."

The Matriarch did not release Lwaxana's hand, but moved closer, her robes gliding across the marble floor. Kirk was startled as she drew closer, her eyes appearing unfocused and her face vacant of the intelligence he had heard Lyla speak of briefly. "Councilor Tamarin does not believe this claim."

"I would never lie to you, your Grace. We are partners in every sense of the word."

"A sexual partner does not a Consort make." The serpent-like voice of Councilor Reittan startled Kirk and Lyla, but the Matriarch continued to stand almost distractedly in front of them. He seemed to slither forward, his robes trailing upon the floor, his bright eyes blue. His hand brushed against the back of the Matriarch's arm, who did not react to the movement. He heard Lyla's sharply indrawn breath at the gesture and a feeling of dread began to pool in his stomach. "Your Grace, you should not be forced to speak with someone who does not honor our traditions to their full extent."

"Minister Reittan is correct." The Matriarch wasn't even looking at them as she spoke and despite her attempts to remain stone-faced, Jim could clearly see the panic in Lyla's eyes. Councilor Tamarin was obviously not the only person here acting out of character. "You are partners physically, but you have not bonded yourselves together in the traditional Betazoid ceremony. I'm afraid that your Consort does not qualify to speak with me under Betazoid law." She turned away, Lwaxana's hand caught in hers, although the child silently kept her eyes on Kirk and Lyla.

"But, your Grace, that is only a technicality that has never been enforced before." Lyla's voice was growing desperate.

"It is being enforced now, Lyla Stone." The look on Reittan's face was triumphant. "So unless you and the Captain wish to quickly hold a Bonding ceremony, we are done here. Take the Federation vessel and leave immediately."

"You know the penalty for lying to the Matriarch." Tamarin drew closer, her eyes burning as if possessed. Her voice was vicious snarl. "As a member of the royal family, however bastard she may be, we should punish her."

Jim knew there was only one chance to salvage this opportunity and leaned forward to whisper in Lyla's ear. He could not speak to the Matriarch without causing insult, but he could have Lyla speak for him. The inability to speak out loud rankled.

"Tell her we were waiting to return to Betazed to perform the ceremony." Lyla's eyes grew huge with shock and she looked at him.

"Jim, do you know what we're suggesting?" Her mouth barely moved and her whisper was low enough that only he could hear it.

"Do you have a better idea? We have to speak to her away from these two snakes and this is the only way to do so, and keep you from being thrown in jail. Do it." He turned and smiled at the two Councilors, remembering the similarly wide grin he had presented to Majel Troi. They could go screw themselves if they thought some minor technicality was going to keep him from stopping their coup attempt.

Lyla shook her head as if to clear a daze, but plunged ahead. "Your Grace, we have not performed the required ceremony because I asked Captain Kirk to wait until we could return to Betazed. You know that I embrace my Betazoid heritage as much as my human heritage. We were hoping that you would be willing to witness the ceremony, as one of my few full-blooded Betazoid family members."

Sabhanna hesitated and turned around – Kirk noticed with no small amount of satisfaction that Reittan and Tamarin managed to look both horrified and full of rage at the same time. Reittan quickly moved to the royal's side, fingers digging harshly into the woman's arm. "Your Grace, this is highly inappropriate – Lyla Stone has insulted you and should not be granted the courtesy of a ceremony that she and her Federation compatriots are clearly manipulating for political benefit. They are abusing the memory of your murdered daughter."

Eyes closing in pain at the mention of Baril, Sabhanna wilted, appearing to physically grow even smaller before Kirk and Lyla's eyes. Jim saw the anger flush Lyla's face with red and smiled widely as she stepped forward, her voice ringing imperiously through the Hall. "Councilor Reittan, you have no authority over whether or not Captain Kirk and I perform the Ceremony of Binding. I was inviting my great-grandmother to participate in what will be one of the most important days of my life. We will be bound this afternoon here on Betazed and we will speak with her Grace. Whether it is today or tomorrow is at her discretion, not yours."

"You are not welcome here –" Reittan's harshly spoken words were interrupted by the Matriarch herself.

"Lyla, dear, of course I will be present at your Binding Ceremony. We few remaining Troi women must stick together." Her eyes were misty and unfocused, but she smiled tremulously at her great-granddaughter, unaware of Reittan's blatant rage next to her. "Tamarin, please schedule the ceremony for this afternoon in the southern gardens."

Tamarin grudgingly nodded, her disapproving glare sliding over all within the room.

"I'm very tired; I'd like to take a nap now." The Matriarch turned, with Lwaxana's hand in hers and walked slowly but steadily to a door at the other end of the room. Lyla looked distressed to see her great-niece walking into a palace that was so clearly under the control of individuals who were set to destroy the Troi family, but there was little she could do at this point. Jim turned to Reittan and Tamarin, the anger he felt flooding through him clearly visible on his face, and he was gratified that both Councilors flinched away from him in fear.

"We will hold the ceremony this afternoon and then Lyla and I will speak with the Matriarch immediately – alone." Kirk didn't even wait for their acknowledgement, before he wrapped his arm around Lyla, turning them toward the door and exiting into the room with a forceful walk. The doors slammed open in front of them, Uhura, Spock, McCoy and the rest of the Away Team jumping to their feet and quickly following in their wake down the hallway.

"Kirk to Enterprise." His communicator open in front of him, he did not withdraw his arm from around Lyla's shaking shoulders. "Seven to beam up."

**********

"You're getting married." Bones' humorous opinion of the entire situation, despite the intergalactic political implications of the surrounding events, was beginning to grate on Jim – especially the fact that he kept repeating that same sentence over and over again. Like Kirk could forget for even one second what he was being forced to do just to get around a pair of slimy brain-washed Betazoid nobles.

"No, we're just doing what we have to do to get an audience alone with the Matriarch – without those two goddamn Councilors hanging around manipulating her. I've got to give Lyla the opportunity to break whatever control it is that they have her under." Jim viciously yanked on the dress uniform collar that refused to fasten. "GODDAMMIT!"

"Try to relax or I'll give you a tranquilizer." Bones stepped forward and closed the clasp around his throat with no problem.

"You stay away from me – you and your fucking hypo sprays." Jim sat down on his bunk and began pulling on one of his dress shoes. "Neither of us is entering into this with any expectations - other than the fact that we're doing this to save Betazed from a coup and to try and salvage their relationship with the Federation."

"Uh-huh."

"What?!" Jim threw his other shoe on the floor and glared at his supposed best friend. "You want me to admit that I'm freaked out? Yes, okay, I'm freaked out. I'm freaked out that I'm being forced into a marriage. I'm freaked out that this will probably damage any chance of possibly developing a real relationship with that same woman – a woman I'm starting to develop real feelings for. This will be annulled once this is all over and she'll run screaming in the other direction. But I'm doing what I have to do – because that is what a good Captain does."

"Jim," Bones was shocked at Kirk's admission of feelings for Lyla. "I'm sure that she won't –"

"I don't want to talk about it, Bones." Kirk's head hung low, his shoulders slumped. "Please, let's just do what we need to do here."

"Why can't Lyla just explain the situation to the Matriarch, since she has the authority to speak with her and you don't?"

"Oh my God – why didn't I think of that?" Jim slapped his head against his forehead in mock surprise and then glared at McCoy even harder. "What do you think I am – a fucking idiot?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Lyla and I already ruled out that possibility. I don't think you're fully aware of how screwed up the rules are when it comes to Betazoid royals. And the rules on talking to the Matriarch are highly specialized – I looked them up myself. No individual person can request an audience with the Matriarch – it's considered too dangerous without at least one other individual or guard present, which is a law that Reittan and Tamarin are enforcing."

"Right. But with the two of you enjoying the same rights and privileges as Betazoid royalty once you are officially her Consort, you can request an audience alone with the three of you." McCoy openly snickered at the title Jim knew could officially be referred to within the next hour, but Kirk tried to restrain himself from throwing the punch his hand was itching to get out.

"Exactly. And those two Councilors can't say a thing to stop us."

The door chimed then, and Bones opened it to reveal Lyla, clad in the same Betazoid robes as before. She was clearly startled to see McCoy there in his own dress uniform and walked into the room hesitantly, as Jim finished pulling his other shoe on. Her voice was questioning. "Dr. McCoy, are you going to be present at the ceremony?"

"Someone has to stand up with our dear Captain."

"Oh." Her eyes crinkled in confusion and she turned to Jim. "I didn't think you would want anyone else present."

"Well, it would look a little weird if we were having a legitimate ceremony and I had no one to stand with me. We are trying to sell this thing, right?"

"I guess I just thought – considering the traditions – that you would want to keep this fairly private. Without any crew."

"Wait – what are you talking about?" Jim put his hand on her shoulder and grinned. "Please tell me there is nothing dangerous involved, possibly a run-away bouquet or a boutonniere gone wild – attacking people left and right."

Her eyes grew wide. "Jim, how familiar are you with Betazoid binding ceremonies?"

"Not at all. I thought I would just follow your lead. This is all kind of happening pretty quickly. We need to get in to see the Matriarch ASAP following the ceremony, so I thought we could just ask for the quickie version."

She sighed and leaned her head back in frustration. "I knew you had no idea what you were suggesting when you told me to tell them we wanted to do the ceremony."

His hand dropped from her shoulder, his brain finally registering that something he wouldn't like was about to happen. "Oh God. You mean there might be more ritual humiliation involved than just the act of marriage itself?"

Lyla laughed out loud and then turned to McCoy. "Doctor, can you excuse us for a moment?"

"Sure thing." McCoy stepped out into the corridor, the door sliding shut behind him, just as Uhura walked up. Bones was startled when he realized what she was wearing amounted to little more than a very elaborate bathrobe, belted at the waist. "No clean clothes, Lieutenant?"

Uhura glared at him in response. "Idiot. I'm preparing for the ceremony. Lyla said we would be beaming directly to the ritual site. Why are you even bothering to put on one of those uncomfortable dress uniforms?"

"What do you mean, why am I bothering? I'm the best man."

"Uh-huh." She was clearly struggling not to laugh now. "Are either you or the Captain aware that traditional Betazoid bonding ceremonies require all participants, including witnesses, to be nude?"

"WHAT?!!" The sound of Jim's shocked voice made it even through the mostly sound proof door. Bones' face was shocked at first, but then the corners of his lips turned up, Uhura's following, until they were both bent over, laughing uproariously in the corridor, younger officers grinning as they walked past, not even realizing what they were laughing at.