Imagine if you will, your favorite disclaimer inserted here along with a generous serving of chocolate mousse!
A Risk Worth Taking
Sirin and Rachel got Paula calmed down. They gave her some herbal tea and then Sirin paged Dr. Ellis. When the older man appeared, Sirin started from the beginning and explained all about Pon Farr. He explained the cycle, the mating drive, the feelings of aggression and possessiveness, as well as the marking behaviors. He also drove home the point that an unresolved Pon Farr would be fatal.
He felt like he was betraying his people. Vulcans hardly spoke of Pon Farr among themselves, almost never with non-Vulcans. However, things would get much worse if Dr. Ellis had Trethis arrested. Who knows how many Terrans would learn of Pon Farr then!
Finally, he made Ellis understand that Paula had not been deliberately injured. Trethis had returned to his gentle ways by now. Paula had been reassured that Trethis would not be going to jail and Dr. Ellis was satisfied that Paula would be safe at home with Trethis. Both returned to their duties, leaving Rachel and Sirin alone in the doctor's lounge.
Rachel sat on the sofa looking at him. Finally, she spoke.
"I have some questions I'd like to ask, but this is not the place to do it. Can we go to your house?"
"Yes." He had an inkling what those questions might be. Here was definitely not the place.
They sat across from each other at his kitchen table. She wanted to be able to read his face and not be distracted by his touches.
"May I explain a few things before you ask your questions?" When she nodded, Sirin continued on.
"I will be facing Pon Farr in the near future. That fact has had nothing to do with my wanting to pursue a relationship with you. I was hoping that we would have progressed a little further in our relationship before I had to tell you about all of this. We have not even known each other two weeks yet. However, now that there is no choice in the matter, I find myself somewhat relieved. I will truthfully answer anything that you ask."
"Okay. First I need to get some facts straight in my head. This happens every seven years?"
"Approximately every seven Terran years. There is a lot of individual variation. Age, stress, general health, and nutrition are all factors that may alter that schedule."
"When was your last time?"
"It was six years, nine months and twenty-nine days ago."
"How did you handle it?"
"I formed a temporary bond with a consoler. A "consoler" is a specially trained healer who assists males who have no mates. A temporary bond is formed for the duration of Pon Farr. Then it is broken afterward. This process is rather cold and impersonal."
"Do you plan to do this again?"
"If I have to, yes. I have no wish to die."
"It could happen at any time now, couldn't it?"
"Yes. There are some warning signs and some increases in certain hormone levels just prior to the onset. I have been having them checked weekly for about two months now. So far there is no change."
"Okay. Those are all of the questions I have for now. I should probably go home. I have a lot to think about."
"Rachel, I never intended to pressure you."
"I know." Rachel also knew in her heart what she wanted to do. She just wondered if she had the guts to do it.
This time when he walked her to her door, they did not kiss goodnight. Sirin wondered if he would ever see Rachel again.
Esther was in the kitchen in her usual spot. Rachel did not look happy.
"What's wrong, baby girl?"
"It's complicated, Mom. Too complicated to talk about right now."
"Love usually is."
Rachel headed off to bed. It was hours before she slept. When she finally did, she dreamed of a hungry monster with sharp claws, long teeth, and Sirin's eyes. Then the dream changed. She and Sirin sat on a blanket under a tree, playing with a precious, pointed-eared baby.
He had dreamed again. He did not dream often. This might mean that his "time" was approaching. It was more of a nightmare, actually. He was holding Rachel, dancing with her. A beast whose face he could not see snatched her away. He ran after them, but the beast was faster. Soon there was only a trail of red blood.
On Monday afternoon, after his last class, Cadet Spock reported in for his check-up. When the nurse took his vital signs, she was quite pleased, especially with his weight. He had gained back everything he lost during his illness plus half a kilo.
Rachel was pleased with his progress, too. She would not need to see him for a week. She made a slight adjustment to his supplements and sent him on his way, watching him as he went.
Spock had been someone's little pointed-eared baby. He was now twenty-one years old. Amanda had been married to Sarek for a few years before Spock was born. That meant Amanda had been through Pon Farr at least three times. Rachel needed to talk with Amanda and Paula, soon.
Sirin had picked up his comm unit at least ten times, wanting to call Rachel. Each time he stopped himself. She needed time and some personal space. If he pressured her, he might lose her forever. He did not want to take that risk.
Now that he knew that Paula had a Vulcan bond-mate, he asked her to become his personal physician. He would no longer have to think up excuses for his weekly hormone level tests. It helped to know that Paula was Rachel's friend. Perhaps they might talk together.
Paula agreed to stop by Rachel's office on her way home. She was dreading their meeting, afraid Rachel was going to scold her about her relationship with Trethis. She found Rachel with a bit of difficulty. The Academy Medical building was laid out like a maze.
When Paula said that to Rachel, she just laughed. "That's probably why they treat us like lab rats! Have a seat. I need to pick your brain about something."
"That's a relief. I thought you wanted to yell at me for bonding with a Vulcan or for not telling you about it."
"I'm mad at you for not telling me, but I'll probably get over it. You see, the thing is that I've kind of found my own Vulcan, and things have gotten quite serious and pretty quickly at that."
"Oh, you and Sirin. I didn't realize. Rachel, that's wonderful. He seems like a great guy."
"He is. I just don't know if I would be able to go through what you just went through. I'm not sure that I am brave enough. How did you manage it?"
"Part of the problem was that Trethis almost waited too long. He very nearly died, trying to meditate his way through, instead of bonding and mating with me. He didn't want to hurt me, but he also didn't want to bond with anyone else. He tried to lock himself away in the basement to die. Thankfully, self-preservation kicked in and we got together. It was brutal and painful, but not as painful as losing him would have been. Bonding with a Vulcan is a risk, but if you love each other, it's a risk worth taking."
"I needed to hear that. Thanks."
"Okay, hon. Let's try not to be strangers any more. I"ve gotta run. Trethis is making me an "apology dinner." Boy, can that man cook."
The two women hugged each other goodbye.
That night when she dreamed, the monster came again. This time he was not quite so big, not quite so scary. When she reached out to touch him, he purred like a kitten.
He was holding Rachel again. This time they stood along the shore. A wave came and washed him out to sea and then flung him back. Another wave came before he could reach her, carrying him away again. And again it tossed him back. This time she caught him and dragged him up on the firm ground. "I love you, I won't let you die" was all that she said.
On Tuesday after his last class, Spock changed into civilian clothes and waited for Sirin to pick him up. Sirin was only a few minutes late, not bad for a busy surgeon. They decided to go to an East Indian vegan restaurant for dinner. Spock had eaten there many times before with his family. The proprietor recognized him right away.
"Spock, you are looking every inch the fine young man. Are you still at the Academy?"
"Yes, I will graduate in May and hopefully go to a starship. Oh, pardon my manners. Mr. Patel, this is my cousin, Sirin."
"Welcome, Sirin. You wouldn't be Dr. Sirin, the orthopedic surgeon, would you?"
"Yes, actually I would be."
"You fixed my mother's hip. Now we can't keep her at home. It's so peaceful. My wife and I are so happy now. Thank you."
"You are most welcome."
Mr. Patel brought them extra naan.
When they got to Sirin's house, the cousins decided to play chess. Sirin seemed quite distracted and Spock defeated him several times easily. Finally, Spock suggested that they cease playing.
"Cousin, you do not seem like yourself tonight. May I inquire as to what is wrong?"
"Rachel found out about Pon Farr. We have a mutual acquaintance, a doctor I work with who went to school with Rachel. This doctor has a Vulcan bond-mate. When she came to work with bruises, I had to intervene or the bond-mate would have been arrested. I had intended to explain things to Rachel in my own time. I did not wish to pressure her."
"I assume that you also told Rachel that your "time" would be coming soon."
"Yes. This was Sunday night. We have not spoken since."
"Perhaps she just needs time to digest what she has learned."
"I hope that is the case. It is getting late, cousin. Time to return you home."
It was just after dinner in Shi'Kahr. Fortunately Sarek had a meeting, so Amanda did not have to explain why she was getting a call from Spock's doctor. Though he would not admit to such, Sarek had been rather concerned about his son. He had also been angry at the VSA doctors who had ignored his child's pain. Perhaps Starfleet was not such as bad idea after all, though he was not ready to admit that aloud.
"Good morning Rachel. Actually, isn't it three am there?"
"Yes, I couldn't sleep. First of all, don't worry. Spock is just fine, even gained a little weight. I'm calling because I have a few concerns about a certain situation, a "cyclic" situation. I want to know how a human woman endures it."
"Mentally or physically? Mentally is the hardest part. The mating comes in waves. Knowing that another wave is coming can be unnerving. It's also hard to see the man you love lose control, actually seem to lose himself for a while. Then there's the exhaustion, that's mental and physical. You don't get much sleep."
"Physically, it can be rough. Vulcans are very strong, even stronger during their "season". It may be a little easier for you. You are in much better physical shape than I was at your age. But the worst I've ever had was some bruises and a few cracked ribs. Oh, I need to warn you about "marking behavior". Vulcan males like to bite and they like to be bitten. It sounds kind of kinky, but it is an instinct with them. It's actually kind of arousing, once you get used to it."
"Amanda, do you ever regret it, your choice, I mean?"
"I have rough days, Rachel, but no regrets. I love Sarek very much. And if I didn't have Sarek, then there'd be no Spock."
"Amanda, thank you so much. You've been a big help."
"You're welcome my dear. Keep me posted."
They were wading in a cool shallow pool. He was hot, so hot that the water turned to steam where it touched him. She had a bucket and kept pouring it on him. "I won't let you burn, she said."
This time when the monster came, she kissed him, and he turned into a prince, tall and handsome. She wore a dress of white satin and a veil of lace.
When she awoke on Wednesday morning, Rachel knew what she would do. She showered and dressed in her best jeans and a dark green sweater. She brushed her hair until it shown and put on the earrings Sirin had given her.
"Good morning, Mom." Rachel nearly bounced into the kitchen. She inhaled a piece of toast and washed it down with orange juice.
"Good morning, Rachel. You're in a good mood today."
"Yep. I'm gonna go do something crazy on my day off."
"Like what, get married?"
"Nope, not today. Today I'm just gonna propose."
"Really. Anybody I know? Perhaps a certain handsome doctor?"
"You're not even going to try to talk me out of it, are you?
"I'm too smart to try to mess with love at first sight. Give Sirin a kiss for me."
"I will. Gotta go now, bye!"
Rachel walked to the end of the street and caught the transport. She changed at Union Station and caught another to San Francisco General. Once there, she consulted a directory and found the building and floor for Sirin's office. She checked in with Mrs. Chang, the receptionist, giving her name and stating that this was a personal visit. Mrs. Chang informed her that the doctor was in surgery, but they expected him any minute.
Rachel settled herself in with her PADD and read a few journal articles. About twenty minutes later, Sirin walked in, surprised to see her. He took her hand and led her through reception.
"Mrs. Chang, please hold all calls except for emergencies."
"Yes, Doctor." Mrs. Chang was dumbfounded. She whispered to the nurse. "Ethel, you were right. He's got a girlfriend!"
Once inside Sirin's office, Rachel assaulted him with kisses. He did not seem to mind. Eventually, they came up for air.
"Sirin, I've been doing a lot of thinking over the past few days. I finally reached a conclusion. I figured out what would make me happy. I hope it will make you happy, too."
She grabbed his hand and made him sit down next to her on the sofa.
"S'chn T'gai Sirin, will you marry me?"
"Are you asking me to be your bond-mate? Have you really thought this through?"
"I haven't thought of much else for a couple of days now. I've evaluated the risks, which are far outweighed by the benefits. I want to be with you, and that means I want all of you, warts and all. Besides, I have a few warts of my own."
"Such as?"
"I have terrible temper and a tendency to become overly absorbed in my work. I can be a bit of a slob, and I like to read trashy novels. Is that going to be a problem?"
"Trashy novels, you say? Hm, I may have to reconsider...."
Rachel playfully smacked his arm.
"Rachel, I accept your proposal. You will most likely no longer have time for trashy novels." With that, he swept her into his arms and demonstrated just how he planned to keep her busy. They almost did not hear Ethel when she knocked. The pair sat bolt upright and Rachel quickly smoothed Sirin's hair back into place.
"Come in."
"Doctor, your first patient is here."
"I will be right there, Ethel. Thank you."
"Doctor, you might want to fix your collar."
"I will tend to it right now."
Ethel had no more shut the door when Rachel erupted into giggles. Sirin gave her one last kiss.
"I will return. Please do not leave. We have much to discus."
Sirin spent the next two hours seeing patients. Rachel stayed busy reading first her medical journals and then some of his. Finally, there was a break between patients.
"I am unfamiliar with the legal requirements for a marriage involving Starfleet personnel. What must we do?"
"I must get permission from my commanding officer and submit to a physical and mental examination to determine my fitness for ….Oh, crap. I never thought about it before, but now it sounds so demeaning."
"What is demeaning, Rachel?"
"In order for a member of Starfleet to marry a person of another species, it must be established that there has been no coercion, hence the psychiatric exam."
"This seems a sensible precaution. When Sarek and Amanda married, there were those who thought that he had somehow compelled her against her will. I would be glad to have documented evidence that I had done no such thing to you."
"I have participated in such evaluations. One of the first questions that they ask is "How long have you known each other?" Anything less than six months requires a very detailed investigation which can slow the whole process down. We might have to bond without permission in the meantime. This could lead to big problems if we are discovered."
"What kind of problems?"
"At the very minimum, there would be an official reprimand. It would become part of my service record. I could face court martial and lose my commission and be dismissed from Starfleet. Then I would have to repay them for medical school. The very worst that might happen is prison time. That would be the extreme case."
"Rachel, you would be risking a lot. Perhaps we should not do this."
"Sirin, we may encounter no difficulties with Starfleet at all. At any rate, I consider you to be worth the risk. That being said, we should start seeking permission right away. Are you busy this afternoon?"
"I can be free by 1430 hours, barring any emergencies."
"Good. I'll need to be in uniform. The office we'll need to report to is in the same building as mine. Meet me there as soon as you can. Bring copies of all your official documents such as birth certificate, citizenship, education, medical license, etc. It's best to be as prepared as possible."
Sirin and Rachel spent two and half hours filling out forms and attaching copies of files. The process for permission to form a domestic partnership with a member of an alien species was complicated. When they had finished everything, they turned the PADDs with completed forms into the clerk at Personnel Support. She smiled at them and asked if she should put on rush on these.
"Yes, please!" they both replied.
As Sirin walked Rachel to her office so she could change back into her "civvies", he wondered aloud just how long the process would take. Neither one were quite prepared for the reaction they got when Rachel's supervisor, Dr. McKenzie met them in the hallway, brandishing a PADD.
"Silverstein, what is the meaning of all of this? When did you get engaged? Is this your fiance? Why am I always the last to know about these things?"
Rachel looked at Sirin. "Wow. That was fast!"
