Chapter 9

Kirk sat in the lounge, drinking one scotch after another. Yeoman Rand was attractive, but certainly no challenge. She was constantly making eye contact and asking if he needed anything. Tonight, he thought he just might take up on her offer. He stood up and made his way to the turbolift eventually finding his way to Lieutenant Uhura's quarters. He was about to ring the chime when he heard a sound inside the room.

He leaned forward against the door craning his neck to listen. He could hear Nyota moaning as Spock made love to her. He leaned closer to hear what sounded like growling from Spock. He reared back and shook his head. Perhaps he would go easier on the scotch next time.

Spohkh, oh…Spohkh… Taluhk nash-veh k'dular," Nyota cried out.

Spock took Uhura by the hair, gently tugging backward to expose her neck.

"Ashayam, You…are…mine." As Spock proceeded to mark her neck with his teeth, her cries became unintelligible.

Standing outside with his ear pressed against the door. Kirk seethed, he had wanted to be her first.

He then heard Spock's voice bellow, "Nyota, tal-kam ashayam, you are my bond-mate, my wife."

Uhura lay in Spock's arms exhausted but exhilarated from the experience. He had been her first and he would be her only lover. She had not planned this to be the case. She dated at the academy, but the other men paled by comparison to Spock.

Then there was silence as Spock embraced Nyota as his bond-mate for the first time.

Light years away, Ambassador Spock lay in bed relishing his new bond-mate Nyota and emotions he allowed himself to experience for the first time through his bond with Spock.

Outside Uhura's quarters, Kirk was overwhelmed by his jealousy. In his drunken state, he kicked the door and proceeded to make his way down the corridor.

Uhura was startled by the noise. "Spohkh, what was that noise."

She was shocked as Spock gave her a slight smile and replied, "Be calm my wife, I am sure it is just vermin."

Wife? Did Spock actually call Uhura his wife? Kirk thought to himself.

He was drunk and he couldn't be clear in his mind. They hadn't married prior to leaving earth, it could not be. Just the same he was angered by the prospect of Spock being Uhura's first lover. He continued on to Yeoman Rand's quarters. She would provide him with some consolation.

.**+**

The next morning, prior to their shift, the couple approached Captain Kirk in his Ready Room.

"Captain, although it is not customary to speak of such things with non-Vulcans, we feel that the special circumstances merit your involvement.

Kirk looked up dazed and disgruntled. He had a hangover and Yeoman Rand had been buzzing his comm all morning. Her consolation had proven to be no prize after all. Now she was claiming a role as the captain's woman.

"What is it that you need, Commander Spock?" He said impatiently, he noticed that Lieutenant Uhura was uncharacteristically quiet. Her lower neck was marked with a bruise that resembled teeth marks. She adjusted her collar to conceal the mark.

Kirk grimaced and rubbed his hand on face and nose in revulsion.

"We have bonded, according to Vulcan tradition. However, Nyota… Lieutenant Uhura would also like to host a small Terran ceremony on board the ship."

"Oh, is that right?" Kirk snickered.

"So you want to get married and you want me to perform the ceremony, Lieutenant ?" Kirk smirked. He was in his element and he was going to draw this out as long as possible.

Spock took a step forward and replied, "Lieutenant Uhura is my wife according to Vulcan tradition. As my bond-mate, she will not speak on such matters with you. It is considered inappropriate."

Uhura looked up at Spock as he spoke, "I will make all the necessary arrangements.

We will also be making a trip next year to New Vulcan for the formal ceremony on New Vulcan. I will make arrangements for shore leave at that time."

Kirk nodded his head and waved his hand impatiently.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Kirk asked looking at the Lieutenant and then hesitantly toward Spock.

Spock took another step forward, this time Kirk thought he heard a subtle growl from his chest as Spock's lips formed a slight sneer.

Kirks sat back in resignation "Fine, fine, you can have your ceremony." He spat out the words. "See Yeoman Rand." Kirk rubbed his forehead again. His head hurt at the mention of Rand's name.

He continued," for the uh… the documentation."

Spock nodded and held up his middle and index fingers in the Ozh'esta, as was the custom in Vulcan culture.

"My wife, attend me." He commanded.

Nyota nodded and stepped forward placing her index and middle finger on Spock's fingers. They turned and left the ready room.

Kirk watched them as they moved in tangent toward the door. The change in Uhura and Spock was significant. She had become reserved and quiet. He had become almost human. Kirk shuddered as he replayed the events in his head. Spock appeared almost animal like in his response to Kirk's incessant questioning.

As they left the room, Kirk pressed the button on his comm. "Yeoman Rand" This is Captain Kirk. Please report to my Ready Room." He opened the drawer and poured a shot of scotch. As he drank it, he contemplated the consolation that he would desire at the moment.

Commander Spock returned to his quarters to briefly send a message to Sarek and Ambassador Spock about the formal bonding ceremony. It would be his twenty-eighth year and he planned for the ceremony to coincide with his Pon Far. Sarek replied, saying that he would make the arrangements.

On his way back to the bridge, Spock considered how his relationship with Sarek had changed since the destruction of Vulcan. Since Spock had destroyed Nero and his ship in vindication for the loss of Vulcan and his mother, he no longer felt contempt from his father. There was no challenge to his choice of Lieutenant as his bond–mate. Moreover, the other Vulcans no longer made comments regarding his human heritage. If they had been human, he might have interpreted their responses to him since the death of Nero as gratitude.

Lieutenant Uhura also returned to her quarters briefly to inform her mother of the upcoming ceremony. She was saddened that she could not attend. Naturally she would want to host a reception on Earth in the future. As Lieutenant Uhura headed back to the bridge, she smiled at the thought of Spock actually growling at Kirk and the look of Kirk cowering in submission. She had waited for Spock, despite the urging from Gaila and the others to pursue a human male and she was now reaping the rewards for her patience.

The Terran wedding ceremony was brief, but it was enough for all to recognize their bond. Kirk appeared petulant at times as they progressed through the ceremony. During the reception, Yeoman Ryman had stationed herself at Kirk's side. This gave Commander Spock and Lieutenant Uhura respite from Kirk's unwanted jibes.

The couple was greeted by many members of the crew who now respected Commander Spock for his efforts to save Earth and destroying Nero and his ship. Starfleet was misinformed on the matter, but the crew knew without a doubt that Spock has risked his life for their lives. He also managed to ignite the imagination of others for being the off-worlder who captured the heart of the woman who had been the most desirable female cadet at Starfleet Academy.

Spock held his bride in his arms and curled the edges of his lips ever so slightly. He had reconciled his loss. The destruction of the planet Vulcan allowed him to relax in the comfort of his true identity as a human and a Vulcan. As for his plans for the future, he still felt a tremendous loss due to the destruction of Vulcan and the death of his mother, but he had a new familial bond through Nyota, his bond-mate, and now his wife. All that was left was to restore his career.

Eight week went by uneventfully until Kirk noticed Uhura in the gym working out. Her body was lean and toned. Her caramel colored skin glistened with sweat. The black shorts hugged the curve of her hips and round butt. The sweat drenched shirt barely yielded to the swollen breast behind it. Was it possible that Lieutenant Uhura's breast had gotten bigger he wondered.

Yeoman Rand worked out beside Uhura at a much slower pace. Since Uhura was bonded to Spock and Rand had formed an attachment to Kirk, thanks to his late night visits, they spent more time together. Kirk grimaced when he had heard Rand refer to the she and Uhura as "two old married ladies." He had to find a way to change Uhura's mind.

Yeoman Rand left the gym and headed to her quarters. Lieutenant Uhura remained working out on the machine for a while longer. Such discipline! Kirk admired in her, for discipline was his greatest weakness, that and patience. He had become accustom to having all that he desired at the academy, he even got the enterprise. It was not too late to get Uhura. He looked about the gym for Spock. As first officer he had schedule Uhura's shift to align with his. It was a rare moment to see her alone without Spock lurking about.

Uhura was just about done with her workout. She knew that Kirk had been watching her, but she would not allow that to deter her. She was drenched with sweat when she finished for the evening. Yeoman Rand had left after a brief flirtation with Kirk. He sent her to her quarters down the corridor; no doubt she would wait all evening for him to arrive. Uhura sighed and felt pity for her friend as she made her way toward the door.

Kirk stepped in front of her. All too often, he smelled of scotch. Today was no different.

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand a gesture that seemed to embolden him to make his next move.

"Here comes the bride." Kirk smiled as he said it, but there was no doubt that he was being sarcastic.

Uhura took a deep breath. She was fed up with his flirting and innuendo. She would set him straight right here and now. She formed a fist with her hand. Suddenly calm flowed throughout her body.

Calm yourself, kid'wa, I am near. Spock spoke to her through their bond.

Spock had felt her anger though their bond. He was using the bond to ease her feelings. Uhura smiled inwardly, in the brief time of her bond she had only felt his presence when they were alone, and touching. She sighed and smiled realizing that she would never be alone again.

Kirk watched the emotional transformation of the woman before him. She was enraged one moment and calm, the next.

Must be Spock's meditations He thought to himself.

She sighed. He watched with delight as her breast heaved in the sweat drenched tee shirt as she calmed herself, watching her only ignited his desire.

"Excuse me, Captain." She pushed past him. Her breasts rubbed against him as she attempted to squeeze by. This only served to fuel his desire even more. He pivoted his body blocking her exit. She would not challenge him, he was the captain. Where would she go back to the academy to teach in the linguistics department? He was betting on the fact that her desire to be an officer was much stronger than her so-called bond with Spock. He reached out, gently stroking her arm.

Come on Nyota, we are friends. He coaxed. "I am just trying to keep you from making the biggest mistake of your life."

She slapped his hand away and turned her face toward the door.

Kirk stepped closer. He was out of patience. He was the captain. She would be his woman, not Spock's.

He grabbed her face with his hand.

"Lieutenant, you are insubordinate. I would hate for you to lose this commission before we even leave this sector." He smiled, allowing his hands to roam along her body. He reached down and groped her. A tear rolled down her cheek.

Uhura began to struggle and he slammed her against the wall.

Suddenly, the door opened. Spock was a blur as he made his way to her side.

"You shall not touch she who is my wife." He roared, punching Kirk hard against the jaw. He then lifted him up and slammed his body to the deck.

Kirk's body ached, he rubbed his jaw.

"I am the captain of this ship." He shouted incredulously.

"You are insubordinate, mister." He said, struggling to get to his feet.

The security detail arrived. A small group of curious onlookers also responded to the commotion and watched the scene unfold.

"Security, take Mr. Spock to the brig. I will see to Lieutenant Uhura myself." He gloated.

He had not planned it, but things were working out fine. Spock would be off the ship and Uhura would have to earn her place on the bridge.

Once again he grabbed Uhura by the arm, stroking it with his thumb while smiling mockingly at Spock. Uhura could feel Spock losing control through the bond. Know it would cost him his career to attack the captain she pulled her arm lose.

"Don't touch me!" She yelled, slapping Kirk in the face.

She then walked over to security and said, "Take me to the brig with my husband."

As she walked out of the door, she spotted Yeoman Rand. Janice searched Uhura's face for some understanding.

"Janice, please send Dr. McCoy to see me." Janice stared back blankly, "Please."

Janice nodded and hurried down the hall.

In the brig, Spock held Uhura in his arms. His eyes glistened as they did on the night they bonded.

"Are you well, k'diwa. " He asked.

"I am well as long as I have you my love." she replied kissing him passionately.

"There is something that I must tell you." She started, but she was interrupted by the sound of Dr. McCoy.

"I know you are newlyweds, but this is no kinda honeymoon suite." He chuckled.

Spock stood up. He had regained his composure. "How is the captain?"

"He is ok, he has a bit of a headache but that could be due to the scotch as much as the body- slam." He said rubbing his chin.

He signaled to the security officer to turn off the confinement field.

"Next time you want time alone, put in for shore leave." He said smiling at Spock.

Spock nodded, his lips slightly curving upward at the joke.

McCoy had never been a fan of Spock at the academy. He felt that he was too uptight and rigid. Lately though, he had noticed a change in Spock that he liked. He was sure that they had Lieutenant Uhura to thank for the recent change. On the other hand, McCoy, like the other officers had begun to wonder if Starfleet had made a grievous mistake placing his friend James T. Kirk in charge of the flagship.

"Come on along, it is time for you two to kiss and make up." Uhura took Spock's hand.

"Not you two. I mean Kirk and Spock." Uhura released Spock's hand and followed the men into the corridor.

"Dr. McCoy, I would like to see you sometime today." Uhura said.

"Is it urgent?" he replied.

"Let's just say it is very important." She said, smiling.

"I will meet you in sickbay first thing in the morning He said over his shoulder as he headed out of the brig.

Kirk sat across the table glaring at Spock. He wanted him off of the ship, but McCoy had reminded Kirk that Spock was the most experienced and knowledgeable officer on the ship. Kirk relented, but only if the Vulcan apologized.

McCoy had relayed this to Spock and the men sat face to face for the first time since the altercation.

"Well," McCoy said clapping his hands. "Shall we start?" he said looking back and forth at the two officers. No one would suspect that the Vulcan had been involved in an altercation. He was completely calm, his face impassive. Kirk looked much worse. His face had darkened from the blow and his uniform disheveled.

"Captain" Spock began. "I wish to apologize for injuring you."

McCoy nodded his head eagerly, "That's good Spock. Now Captain, it is your turn."

"Well, I guess things got a little out of control down there. I should not have touched Lieutenant Uhura."

"Indeed." Spock replied.

McCoy smiled big, "Okay that settles that. Spock will keep his hands to himself and Kirk will keep his hands to himself. "

He chuckled, "…just like kindergarten."

Kirk began to laugh, "Yes, I guess it is."

He rose from his seat and slapped Spock on his shoulder

"Next time I touch Lieutenant Uhura I will make sure you are not around." He joked lightheartedly.

Spock spun on his heels and faced the captain, his eyes darkening.

"Next time you touch Lieutenant Uhura, Captain, I will certainly endeavor to kill you."

He turned and walked out the door.

Both Kirk laughed nervously as Spock exited the Ready Room.

Kirk looked at McCoy nervously, "Did Spock just make a joke?"

"For your sake, I hope so." McCoy replied.

Glossary:

Taluhk nash-veh k'dular" (I cherish thee)

tal-kam ashayam (dear one, my beloved)