Notes: Yes, I know. It's a bit far-fetched in the Star Trek Universe to have a medicine cause Pon Farr, but bear with me and hopefully you'll get a chuckle or two out of this story. It was fun writing it. As always constructive criticism is welcome, but please be kind. Live Long and Prosper!
Amanda:
Chapter One:
We were recently bonded. In human terms, we had just gotten married. After only a week, I began my duties as a new member of the Federation and Sarek and I were to attend a business conference on the USS Angus with two other foreign Ambassadors. Serving as a translator, it was my job to facilitate the accurate communication of the Ambassadors should any complications arise. Although all Ambassadors of the Federation speak English, I was not one to question my superiors, especially Ambassador Sovol.
Leaving Vulcan early in the morning, I settled in our private quarters aboard the ship as we make the ten-hour journey to the USS Angus. As the hours passed my anxiety grew, with my stomach starting to react to the anxiety I sat on the floor on the bathroom next to the toilet taking slow deep breath trying to control the irrational nausea brewing in my stomach.
Sarek sensed my growing anxiety through our marital bond. Reaching his mind out to mind he sent a strong surge of calm through it. Laying down on the sofa, my body instantly began to relax.
"Anxiety is illogical." replied Sarek handing me a cup of Vulcan breakfast tea as I sit on the sofa.
"I can't help it." I said in an almost huff. "I'm nervous. This is my first mission as your wife and… my first time meeting the Ambassadors of Andorian and Teller."
"I have met them on a number of occasions." Sarek sat down beside me on the sofa, "If it is your physical wellbeing you fear I can assure you that they mean you no harm."
"No. It's not that," I replied blowing lightly on the rim of the white cup. "I just worry that… that I'll mess up." the thought seemed so irrational, so silly but I couldn't help it. I sighed and sipped the tea slowly.
"Your thoughts are illogical. In all my years in the federation there has not been a single human with your qualifications."
"I'm a language teacher," I reminded, "surely it is nothing special."
"A human speaking seven languages, including four Federation languages is, how you say, something special. It is my opinion that you are the only one qualified for the position of translator."
I cocked my head, "But, these Ambassadors do speak English," I asked, "surely they must if they are Ambassadors. I didn't want to say it, but I fail to see the purpose of me joining on this mission."
"They are newly appointed Ambassadors," explained Sarek, "and their English level is uncertain."
I drew in a sharp breath and sucked in some now tolerable warm liquid. It had been about two years since I had practiced the Ambassadors respective languages and the thought of messing up only made my stomach begin to turn and my heart rate elevate once more.
Oh god. I thought to myself, I don't know if I can do this.
With our approach drawing near I retired into the separate bedroom to get ready for the conference. Doing my makeup and hair was the easy part, but the wardrobe turned out to be a different matter. After nearly thirty minutes debating on what outfit to wear I finally stepped out in a floor length dark blue high neck dress that hugged my waist and hips comfortably.
"Is this appropriate attire for the mission?" I asked as I walked into the sitting room.
With Sarek's approval, I grabbed my matching head scarf on the sofa and wrapped it loosely around my head.
"Should I bring my makeup bag?" I asked as I intertwined my arm with his.
"I do not think that is necessary." he replied.
With a nod and several deep breaths, we walked out of our quarters and down the hall to the transport room. Offering his hand for support, I lifted the length of my dress and stepped onto the launch pad. I had only ever used a transportation pad twice before and I dreaded the feeling it gave.
"Are you ready?" Sarek asked, taking his place beside me.
I drew in a deep breath, looking down at the clear circular area that I stood in. My heart was beginning to beat out of my chest and for a second, I thought about running out of the room. If you run fast enough 'Manda you can make it back and lock the bathroom door.
"Amanda?" he called, I sensed concern in his voice.
I turned to him, and suddenly became frozen with fear. I seriously wanted to run off to our quarters and hide in the bathroom. After a moment of hesitation, I managed a nod before swallowing hard.
"I'm just nervous." I finally said.
My mind began to race with self-doubt and endless possibilities. 'Manda, these are foreign Ambassadors. You haven't met any other species other than Vulcans.
What if they are mean, what if they want to kidnap you and eat you alive?
Amongst the blows of my beating heart I felt a tightening in my chest, a tightening that almost made me keel over. I held my hand over my chest as I began to struggle for breath, I felt the tears well in my eyes.
What if they laugh when they figure out its you who are the translator? What if we get ambushed? What if. What if-
Just as I felt like I was fall to my knees, an overwhelming sense of calm overcame me along with the calm yet forced voice of my husband.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
Within moments, my breathing returned to a normal and his hand rested against my shoulder,
"If we do not leave now, we will be late for the conference."
I quickly nodded, suddenly feeling very foolish.
"Okay then. Let's go." I could have chuckled at the sound of the feigned enthusiasm in my voice. Sarek turned to the operative behind the glass and nodded.
The young Vulcan female was completely unmoved by the situation. She simply nodded and looked down at her controls. I saw her arms begin to move as I felt a warm feeling throughout my body, and a slight buzz.
I gripped the fabric of my dress and squeezed my eyes shut feeling a pulling sensation through my body. As the feeling faded, I forced my eyes open and before me was a young human female with brown curly hair in a white doctor's coat.
She stood with her arms crossed behind her back to the left of the Captain. A middle-aged man, I recognized the captain immediately. As I had spoken with him briefly when I toured Star Fleet several weeks ago. To his right him was Sarek's aide, Savek who I was relieved to see.
"Ambassador Sarek, Lady Amanda." beamed Captain James Montgomery. Lifting the bottom of my dress with one hand and taking Sarek's with the other I stepped off the launch pad and made our way over to the Captain and women. Captain Montgomery held up his hand in the Ta'al. To which Sarek reciprocated,
"Peace and long life, Captain. I see you have met my aide, Savek". Sarek turned to me, which immediately caused a rush of butterflies through my stomach. He held up his hand, his two forefingers extended, "And may I present she who is my wife, Amanda". I placed my fingers gently against his and despite all my efforts, I couldn't repress the beaming smile that appeared across my lips.
"It is lovely to make your acquaintance, Lady Amanda." He bowed his head, "I believe congratulations are in order. It is my understanding that you and Ambassador Sarek have just married."
"Yes, you are correct." I was surprised at how nervous my voice sounded. I almost shuttered when I heard a slight shake in my throat as I spoke.
"I am Captain James Montgomery of the USS Angus, but everyone calls me Jim." He turned to the dark-haired woman, "I would like to present to you the lead doctor of this ship Dr. Celina Montgomery, and first officer Mr. Martin Hewitt."
"Montgomery?" I asked. "Any relation?"
With the woman's beaming smile and arm suddenly wrapping around the Captain's waist I received my answer in a surprising two seconds.
"She is my wife." smiled Captain Montgomery, "We only married a month ago."
My smile returned and I gave a slight nod.
"I see. Congratulations. I wish you both peace and happiness." God damn I cursed myself, I should have said peace and long life.
"If I may inquire, Captain?" Sarek interjected, "Have the other Ambassadors arrived for our scheduled engagement?"
"The other Ambassadors have not arrived yet." Captain Montgomery responded, "The latest contact we had with them it appears they will be arriving in 30 minutes. If you both are agreeable, I would love to give you a tour of the ship."
I knew the answer would be immediately no. Sarek always reviewed his notes before conferences and always declined tours. Being his assistance for two years, I had become accustomed to taking the tours for him and within that time I had developed a keen interest in ships.
Thus, I couldn't help but be disappointed. Now that we were on this diplomatic mission together, wherever he went I expected that I likely had to follow. I felt his eye on me for a moment, before returning his attention to the Captain.
"If it would be acceptable Captain, I would like to review the agenda of the upcoming meeting." He paused and then turned to me before continuing. "However, I'm sure my wife would accompany you on your tour of the vessel, it is my understanding that she has a keen interest in the Tier Five ships."
I felt my stomach drop with both nervousness and shock. A small smile grazed my lips, and I reached my mind out to his and thanked him. I turned to the Captain,
"Of course," I managed, "I would love to see the ship." I turned to Captain Montgomery. "Please, lead the way."
After parting ways, the tour began. Accompanied by the Captain, he showed me different equipment and even demonstrated how a hand phaser worked. For self-defense, of course. As we moved on, reaching one of the many escape pods throughout the ship, the brown curly haired doctor walking down the corridor caught the corner of my eye.
I turned just as she walked up to us and presented two glasses of a sweet-smelling drink. She handed one to the Captain before presenting one to me.
"I thought that you would like a drink after your journey, Lady Amanda. I understand that you suffer from motion sickness."
"Yes. I do. What is in it, may I ask?" I took the glass and held it under my nose. Hmm… it smelled funny. Sweet… and nutty? I took a sip, chamomile and nuts. Hmm… weird, but soothing.
"This is a mixture of natural remedies for motion sickness such as peppermint, and chamomile to lower anxiety. I couldn't help but noticed you were looking a little flushed. I understand this is your first mission alongside Ambassador Sarek."
I was rather taken aback at how blunt and observant she was. I caught the captain give her a sharp look, and quickly came to the defense of his young and likely curious wife.
"It's alright." I said to the captain before turning to the young women. "And yes, to the motion sickness and the nerves. I have been feeling quite sick of fear all day even though this is not the first mission with Ambassador Sarek this is the first official mission I am attending as his wife and thus," I lowered my voice and leaned in, "it's terrifying."
"I understand, but you are doing very well so far. At least you didn't vomit on your colleague's shoes like I did on my first day."
"You forgot to eat." Captain Montgomery interjected, "That's different."
"Forget to eat?!" I almost shrieked, "How do you forget to eat?" I asked, "I love food, I can't imagine forgetting to eat!"
"Well, I had just worked a 12-hour shift at the hospital before getting word that I would be assigned to a year-long mission in space. I only had 24 hours to pack, say goodbye to my family, and prepare all of the medicine needed for the mission's duration, unfortunately eating just slipped my mind, until fifteen minutes into warp when I suddenly vomited over my crewmate's shoes."
I covered a laugh, that sounded terrible indeed. "I shouldn't be laughing. I'm sorry. But that does sounds awful, but I can understand the situation now, you seemed very busy trying to prepare everything in such a short period of time."
We continued to walk down the corridor deciding to forgo the usual tour, the three of us simply talked as if we were old friends. I held the glass between my lips and tilted the glass back finishing off the rest of the drink.
Suddenly, I felt a warm feeling creep up my chest and throat. When I took in a deep breath, I noticed a strange feeling in my throat. As my mouth filled with saliva, I found myself forcing it down with a swallow but as the seconds passed something didn't feel right. Suddenly, I couldn't swallow, and I couldn't breathe.
"Lady Amanda, are you alright?" I heard the doctor ask, but before I could even explain I felt my body hit the ground as I tried to force the air pass my throat and into my lungs.