The transporter vessel settled on the landing pad, kicking up red dust in the distance.
"Presenting U.S.S. Enterprise Captain James T. Kirk," The herald announced to the immediate group of dignities and forming crowd of civilians.
Steam released as the door lowered. "Greetings," Kirk stepped forward and gave a Vulcan salute. "Administrator V'las, Ambassador Sarek."
"Presenting First Officer Spock," As announced, he appeared in the doorway and paused to give a salute. For the first time, perhaps in his career, he received a larger series of applause than did the Captain.
"Presenting Dr. Vida of New Vulcan," The applause peaked with her. Bells were shaken in her honor. An assistant handed her a bouquet of local flowers. It took every ounce of Vulcan blood for her to suppress a smile.
"Welcome home doctor," Administer V'las saluted her, "I wanted to be present to thank you personally for your act of bravery and self-sacrifice during the attack of the Pike Memorial Research Station." People clapped. "Thanks to your research, New Vulcan hopes to see a population rebound in coming years."
"Mr. Spock is the one in deserving of gratitude. Were it not for his insistence on my rescue, I would have surely perished."
Spock too had to suppress feelings: that of surprise and gratitude. He watched Vivian behave with grace and dignity and was filled with respect and admiration.
The group moved inside to a conference room of sorts, on a high story with floor to ceiling windows. They were offered seats and beverages. Vivian handed over data chips and documents.
"Dr. Vida, we are pleased by your safe return and we hope that you would choose to continue your work." The Administrator explained.
"I plan to, once I have access to new lab space."
"We anticipated as much, and would like to offer you laboratory space in the Vulcan Academy of the Sciences, along with a professorship. In addition, we could provide a land parcel for your temporary residential use." A councilmen offered.
Spock raised his eyebrow, impressed by the offer and concerned by the effect it may have. Kirk, thrown off guard, struggled to maintain his even temper.
Vivian nodded along, "A generous offer gentlemen, no doubt...However my preference would be taking on lab space within the Enterprise. My data could be used at the Academy. I could teach via video conference...I am of the belief that my current projects are now in a stage that is accessible to other scientists here. I believe the most productive use of my time is joining the crew of the Enterprise on their exploratory mission. I could study new species, their biology, and of course the population dynamics of existing, remote colonies. Though, a residential space for a potential eventual return home would be appreciated."
Many stopped to ponder her counter-offer.
"Dr. Vida, a return home is what we hoped to discuss." T'Pau, the only woman on the council, spoke up. "My preference would have been to discuss this matter in private-" She looked at Kirk and Spock. "Regardless, we proceed. When was the last time you experienced Pon Farr?"
Kirk furrowed his brow, and Spock gently shook his head at him to signal his pause.
Vivian raised an eyebrow in suspicion, "As you are aware, women are less impacted by these cycles. As someone of human descent as well as Vulcan, I have been even less impacted. Additionally, with my serum came the need for an antidote of sorts-"
"You have discovered a way to suppress the plak tow?"
"Safely?"
"I have." When she spoke the words she felt the distaste from her Vulcan counterparts, apart from Spock who seemed intrigued.
"You have not answered my question."
"I have only experienced one Pon Farr, my first, years ago."
T'Pau continued, "You are a population dynamics specialist. Your actions prove you feel a sense of duty to your people, and yet you avoid processes meant to propagate our species. There is a literary irony to be found in a reproductive health physician having no offspring of her own. Are you biologically flawed in some capacity?"
Kirk choked on his beverage, "Sorry," unused to such blunt conversation. Spock's eyes darted back and forth between the women, keeping track of their spars like a fencing match.
"I assure you, I am biologically capable of producing offspring." Offense burned within her, and a slight color came to her face.
"This is why we do not wish you to return to the Enterprise. A healthy female of reproductive age bears a responsibility to her population, especially one in need of rebuilding. You of all people should understand that. How are you to find an eligible Vulcan male while galivanting about the outer rims?"
"There are Vulcan women capable of such things on this planet. Meanwhile, I have a particular skillset and unique opportunity to expand our knowledge...If I somehow found a Vulcan mate, I would be permitted to remain aboard the Enterprise?"
"It would be a more agreeable arrangement, yes, but discussing hypotheticals-"
"Vivian," Spock stood promptly. "Perhaps now then is the time for our announcement." Kirk stared at him with confusion. Vivian merely raised an eyebrow at him. "As I am sure you are aware, I was the one who insisted on Vivian's rescue. At the time, I did not know who she was, but wished to preserve the life of the faceless scientist behind Project Keshtan. When I found her...I felt an unusual urge to protect her." They exchanged glances. "Once aboard the Enterprise, our colleague induced a medical coma, during which time I often visited her room, inexplicably attracted to her. I find her to be quite aesthetically pleasing. Shortly thereafter, our ship experienced an electrical storm which impacted the grid of the medical bay, terminating her life support. I felt fear in the thought of losing an asset and performed a mind meld, during which I discovered her to be of high intellect, work ethic, and character. Unintentionally, a telepathic bond was formed and has since been unbreakable. After a satisfactory...encounter...of the sexual variety...I have determined this to be, in fact, a mating bond." He placed his hands on her shoulders with a slight squeeze and exchanged glances with Kirk who looked bewildered.
Vivian felt a knot form in her gut. She wasn't sure what he was attempting. He hadn't lied. That was something he was incapable of. She had a suspicion that there was a mental link, but she had not been able to describe it and he, for whatever reason, had not shared his suspicions with her. His lack of previous disclosure angered her. While the linkage was supposedly unintentional, she felt as though he'd made a choice for her, as he was doing again now.
With a small, forced smile, the doctor stood to join her new mate. "He speaks the truth." She assured, turning her body into his and staring up fondly. "At first, I thought I was experiencing generalized admiration for my rescuer...but I find Mr. Spock to be an attractive male with a high intellectual quotient, influence within Starfleet, and ample resources here on New Vulcan. We are able to relate in that we are both half human and half Vulcan." Again, she did not lie, however, she needed to sell them. She moved her face closer to his, slowly, "Though I must admit, as of late, my human side has been more prominent." She closed the gap kissed him.
Electricity crackled between them, like it had when they touched hands. Vivian felt a strange relief, as if a tension headache had lifted- one she didn't know she had. The controlled decision she had made fell to chaos. She melted into him, a sensation of warmth and belonging spreading through her. Something similar must have happened with him too, because a councilman cleared his throat, finally bringing them back.
"This is a most fortunate turn of events." T'Pau raised an eyebrow in approval.
"Have you yet completed koon-ut so'lik?" Sarek chimed in.
"We have not. Given that she has no remaining Vulcan family members, there is no one to negotiate a bride price with. We can arrange contracts promptly." Spock answered.
"And your Pon Farr?"
"Fourteen months in the future." Spock responded to T'Pau.
"Then we prepare for a koon-ut upon your return."
Vivian's heart sank. In fourteen months, she would be married. He would feel the blood fever and ravage her. She would be expected to conceive, then leave Starfleet to raise a child-multiple children even. He would get to continue his career in Starfleet, advance through ranks, pursue new scientific inquiries. She would wait at home for him to return.
"The office responsible for licenses is in this building. Perhaps now is a good time to handle such a matter." Sarek insisted, standing to approach the 'couple'. "Congratulations to you both."
Everyone else followed suit and exchanged congratulations and good byes. The three Enterprise crew members found their way down a hall and into the elevator.
The moment the elevator door closed, Vivian launched away from Spock.
"What the fuck just happened?" Kirk leaned against the wall to get his bearings.
"Interesting choice of words, Captain. Precisely that. Your first officer just insisted he INSEMINATE me."
"That's an HR nightmare-"
"Pardon me, doctor. That is hardly the gratitude I anticipat-"
"GRATITUDE?!" Her temper finally blew. She smashed the emergency break with a fist. "How DARE you!"
"How dare I what? Offer a way for you to continue your voyage on OUR ship? Offer an myself as an option given that you don't have any others?"
"Hey guys-"
"I HAVE other options-"
"Like defecting? I bought you a year-"
"And then what?! An arranged marriage? I have to conceive! I have to stay here to raise YOUR offspring-"
"On MY land-"
"Oh you don't fool me. That's Sarek's accomplishment, not yours." Her face was flushed and her eyes were unblinking. "I can invoke the right of kalifee."
Spock's nostrils flared as he puffed, "If you could not secure a singular mate, how do you anticipate to find a challenger on even shorter notice? In addition, if you hope to advance in Starfleet, having the best first officer needlessly killed in ritualistic combat-"
"Whoa! Big no on that, no ritualistic combat." Kirk interjected, hitting the emergency stop button to revive the machine. He got menacing stares from both Vulcans.
"Needless to say, this conversation stays between the three of us. The crew needn't be informed."
"A secret koon-ul?" Spock shook his head, "I wish you the best of luck with that. I would not be surprised if we made headlines by tomorrow morning."
The elevator door opened. They moved on to the office of licenses, Kirk returning to a lobby area. Jumping back into character, they portrayed a soon-to-be-married couple, signing forms and declarations. She grit her teeth, her signature messier than usual. Again, Vivian and Spock found themselves in an elevator.
The doctor crossed her arms and tapped her foot, visualizing blowing her newfound fiancee to bits with an improvised exposive.
"Do you know that I'm aware of you plotting my death?...I'm disappointed- that chemical formula would never function-"
"I hate you."
"A shared sentiment."
"You know forced marriage is a human rights violation."
"Need I remind you we're on Vulcan?"
She moved her hand to strike, but he caught her wrist, having anticipated her move. With a jerk of her wrist, her body slammed into his. Her mouth moved first, locking onto his. The electricity was present again. Vivian felt a spark run from her brain, down her spine, to her center, and back up, causing her to shudder.
Their lips fought for dominance, as their forms collided into the wall. Her hands flew to his neck, then head, running through his hair and grabbing handfuls. His hands gripped her waist, then moved to her ass, also taking rough handfuls. His jaw forced hers open, but her tongue went into his mouth first. A knee ran up his leg, teasing at his belt. Taking the opportunity, he caught her other leg and pulled it up- her weight supported by his strong hands under her thighs and his torso pressing hers into the wall. She felt a hard warmth against the crotch of her panties- she had aroused him. His body fought against his clothing, longing to come free.
His mouth moved to her neck and found a sensitive spot to suck on, causing her to moan audibly. Her sound invigorated him. He set her down long enough to reach for his belt.
"Groundfloor." The elevator announced.
Spock threw himself in the opposite direction, wiping lipstick from his mouth and smoothing his hair. They exchanged a look: hate, confusion, arousal. Vivian adjusted her dress and cleared her throat, watching him tuck his erection up into his waistband to hide it.
The doors opened to more people than expected in the lobby. Kirk jumped from his seat to run to them. "So, I'm not sure what's going on between you to, but I just wanted to throw my hat in the ring for best man."