Spock's quarters on the Starbase were in the Vulcan diplomatic sector. My small suite was in the Federation diplomatic area, one level below. The first days were a chaos of assigning quarters, finding meeting spaces and general preparations. It was decided that as many of the Enterprise command staff were required at the conference and they were in space for such a long time between stops at a starbase for any period; there would be a chance for shore leave for those not involved. It was not until the third day that I even caught a glimpse of Spock across a large corridor, he was surrounded by people all vying for his attention. As I spotted him, he turned his gaze to me for a short moment.
"Grainne."His voice in my head was the only acknowledgment I received, and it was exactly what I needed.
"Spock."
And he was gone again, into the maelstrom of all the people wanting to speak to him. Apparently, I am married to a celebrity, and the anonymity of no one knowing was a welcome relief.
Late that evening, when I finally took a moment to myself, I decided to test our bond. Could I communicate with him over a distance? I sat on my bed and closed my eyes. "Spock?"
"Grainne. It was pleasant to see you today, my wife."
"I hope that you are well, husband,"I replied.
"I am."He paused."I will see you at dinner tomorrow. You will be seated next to me, as my assistant."
"I look forward to seeing you again."
"Until dinner."
That evening I decided on an outfit that accentuated my finer points. It was a beautiful grey-blue high-necked sleeveless dress, in the gauzy fabric I preferred. The moonstone pendant was nestled between my breasts, but not visible. I put on my sapphire and silver birthstone earrings and necklace my parents gave me on my 15th birthday, shortly before their untimely deaths. I left my hair down, its gentle waves settling across my back, a pair of silver flats and I was ready. I walked into the room where the formal dinner was being held, looking for Spock. He was across the room speaking with the Federation Ambassador, my boss. This would be interesting. I glanced around the room and then felt Spock summon me. When I turned in his direction, he motioned me to approach.
"Ambassadors." I acknowledged both at once. They both nodded.
Lusu Riax, a female trill, and the Federation ambassador, spoke first. Did I tell you she is also my former guardian? "Ambassador Spock has been telling me that he requested that you be his assistant at the conference."
"Yes, Ambassador," I paused, "if that is agreeable with you."
"I have agreed." She turned and motioned Tlok over. "Tlok has agreed to assist me in your stead."
Tlok joined us and gave me a pointed look. Damn, I think he figured it out. I heard the rumblings going around that many knew that Ambassador Spock was on the Enterprise recently, but I knew that Picard kept most of the information confidential to protect all of us before the conference. But the look Tlok gave me let me know he at least figured out who I performed the mind meld on. I was going to get interrogated if he could ever get me alone.
"Thank you Ambassador Riax, I have heard good things about Ms. Slattery," Spock affirmed. "Now if you will excuse us, I must speak with her privately." Spock took my elbow and led me away from Lusu and my inquisitive best friend, steering us over to a corner.
"Come to my quarters tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM, earth standard time."
"Of course,"I replied.
I woke early to meditate and get ready to meet with Spock in his quarters. I chose a Vulcan gown and veil to wear. The moonstone was nestled against my skin, where my mate requested. I wore no other jewelry. I grabbed my datapad and headed to Spock's quarters. To keep up appearances I chimed the door when I arrived and announced myself. Spock invited me in, and the door immediately slid closed behind me. I heard the lock engage and smiled at my husband of five days. He motioned me into his warm embrace. I have found that despite the cool logic, Vulcans are a touchy-feely group, especially in private, though they often embrace each other in public as well, walking arm in arm, and mated couples are surprisingly easy to pick out as they tend to touch hands in public. Perhaps speaking as Spock and I could now, through our bond.
"You are well?" he asked.
"I am," I smiled, "though I find I am missing my mate."
"I have missed your presence as well." He paused.
I laid my head on his chest. "This is all so new for both of us."
"Yes." He gently grabbed my shoulders and pushed me back, just far enough to kiss me once. "The others will arrive soon." He released my shoulders. He was nervous, I could feel it.
"Spock, I'm human, but I will ask no more of you than you are willing or able to give." I walked away from him and went to sit on the couch. He followed and sat next to me. "I have only been in one other serious relationship. So, I have no frame of reference. Do you know who I am speaking of?"
"Captain Picard." He replied succinctly. "A logical choice."
"Logical?"
"He is intelligent, driven, and reserved. I think it is one of the reasons my father chose to meld with him in his time of need. You still care for him."
"Yes, I do." I paused, unsure if I should tell Spock my true feelings for Jean-Luc. "I still love him, but our being together is not logical or practical."
"Explain."
"Jean-Luc loves the Enterprise as much as he loves me. I love Vulcan and my life there. Jean-Luc could never live on a planet for long, and I do not wish to live on a Starship." I told him.
"Logical." He picked up my hand. "I must ask you to do something that will be difficult."
"Yes."
"I have done some research and I believe my pon-farr was caused by something I must have been given while I was on Romulus." He paused, "I believe the Romulan's miscalculated when it would occur as I was quite ill from their mistreatment of me. I have noticed there is a young female from the Romulan Diplomatic Corps who has been paying special attention to me."
"And does that make you uncomfortable?" I smiled; he raised an eyebrow. I have a feeling that this is going to be very common for the rest of my life, my smile, his raised brow, my smile, his raised brow.
"No. I intend to react to her attention in a positive manner, I believe this is part of a Romulan plot. She will be disappointed, of course, when she finds ultimately that she has no effect." He paused, "the difficult thing I speak of is I wish for you and Captain Picard to act as if you are rekindling your romantic relationship."
"Why Spock? I understand the logic of your encouraging this Romulan. But why must I act as if I am rekindling my relationship with Jean-Luc."
"For your safety."
"How can that keep me safe?"
"Your being here is making some nervous, and some curious, especially since I requested that you assist me instead of your usual position with Ambassador Riax. Many are aware you are a telepath, though none seem to know of your empathic abilities. They mistakenly believe you are a weak telepath because you are human." He paused. "And six nights ago, you were spotted entering my quarters barefoot, in the middle of the night…"
"And I did not leave until the morning, disheveled." I stood up. "Now there are rumors that I am some sort of galactic prostitute or something like that?"
"I do not know. I do not care about the rumors," Spock paused. He grabbed my hand and pulled me back to the couch. "As my assistant who is the love interest to another you should be reasonably safe." He placed his hand on my leg and the moonstone warmed as if it sensed him near. "As my consort, you would not be safe. In time I will announce our marriage, for now, we must only tell a few confidants." He leaned his forehead to touch mine. "I have already spoken to Captain Picard. He was understandably disconcerted to hear of our marriage but has agreed that your safety is important."
"I will do as you ask," I placed my hand on his where it rested on my leg.
"Do not tell your brother Tessius for now."
"May I tell Tlok? He is my best friend. He would keep the matter confidential."
"Yes."
The door chimed, Spock quickly stood up, straightening his robe. I physically felt his withdrawal. "Come." The door slid open and Jean-Luc entered, followed by Ambassador Riax and Tlok. "Welcome." He motioned for Jean-Luc and Ambassador Riax to be seated at the table. As I stood Spock handed me a data pad, "I have asked Ms. Slattery to check the room configuration for this evening's meal. If it is agreeable, Tlok can accompany her."
"I have no need of him at this time." Ambassador Riax replied. "Tlok, meet me in my office when you have finished."
Tlok and I stepped out of Spock's quarters and headed for the VIP dining room that was reserved for the formal dinner that evening. I mentally thanked my husband for giving me a reason to be alone with my best friend of many years. We walked into the dining room and as soon as the door slid closed Tlok turned to me. "He was the one, the one you contacted me about?"
"Yes." I walked to the table and began inspecting that the place settings were as requested, and to see the seating arrangements were correct. I was avoiding Tlok's questions. It was something I was not good at, he always seemed to know.
Tlok followed and grabbed my arm. I started at the touch. "There is more," he stated. "I have known you for many years. You are avoiding my questions."
I decided to just let him know. "I have become Ambassador Spock's consort. But we are keeping this secret for now."
"You are his consort." He paused, looking at me closely. "I can see the logic in that."
"You can?"
"You are young, and a strong telepath, stronger than I am." He paused, "I can see no one else who would be a logical choice for Ambassador Spock at this time."
"Any young Vulcan female telepath? I don't understand it, I am an emotional human, as you like to remind me."
"He has chosen you," Tlok continued, "why the secrecy?"
"The Ambassador and Captain Picard feel I will be safer if this information is not known at this time." I paused.
"There is more."
"I am to act as if I am rekindling my relationship with Jean-Luc. I wanted you to know so you understand if I act differently than you expect."
"You are human, I expect that you act illogically." He cracked me a sort of grin, his version of a smile. He can be almost human while retaining his stoic Vulcan countenance, and teasing me at the same time.
"Thanks," I smirked at him. "Let's get this finished, I have other duties I must complete before this dinner reception."