I do not own Star Trek, any of the canon characters, nor do I make any profits from my writing. I tell you this because I prefer not to be sued.
Preferences
When Vilas finally regained consciousness, he found himself shackled to a bed in the ICU of the Starbase 7 medical facilities. He had a lot of thinking to do about the course his life would follow. At present it was difficult, because his brain hurt.
If he stayed on this side of the Neutral Zone, he would face prison and have to live in hiding upon his release. He would be branded a traitor, whether or not he acted as one.
However, there was no future for him in the Romulan Empire. Vilas faced execution if he somehow managed to return. He had been discovered as a spy and lost the women he was supposed to keep track of. The small ship, cloaking device and transponders had fallen into Federation hands. And worst of all, an arthritic old woman in a wheelchair had beaten him senseless with her cane.
Vilas weighed his options and asked himself, "What has the Romulan Empire ever really done for me? I have no home, no wife, and no living family. I was born to a slave on Hellguard and allowed to become a soldier because of my size and strength. Perhaps I might trade my life for something the Federation values. I do not know what that might be but perhaps they will tell me. To live is always preferable to dying."
Tovorek was becoming quite glad that New Vulcan was getting a starbase, even though he had initially opposed it. If the Romulans were sending spies to New Vulcan, there was no longer any doubt that they knew where the Artifacts were. The three clever women who had escaped their captors seemed to believe that there were more Artifacts on a world called Caldena and that there might be enslaved Vulcans and Vulcan hybrid children on another planet called Hellguard. However, they had no coordinates for either place.
New Vulcan would need Federation assistance for both of these rescue missions. Though he would have preferred it to be otherwise, Tovorek would contact Admiral Pike.
Hurev had rapidly come to the same conclusion as Vilas. If he were to somehow return to the Empire, a death sentence awaited him. He had been stupid twice now, the first time he had fallen asleep while guarding the Praetor's vault. Only the kind words of an archeologist named Davin and his wife had saved him from execution. They were studying some old tablets and assured his centurion that no one but they had come in or out while Hurev had been on duty. Instead, he had been banished to Caldena to watch over Commander Verel's harem.
It was likely the Federation officials would put him to death, unless he had something to offer in exchange for his miserable existence. Hurev decided that he would tell them anything and everything he knew, in the hopes that some of it was valuable.
Jim, Selek, and T'Mardis sat at a table enjoying a late morning beverage. T'Mardis was telling him all about life in New Sura'Kahr and how "singles" got together there.
"It would be shameful, were it not so amusing. They have been told that there is a shortage of females on New Vulcan, and now they come from every part of the galaxy in hopes of finding a rich, young male. Even my barmaids are not immune, though one has more exotic taste."
Jim laughed.
"I never really thought of Bones as exotic. To each her own! However, I interrupted you. Please continue."
"Every time a well dressed young male walks in here, he attracts females like insects to a corpse."
"Surely you exaggerate, my wife."
"Selek, you are not often here when this happens. I spend my days in this place and know of what I speak."
Nyota was really beginning to enjoy traveling by hovercycle. She and Spock left Sarek's home after breakfast, headed for New Sura'Kahr and what promised to be an exciting day. They would meet Jim, Len, and "Selek" at the inn owned by Selek's wife T'Mardis. Afterward, they would give a lunchtime concert in the courtyard.
They found the inn with no problem and set the hovercycle down in a nearby parking area. Spock helped Nyota off the bike and then grabbed his ka'athyra and the duffel with their clothing. They did not wish to appear in public covered with dust.
Spock and Nyota made their way through the courtyard and into the main dining area. Jim, Selek and T'Mardis were waiting for them. There were several lone females sitting at various tables. Nyota had the sensation that they were "checking out" her husband. Spock must have sensed it, too, for he entwined his fingers with hers. The stares ceased.
T'Mardis could not help but notice Spock herself.
"So that is the younger you. He is attractive, however I prefer the older version."
"Thank you, my wife."
"Um, you guys might want to cool it, as they're coming over here" whispered Jim.
Selek stood and offered Nyota a chair.
"It would appear that congratulations are in order."
"Yes, thank you, Selek. Spock and I are expecting a son. I have not met your lovely wife yet."
"Forgive me. T'Mardis, meet Nyota Uhura and her bond-mate S'chn T'gai Spock."
"I thank you for traveling all this way and bringing your gift of music. When you have rested and had a cool drink, I will show you where to change your clothing."
"Thank you. Jim, where is Doctor McCoy?"
"He's sleeping off the after effects of his date. He hit it off with one of the barmaids, T'Ameela."
"Surely you jest."
"No, Spock, I'm serious. Two nights running. He's gonna need shore leave to rest up from his shore leave."
Nyota was surveying the décor.
"T'Mardis, your inn is lovely. Have you been in business long?"
"About six months. This was the first business to open in New Sura'Kahr. Selek was one of my first customers."
"I found both the cuisine and the company to be excellent."
Tovorek scheduled another meeting of the Council of Elders. He needed full participation and consent before asking Pike to undertake rescue missions on behalf of the Vulcan people. They were already heavily in the Federation's debt. He would have to reschedule his dinner with Ardana. Perhaps she would agree to meet him for lunch.
Ardana was quite involved in some document research, but she took a few moments to check her messages. She smiled at Tovorek's and called him back.
"I can meet you at the New Shi'Kahr Inn in fifteen minutes."
"I shall be there."
T'Mardis led Spock and Nyota to a private room and returned to the table with Selek. Jim had gone to check on Bones.
"So my husband, did you ever have a relationship with Nyota's counterpart in the other time-line?"
"In my time, Nyota and I were only good friends. She had strong feelings for another crew member. There was a time when I wished it to be otherwise, but I did not act upon those wishes."
"I see. And it is merely a coincidence that she and I have similar complexions."
"I will not deny a certain preference in coloring."
"I will content myself with the fact that both versions of you have good taste, and confess that I also have a certain preference which first attracted me to you. Perhaps I shall tell you of it another time when the inn is not so full of patrons."
"I look forward to it, my wife."
Ardana was quite surprised that Tovorek consented to dine with her in public. He seemed preoccupied, hardly touching his food. She waited, knowing that he would speak when he was ready.
"Ardana, I have had cause recently to rethink my opinions on many subjects. I was overzealous in my desire to preserve the cultural and genetic purity of our race. This resulted in the disregard of other's basic rights and preferences. I have sought to undo these actions and have made apologies to those I have wronged."
Ardana sensed his sincerity and that there was more he needed to say, but he had trouble forming the words.
"Ardana, would it be possible for you to overlook my previous narrow-mindedness? I have come to care for you a great deal and I believe that you care for me."
"I do care for you, Tovorek, and I forgive you for your past insensitivities."
"I am most gratified to hear that. Ardana, do you care enough about me to consider becoming my bond-mate?"
"Yes, Tovorek, I care that much about you, and I will bond with you."
"Thank you."
Ardana smiled at him but had to look away for a moment to keep herself from laughing. The relief she sensed from Tovorek was almost comical.
After she was certain that T'Mardis was out of hearing range, Nyota burst into laughter.
"What do you find so amusing, beloved?"
"Spock, does anything about T'Mardis strike you as familiar?"
"Nyota, since Selek and I are genetically identical, it stands to reason that he and I would have similar preferences."
"That makes sense. I have a few preferences of my own." She caressed his ears as she kissed his lips.
"Nyota, though I would prefer to continue such activities, we must get ready for our performance."
"Okay. But we're gonna take the long way back to New Shi'Kahr."
At Starbase 7, Brian O'Neal, owner of O'Neal's Protection Service, and his staff prepared to take another group of immigrants to New Vulcan. His lucrative contract with the government there had allowed him to purchase newer, faster ships that got the job done in half the time. They would be on the planet in less than thirty-six hours, landing in New Sura'Kahr just before nightfall.
The three women who outsmarted the Romulans had been given their choice of where they preferred to settle and all had chosen New Sura'Kahr.
T'Vora had an Aunt T'Shilah living there, who owned a dressmaker's shop. T'Vora's mother had also been a dressmaker, and had lived aboard a trading vessel with her parents until their capture. T'Shila was somewhat older and already had a husband and son when her parents and sister left Vulcan. Now T'Shila was alone, as her family had perished in the Genocide.
Shirela hoped to study economics at the university once she learned to read Vulcan. She dreamed of owning her own import-export business and if the Federation saw fit to return her grandfather's trading vessel, she would have the means to do so.
T'Luris would live with Rhurin on his homestead farm on the edge on the town. T'Luris looked forward to the birth of healthy children who would neither die before their time nor be taken away as slaves.
Jack sighed as he buckled Karl into the infant seat. Lewis got Chernal and Sonrisa situated while Corazon organized the snacks. They were finally on board the transport and headed home to San Francisco.
Lewis didn't relax until the pilot had pulled away from the dock.
"Oh, thank God! I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd prefer not to come back here for a while."
"Suits me just fine!" agreed Jack.
Sonrisa, however, had tears in her eyes.
Corzon produced a hankie and wiped them dry.
"What's the matter, mija?"
"If we don't come back here, how will I get a baby sister?"
Jack and Lewis looked at each other and groaned, knowing the child was right. They would be back at some point for another child!
The courtyard of the inn was still packed, though the performance had ended twenty minutes ago. Vulcans did not show their appreciation by clapping, but many were congratulating Spock and Nyota on a job well done.
When they finally got back inside the dining area, their friends gave them a very quiet standing ovation.
Jim was quite impressed. He had heard a few ancient Vulcan songs, but no duets like these.
"You two were awesome. However, I'm starving. Selek, what do you recommend?"
"T'Mardis will be serving us a traditional Vulcan nine-course meal, starting with barkaya malak, a vegetable soup."
"Wonderful, because this pregnant lady is hungry." Nyota rubbed her belly for emphasis. "Oh, Spock, don't forget what your father asked you to do."
"Ah, yes. Jim, you and the Doctor are invited to my father's home for dinner tomorrow night. We will be celebrating a special occasion."
"Cool. What's the occasion?"
"Your adoption into the S'chn T'gai clan."
"What? Your dad doesn't even like me."
"Recent events seem to have changed his opinion of you."
Bones could control himself no longer. He burst out laughing, which annoyed Jim.
"Would you mind telling me what's so damn funny about Sarek adopting me?"
"I was just wondering if he'll try and find you a nice Vulcan girl to settle down with."
Jim looked stricken.
"Spock, he really wouldn't, would he?"
"I doubt it, Jim. However, considering his choice for me, if he offers, you should politely decline. Tell him you prefer to make your own choice."
As the soup arrived , Selek's comm unit chimed.
"Selek, it is Tovorek. There will be an emergency meeting of the Council of Elders tonight at 2000 hours."
Spock did not wish to risk getting lost taking "the long way home." Instead, he parked the hoverbike on a hill overlooking New Shi'Kahr. Hidden from prying eyes, he and Nyota watched the sun go down together. It was not the sunset he grew up seeing, but it was beautiful all the same. When the sun disappered, a myriad of stars took its place, but none shone so brightly as the ones in the two young lovers' eyes.
TBC