Chapter 10: Ensnarement

When Nyota solidified, she found that they had been beamed down into a small, empty town square. It was situated directly in front of a pair of twenty-foot-tall silver gates. Beyond the gates was a sprawling white palace.

"Whoa." she heard someone say to her left- she looked over to see Kirk staring at the view, blue eyes wide, mouth slightly open. Nyota looked to her right and saw Spock there, also gazing at the building, so close that their arms were almost touching. She had a feeling that he was going to be staying close to her throughout this mission- despite the fact that it was supposed to be uneventful. Nyota turned her attention back to the gates- and to the sparkling jewel of a palace beyond them.

She was sure Spock had an approximate measurement already, but she guessed that the palace was a half-mile wide. It was not one building, but an interconnected network of smaller buildings, all adjoined to one larger one in the center. They were all made of some strange white stone that appeared to shimmer in the dying sunlight, taking on the bloodred hues of the sunset, staining them orange, pink, red, purple. Deep shadows were gathering on the eastern wing, bathing the grounds in darkness. It was beautiful- yet oddly sinister.

Even as they watched, glowing lights appeared in the glassless windows. Nyota found the contrast odd- the lighting was too modern for such an ageless place. She had half-expected the lighting to be torches and candles- but this light did not flicker, it was steady and much too bright.

"It is illogical to assume that, despite its ancient appearance, the inhabitants would not make modern adjustments." Spock commented. "Vulcans made similar changes to their ancestral homes over the centuries."

"I didn't say that it was unusual- just...disconcerting." Nyota replied. She didn't explain further, and he did not ask.

The landing party approached the double gates, into which were worked intricate designs and symbols. They were beautiful, and Nyota was studying them closely when two guards approached from the nearby security tower.

"Who are you and what is your business at the home of the Koshaak?" one asked. The universal translators that they all wore immediately translated to Standard.

"We were...invited...here by the Koshaak himself." Kirk said, stepping forward. "He said you would be informed of our arrival-" he didn't even have to finish. The men signaled toward the tower, and stepped back. The gates began to swing open, the hinges so well-oiled that they didn't make a sound. Kirk glanced at the other three over his shoulder, before turning back around and leading them through the gates into the well-kept grounds.

"You are to be taken to the dining chamber to await the presence of our noble Koshaak." one of the guards said. Nyota glanced over at him- she still found the liquid-black eyes to be unsettling. She couldn't read their emotions- something she didn't like. She would not know if they were angry, or nervous- so there would be no knowing whether or not they were walking into a trap. She had no desire to walk into another ambush.

She and Spock walked side-by-side behind Kirk and McCoy. Occasionally, as their arms swung, they touched ever so lightly. Nyota found it comforting as they neared the large, burnished, copper-colored doors that led into the largest of the buildings.

"Wait here for attendants." a guard said before him and his companion turned and disappeared back out into the ever-darkening grounds. Nyota folded her arms over her chest and looked around- they were in some sort of entry chamber. It was small- maybe twenty feet in each direction, with white stone walls and floor- and only decorated by a few strange sculptures that looked like shapeless blobs of metal, and a woven tapestry across from them that depicted some sort of religious ceremony.

They had been standing in silence for several minutes by the time a door opened to the side and three women came in. They wore shimmering silver dresses that almost seemed to whisper against the floor as they walked to the visitors. Their eyes were as black as the others' had been, but they were still beautiful, with long hair braided and pinned up in elaborate styles.

"The dining chamber awaits." said the woman nearest to Kirk. Despite her cold, empty eyes she was the most beautiful, and Kirk almost eagerly followed her through the open door. McCoy soon followed- only Spock and Nyota hesitated before leaving the entry chamber. But soon they, too, followed.

As they walked through the wide corridors, the decorations seemed to become more and more ornate. Nyota's eyes adjusted to the blinding light that reflected off of the white walls and floors- the lighting system really was too bright- and she was able to admire the artwork.

"According to the archives, the Kathosians are craftsmen. They primarily focus on artwork." Spock said in a quiet voice.

"That is true." said a voice from behind them. Nyota looked over her shoulder to see one of the women following closely. "Art is the Kathosian passion. It is our desire to grace everything with beauty."

"You excel at it." Spock replied. He was only stating a fact- Spock never gave compliments. But the woman smiled nevertheless.

"I have been told that Vulcans are very unfriendly. My great-great grandfather was alive when they came the first time. He told my father that they are rude. I hope that for your sake you are not rude to the Koshaak. He has a distrust of Vulcans much deeper than many."

Spock did not reply, but Nyota felt his discomfort at the woman's words. Perhaps it had not been a good idea for him to come along on this mission...

"I would not have allowed you to go without my presence." Spock said. Nyota succeeded in suppressing a roll of her eyes.

They finally reached yet another set of doors. The women opened them, and they entered a vast hall. This was easily the most ornate room they had seen so far.

The walls had more intricate designs and symbols worked into them with gold filigree, the overhead lighting making them glint as the landing party walked toward the long wooden table in the center of the room. More tapestries adorned the walls, fur rugs cushioned their foot steps, and fine dishes glittered on the table.

The whole palace reminded Nyota of a mixture of medieval English and Indian architecture and decoration. It was all so beautiful, so archaic...which is why the few displays of more advanced technology were so startling. They were just so out of place.

Nyota was seated near the top of the table, across from Spock and next to Kirk. McCoy was shown to the seat next to Spock. The three attendants bowed with their hands pressed together, as if in prayer- it reminded Nyota of the reverential attitude of Eastern women back on Earth. They backed away and took their places along the wall.

Nyota glanced along the table...covered dishes filled every inch of it. She wondered whether or not their food would even be edible- her stomach was rumbling with hunger.

They had not been seated a full minute when an elaborately carved stone door was pulled open by a manservant. A man- or rather, a Kathosian- came through it, dressed in gold cloth, his neck and fingers glittering with strange jewels of every imaginable color. He was taller than Nyota had expected, and if it were not for his cold, blank eyes, he would have been handsome. Nyota felt a nudge in her mind, and she looked away from who she was now sure was the Koshaak to look at Spock. He did not look away from the Kathosian, but he sent her a wave of admonishment. His dislike of her admiring another man, while a little too possessive, almost made her smile. He made it very plain during the time that the Koshaak took to seat himself at the head of the table that the only man she was supposed to admire was him.

"Greetings, my guests." the Koshaak said. "Welcome to my home. Is it to your liking?"

"Oh, yes...very beautiful." Kirk said, immediately taking upon himself the responsibility of being their representative.

"Introduce me to your friends, Captain Kirk." the Koshaak said, waving his hand imperiously at Kirk as one of the women poured him a glass of red liquid from a portable refrigerated container.

"This is Dr. McCoy, our ship's physician." Kirk said, gesturing toward the man seated across from him. "This is Mr. Spock, my first officer-"

The Koshaak did not look pleased to see Spock. A faint frown appeared on his lips, and then he looked away from him, toward Nyota, and Kirk introduced her.

"And this is Lieutenant Uhura, our Chief Communications Officer. I'm sure she would like to record some of the dialects of your language while we're planetside." Kirk finished. The Koshaak's gaze lingered on her for an uncomfortable amount of time. It brought back memories of dark-skinned men with yellow eyes and sharp teeth, leering...

She felt another nudge in her mind, and she pulled herself out of the memory. She felt Spock's concern for her, and she looked around. The Koshaak was now conversing with Kirk.

"We have not advanced a significant amount in the last two hundred and three years, Captain Kirk." the Koshaak was saying. He picked up a spoon and dipped it into the steaming soup that had just been placed before him. "It has been said for many generations that if we did not spend our time improving technology that will only increase the quality of our artwork, we would have been in space many years ago- perhaps even before the Vulcans."

"So I take it the Kathosians have no interest in space travel?" Kirk asked, picking at his own soup, frowning at the strange, rubbery vegetables in it. Nyota tasted the soup- it wasn't very flavorful. She supposed Spock would find it to his liking- she had heard Vulcan food was very...bland.

"We have no need for it." the Koshaak said. "We do not need to establish inter-planetary trade for resources, as Kathosia has plenty, and we prefer to keep our art to ourselves. We have no curiosity beyond our world. Why should we desire to build ships out of metal that is better suited for jewelry or sculptures? It would be a waste of resources and time. No, we are content with our lives and have been for many years. We leave space to the Vulcans." He said the word with disdain, and accompanied it with a glance at Spock.

"You don't seem to like Vulcans very much." McCoy spoke up. The Koshaak looked at him.

"They were rude. I dislike their lack of politeness. When asked whether or not they liked the decorations, they pronounced them to be merely 'adequate'. This is an insult."

Nyota thought it was a stupid reason to dislike Vulcans, and she looked up from her soup at Spock, who met her gaze.

"I must agree." Spock replied. "'Adequate' is a compliment coming from a Vulcan."

She couldn't stop the smile from forming- what she did not realize was that the Koshaak had seen their silent exchange, had seen her smile and the way their eyes had burned as they looked at one another...

__________________________________________________________

"This is certainly an experience I'm not about to forget." Kirk said as they were led through another wide corridor. The Koshaak had insisted that they stay in the palace for the night, because by the time dinner was over it was almost midnight. They had spent nearly six hours sitting at the table with the Kathosian. It had not been entirely unpleasant- the food had improved after the first course, and after awhile the Koshaak had called for entertainment. They had spent the next few hours watching Kathosian dancers, who moved gracefully and skillfully to beautiful, haunting music- all while wearing hardly any clothing. Nyota had thought they were more like exotic belly dancers- something that both Kirk and McCoy seemed to appreciate.

The Koshaak had then asked- no, demanded- that Kirk tell him more about the Federation and Starfleet and what his mission was up in space. He had listened with little interest, and stated his opinion that the Vulcans should have kept to themselves and should not have interfered with other planets by creating the Federation.

"Planets are better off without interference! Vulcans are too meddling." he had said, punctuating his exclamation with a fist slamming into the table. Nyota had felt Spock's annoyance with that obviously incorrect supposition.

As Nyota walked beside Spock down the corridor, she thought about how the Koshaak's black eyes had turned to her far too often throughout the evening. Was she just being paranoid, after what had happened on Scorpius Three? Every time those chilling eyes fell on her...she had felt goosebumps rise on her skin.

"These are Captain Kirk's quarters." one of the women said, stopping at the first door they came to. "Please, Mr. Kirk, if there is anything you would like, do not hesitate to ask."

Kirk grinned, and leaned forward to whisper in her ear. Nyota watched as she blushed, but then she gave Kirk a look that plainly said 'what is your wish is my command'. Nyota rolled her eyes at Spock.

"He's at it again. Let's just hope she doesn't have an incurable sexually transmitted disease." Nyota said. Spock rose an eyebrow, but said nothing.

The next quarters were McCoy's, and the last they came to were Spock's- which, Nyota noted, were much smaller and less elaborately decorated, from what she could see of it before the door closed behind him.

"The female quarters are situated in another building." one of the women said. "This is to prevent improper fraternization."

Nyota rose her eyebrows at that, considering that the woman had just agreed to Kirk's request, but followed the three women down a different corridor. They were silent, the only sounds being the gentle swishing of their gowns as they walked, and Nyota's boots echoing against the pristine white walls.

They walked for several minutes, and Nyota was beginning to wonder how much longer it would take. She was tired, and wanted nothing more than to go to sleep in a big, comfortable bed. She had considered going to join Spock in his quarters, but she didn't think she would be able to find her way back there. She would have to spend the night alone- something she hadn't had to do since the night they bonded.

Finally, just when Nyota thought she would fall asleep while walking, they stopped at the very end of a corridor. Double doors stood there, emblazoned with the seal of Kathosia- it was everywhere in the palace, and the Koshaak had told them what it was over dinner. It depicted a wild animal that was feared by all Kathosians- a w'anika. It resembled a Terran wolf, but it was much bigger and much more vicious. It was the Koshaak's family symbol.

"There will be a gown on a table inside. Change into it and leave your current clothing behind before entering the next chamber." a woman said, as she pulled open the doors. Nyota was puzzled, but she entered anyway. She had barely entered the room when the door thudded shut behind her, startling her.

It seemed that she was in some sort of antechamber. It was sparsely decorated with only a few vases and what looked like a bust of a woman on a table next to the door that led to the next chamber. On a table near Nyota was a gown quite similar to what the other women had been wearing, but instead of silver it was pale gold.

Assuming that this was some sort of ritual for Kathosian woman- as she was sure that her fellow crewmates hadn't been put through this- she unzipped her boots, leaving them by the door, and stripped out of her uniform until she stood only in her underwear. She took the hairband out of her hair, fanning it around her shoulders. Shivering slightly in the cool air, she reached for the gown and pulled it on over her head. It fit perfectly, clinging to her every curve. With a smile, she sent an image of herself in the dress to Spock- just as a teaser.

He did not reply, but it seemed that it had teased him enough, as he closed the link to prevent further distraction. She had probably interrupted his meditation. Well, it would certainly give him something to meditate about...

Still smirking, she reached for the door in front of her and pulled it open. She entered the chambers within- and stopped short.

Something was very wrong.

The bedchamber was large and richly decorated- far too lush for a guest. A platform rose up in the center of the room, and on it stood a large bed, painted gold and hung with sheer curtains and piled with plump pillows. Instead of the harsh modern lighting in the rest of the palace, this room was lit with torches and candles, a soft golden glow suffusing each surface with glimmering light. Incense scented the air from golden plates placed on small tables around the room.

None of this was alarming- except for the Kathosian standing in a doorway that led to a balcony.

"Lieutenant Uhura." the Koshaak said in a soft, caressing voice. Nyota's skin crawled.

"I'm sorry, there must have been a mistake." Nyota said, jaw clenched. She turned to leave.

"No, there was no mistake. I told the women to bring you here, to my chambers." the Koshaak said. "Do not be alarmed. Stay a moment. I wish to speak to you."

Nyota had half a mind to run away, but she didn't want to insult the Koshaak. It wouldn't be very diplomatic of her. If he tried anything, she would use a few choice defensive moves and run back to the others.

She turned stiffly back around. "I don't know what it's like here on Kathosia, sir, but on Earth men don't invite women they hardly know to their bedchambers. It conveys the wrong message." Nyota said through gritted teeth. Those hateful black eyes were watching her, and she thought he might be admiring the gold dress on her. Her skin stopped crawling, but now she felt faintly nauseous. Why did these things always happen to her?

"It is the same here, Lieutenant Uhura. But I am the Koshaak." He said this as if it explained everything- and maybe it did, for him. He walked slowly towards her. "I, like every other respectable Kathosian, enjoy collecting beautiful things. You are certainly beautiful, even with those strange eyes. I can learn to overlook them."

"What are you getting at?" Nyota hissed. He really was starting to unnerve her now.

"I would like to ask you to leave Starfleet and stay with me, here on Kathosia. I promise that I will make you very happy. I am the high leader of the planet- anything you may wish to have can be yours. If you would like, I can even marry you and make you Koshaaka. Only I would be above you then, and the fact that you are an outsider would not be questioned by my people if it is my wish. This is a very great honor, Lieutenant. You would be wise to take it."

Nyota was no longer just faintly queasy. But she was now also afraid...what would the Koshaak do if she refused? He was used to getting his way...no one ever denied him. She accessed the bond, and transmitted her fear to Spock as she showed what was happening. She felt his surprise, his anger, and then that ancient possessive Vulcan emotion...now she felt that he was coming. He was determined to find her.

"I can't do that, Koshaak." Nyota said, confident now that she knew Spock was coming. "Nothing you can offer would induce me to stay on Kathosia."

The Koshaak paused. He had begun to pace before her. She really wished she could see his emotions in his eyes so that she could gauge whether or not she was in danger.

"Of course." he said quietly. He abruptly turned his back to her and headed toward a gleaming silver decanter that stood on a nearby table. "Would you like a drink?"

"Um...no thanks." Nyota said.

"It is considered rude to not accept a drink the Koshaak offers." he said coldly. Nyota bit her lip.

"Fine." she replied. She had done enough damage already- and she didn't know what he would do if she refused the drink.

"I assume that the Vulcan has something to do with your reluctance to stay?" he asked as he turned back to her, holding two glasses full of red liquid. He handed one to her, and she accepted it- although she had absolutely no intentions of drinking it.

"Excuse me?" Nyota asked nervously. How had he known about her and Spock?

"I saw you exchange looks with him at dinner. I deduced that you are in a romantic relationship." the Koshaak said, his voice still cold. "Drink, Lieutenant. I am sure you are thirsty."

She really wasn't- and she didn't trust him. She raised the glass to her lips, prepared to pretend to drink it. But as she raised it, the aroma of the drink struck her. She had never smelled anything so enticing...her mouth watered. She had to try it- her brain screamed it at her. She took a sip...the drink was tangy, almost sour, but not wholly unpleasant. She took a bigger drink. The smell filled her nostrils, the taste filled her mouth. Yet she still wanted more...

"Am I correct about my assumption?" the Koshaak pressed.

"Yes, you are." Nyota said before taking another sip...the drink really was quite good...she couldn't seem to get enough. Why had she been so reluctant to try it again?

"I see." his voice sounded strangely distant. She looked up at him, to see that his eyes almost seemed to be glittering...was that just from the candles? Or was it from something else?

She wondered if the drink was alcoholic, because the room started to spin...she couldn't focus...her mind was slipping in and out of clarity...

"What is this stuff?" she asked, her own voice sounding hollow, distant...like she was wearing ear plugs...she was so dizzy, her body felt heavy...she heard the sound of breaking glass as she dropped her cup. She sank down onto the platform where the bed rested, her knees suddenly too weak to support her weight.

"It is fallasa juice. Its scent and taste is irresistible, addictive even. It is a well-loved Kathosian beverage, and is harmless- quite nutritious, actually. However, I added something else to it...do not worry, the effects will pass momentarily, and when your mind clears, you will want to stay here. With me."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" she asked. Her vision was doubling...she couldn't see anything...she sensed that the Koshaak was walking toward her, and she blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. He loomed over her...

"You will love me." he said. Nyota's brow furrowed.

"N-no...I won't..." her tongue felt heavy in her mouth.

"You will. I am the Koshaak. No one denies me. You will be mine."

Her mind began to clear slowly, oh so slowly...she could see him now, the candlelight glinting off of his many multi-colored jewels. He was kneeling before her, holding her hands in his.

"What is your name?" he asked. "Your first name?"

"Nyota." The dizziness was subsiding, although it still felt like she was in a daze. She felt...confused...her mind was still foggy.

"Nyota." he said the name slowly, drawing it out. He smiled for the first time since she had known him. "Nyota, are you going to stay on Kathosia with me? I greatly desire you. I want you to stay."

"I will, great Koshaak." Nyota murmured. His hands tightened around hers. He pulled her up so that she was standing. She swayed dangerously for a moment, before she regained her balance.

"Call me by my name, sweet Nyota. Call me M'anuk. Why do you want to stay, Nyota?"

"Because..." Nyota smiled up at him. "Because I love you, M'anuk. I desire nothing more than to remain with you. Nothing else is important to me. No one denies you."

"And what of Spock?" he asked, his tone becoming lower, disdainful as he said the name. Nyota tilted her head, frowning.

"Who is Spock?" she asked. He smiled again.

"It does not matter. He is only a Vulcan. Vulcans are unimportant, meddlesome. They are to be despised."

"Yes..." Nyota agreed distantly, nodding her head. "They are."

He pulled her against him, and she smiled as she nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder. M'anuk...so handsome, so desirable...there would be no one else. No one denied him. She would be his.

A/N: There will be more action in the two upcoming chapters, I think...but let me know what you think about this chapter. I'm sure not everyone will be happy about it.

Edit: Yep, I was right- judging by some reviews I've gotten, people aren't happy. So I'm going to add this little note to clear the air a little bit. First of all- Nyota is NOT going to be violated, sexually or otherwise! I'm not cruel enough to do that. So that's that.

As for those pointing out the bond error- I clearly said that Spock closed the link because he was meditating. He knew she would contact him if in danger. Also- I know Nyota would not normally drink something given to her by someone like M'anuk. I have amended that section to include a somewhat-lame explanation.

I'm sorry if you don't like where this is going- but I'm not going to change it. This idea has been bugging me for days, and yes I know that Nyota has already been put through the ringer. There's a reason for the similarities to Scorpius Three which will be revealed later.

One last thing- Nyota does not ACTUALLY love M'anuk. But the mind-altering substance he used on her makes her THINK that she does. Everything will be explained later, I promise.