Chapter Six

"Spock?"

"Yes, Salen?"

"What is T'Pring like? Have you met her?"

"I have." Spock replied and then paused. "T'Pring is...a typical Vulcan woman."

"That bad, eh?" Kirk chuckled. "Careful what you say, Spock, you're going to frighten our soon to be 'man' here."

"I am not frightened," Salen sighed "I am humiliated."

"Which is why we do not discuss such matters." Spock pointed out. "Captain, please, this is difficult enough for Salen."

"I'm sorry." Kirk said sincerely.

"It is not your fault." Salen replied. "I am used to this anyway."

"What do you mean?" McCoy asked.

"I spent years having my blood stolen from me. In this case instead of being consumed it will flow through the veins of a new life."

"Gentlemen," Spock said softly "may I speak with Salen alone?"

"Come on, Bones," Kirk put his arm over McCoy's shoulders "let us humans find somewhere else to be for a while."

Salen was standing by one of the floor-to-ceiling window's of the Enterprise looking out at the blue aurora of Warp speed. He glanced at the men as they left before returning his gaze to the glass. Spock walked up to the window and stared out silently as well. Salen bit back the bile that rose to the back of his throat as a result of the Vulandin.

"Salen..."

"Do you have any children on Natala?" Salen interrupted.

"I do not. My son is on Earth with his mother."

"Your son is only quarter Vulcan, how are you helping our species?"

"At the moment I am not." Spock admitted. "However, my wife is human, I will outlive her by a hundred years or more."

"Once she is gone you plan to return to Natala to increase our race's numbers?"

"Yes."

"Then it is illogical that I feel like I am being used."

"Your reaction is a normal one. I am sorry that this has worked out the way it has. If I had not been cowardly and addressed this issue sooner perhaps this could have been avoided for another seven years."

"It is too late for that." Salen sighed heavily.

"Indeed."

"Has T'Pring agreed to this as well?"

"She reserves the right to refuse you. If this occurs the Council will select another female until an agreement is reached."

"And if none of them accept me?"

"That will not happen."

"You can not know that." Salen pressed.

"Salen, you are a logical choice as a mate. You are young, healthy, physically stronger than any Vulcan I have ever met, and despite your adopted father you are still of pure Vulcan blood."

"How was T'Pring chosen?"

"The Council chose her for you. She has refused several mates in the past, she is nearing a critical pon farr."

"Critical?"

"She could die."

The pair fell silent once again. Salen put his back against the glass window and leaned against it. Tilting his head back he closed his eyes and tried to untwist the painful knot in his stomach. He had told himself long ago that he never wanted to complete the journey to Natala that his parents had been unable to accomplish.

"You are doing well among the humans." Spock said suddenly.

"Is that a question, comment or an insult?"

"An observation."

"Out of the billions of humans very few seem to mean me any harm."

"Logical." Spock nodded.

"It is more than logic, Spock." Salen opened his eyes and smiled. "I am happy at Starfleet. What about you?"

"Me?"

"Why did you enlist?"

"I calculated that I could do the most with my talents in Starfleet."

"So...that is it? It was purely a logical decision?"

"Perhaps not purely logical." Spock said with a hint of a smile.

Salen chuckled, he had seen in Spock's mind long ago the moment when his decision to refuse the Council came about as a direct result of Spock's hidden pride in his mother. Spock shook his head in a mixture of mock sorrow and defeat. The blue aurora outside suddenly snapped to a black backdrop speckled in stars. Salen lost his brush with humor at the sight of orangeish planet of Natala that was now in view. Spock attempted to straighten his already perfect posture, showing that he was not entirely comfortably with being near the new Vulcan home either.

"Salen, one last word of advice. Do not treat T'Pring as you would a human woman. Do what she asks of you without question."

"I need her more than she needs me?"

"It is not a question of need. Traditionally females had far more power when it came to choosing a mate. This new arrangement is difficult for women such as T'Pring to accept."

"I just want this over with so that I can return to Starfleet."

"And Joanna McCoy?"

Salen tried hard not to blush, but he failed. Spock raised a knowing eyebrow.

"She could have assisted you with ending pon fa..."

"No." Salen said instantly. "No, to ask that of her would not be fair."

Spock nodded in approval and walked over to the closet. Salen eyed him suspiciously as he brought out a deep red robe with dark gray symbols and accented by a garishly gold sash. Spock offered the floor length garment to Salen, which he reluctantly accepted.

"A dress?"

"It is a ceremonial robe, you will be expected to wear it."

"This is silly."

"This is our culture, Salen."

"All this formality, tradition, robes, ceremonies...they are not very logical."

"It is perfectly logical. These rites and traditions keep us civilized." Spock looked around as though double checking that they were still alone. "Salen, how much do you know about Vulcan history."

"It was bloody."

"Indeed. Vulcans would like to believe that we have lost our taste for blood, but it is still just below the surface. I know you do not prescribe to controlling your emotions, however, you must at least make sure that they never control you."

"Can any Vulcan control themselves during pon farr?"

"Most do. However, you had no warning, so you could not be expected to. I just want you to learn from this experience."

"And what exactly should I take away from all of this?"

"That as a Vulcan among humans you walk a fine line, another slip in your emotions could cost someone their life."

"You think I am dangerous."

"I think you could be."

Salen felt a sudden hot flare in his temper over the idea that Spock didn't trust him. He was already feeling betrayed by the half-Vulcan for being kept in the dark so long about his own biology. Part of Salen even resented Spock for the way he hid his half human side. Salen longed for a drop of human blood in his own veins, it would allow him to be less Vulcan without everyone always questioning why didn't strive to be emotionless like the rest of his species.

"Salen, it was not my intent to insult you." Spock said seeing the gleam in Salen's eyes.

"I know." Salen bowed his head in contrition. "I am sorry, Spock. You have given me so much, and you are correct. I wanted very much to kill someone the other night."

"Anyone in particular or just in general."

"Someone very particular."

"Would you like to share who this person was?"

"No. However, I managed not to kill him under the influence of pon farr so I believe he is safe."

"Good. Make sure he stays that way." Spock nodded. "Change your clothing. I will inform T'Pring that we have arrived."

Salen forced a smile despite the sickening feeling in his stomach. Looking down at the robe in his arms he shook his head sadly. However, he could feel the Vulandin starting to wear off and gravity of his situation was becoming clear again. Trying to control his racing heart was pointless so he simply ignored it. He pulled off his shirt and slipped the robe on. As he was tying the gold sash Kirk stepped back in the room.

"Nice." Kirk smiled. "Although I have to admit that you kinda look like we're taking you to your death."

"I certainly hope not."

Kirk rolled his eyes, not understanding that death was a distinct possibility for Salen during this meeting. He gestured for Salen to follow him. After a moment's hesitation Salen finally resigned himself to his fate and followed the Captain. He had decided against telling Joanna exactly why he had to travel to Natala. He had simply offered yet another heartfelt apology and told her that he was ill, but the Vulcans could held.

Salen smiled at the memory of Joanna giving his cheek a gentle kiss and telling him in no uncertain terms that he was to return to the Academy as soon as possible. Her forgiveness had meant a lot to him, and he was still a little shocked that he had received it. Dr. McCoy however now looked at him with a whole new suspicion and although his hearing wasn't the best Salen could have sworn he'd heard the doctor mutter something to the Captain lamenting the fact that his grandchildren were going to have pointed ears.

Kirk lead Salen down to the transporter room where Spock was already waiting for him. By the time Salen stepped on the transporter pad he could feel the painful heat returning to his blood as the Vulandin washed from his system. His first breath of hot Natala air nearly brought him to his knees. Spock reached out to steady Salen, however, Salen jerked away from the Vulcan's touch and bared his teeth at him aggressivly.

"Salen, you must regain your composure."

"I...I am trying."

"If you present yourself to T'Pring in this state she will not accept you."

"What if I can not control myself?" Salen panted. "What if I attack her the way I did to Joanna?"

"T'Pring is a Vulcan, she can defend herself. If you try to take her by force she will be within her rights to kill you, and she is fully capable of doing so."

"Vulcan mating is dangerous."

"Very."

"Great."

Spock gave Salen a quick sympathetic look before leading him through the streets of the city. Salen knew he should feel at home among the other Vulcans, but had never felt so alien before. There were very few Vulcans roaming the streets. The towering stone buildings made their foot steps echo adding to the lonely feel. No one looked at the strange pair as they made their way through the city.

"I believe this is the true reason I did not wish to return to Natala." Salen said quietly. "This world feels so empty."

"It is difficult to see our numbers so painfully diminished." Spock agreed.

"Do you really think we will survive as a species?"

"In the long run no species survives forever."

Salen fell into an uncomfortable silence. They eventually came to a large stone house. Spock turned to Salen and offered him a Vulcan salute before leaving. Swallowing hard Salen turned to activate the door alarm. Raising his hand he found it shaking. He bit down on his lower lip to try and distract himself from the growing need.

T'Pring did not answer the door herself, however it did slide open. Inviting himself inside Salen suddenly felt dizzy. There was an intoxicating ginger scent in the air that forced him to stop and breath it in deeply. Salen's eyes rolled back slightly and he automatically began following the delightful odor.

Salen wandered into the living room and came to a stop as though he'd hit a force field. Focusing his eyes he gasped sharply. The source of the scent was T'Pring herself. She was standing in the archway that lead to a large stone porch that over looked the wild lands of Natala. Her beauty took him by surprise and he found himself hypnotized. T'Pring looked Salen over and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I was not warned of this." T'Pring said coldly.

"I...I am sorry. It was my understanding that you had been made aware of the arrangement. You are T'Pring?"

"I am. It is not your arrival that I am referring to, it is your condition I speak of. Is it genetic? I will not stand for this if it is."

"My condition?" Salen asked confused.

"Your ivory hair."

"No. I was born a normal Vulcan."

"What has happened to you since then?"

"I did not come here to discuss my past." Salen said firmly. "I am here to..."

"I know why you are here, male." T'Pring interrupted calmly. "Remove your robe."

Salen was a little taken aback by the demand and didn't move.

"Do as I say." T'Pring ordered. "I wish to inspect you before any decisions are made."

Salen's temper flared at the idea of being inspected like an object for sale. However T'Pring's intoxicating scent quickly soothed him and began clouding his thoughts. Suddenly willing to follow her every command Salen slipped the robe off his shoulders and let it fall to the floor. T'Pring lifted a delicate eyebrow in disapproval. She had clearly expected him to be naked beneath the robe, but he had left his Academy uniform pants on.

T'Pring walked closer, stopping a few inches away. She slid her eyes across his skin, making note of each scar. Overwhelmed by her proximity Salen's eyes rolled back to white once again. Shivering violently Salen's blood flashed to ice and then began to boil with the illogical lust that was consuming his mind and possibly his very soul.

Salen forced himself to rein in his emotions and focused his eyes once more. He could have sworn that he caught a trace of a smile on T'Pring's sharp features. When she reached out and traced the large scar that ran diagonally across his chest Salen couldn't help but feel like a mouse under a cat's paw. Her touch was electrical and Salen automatically went to take a step back.

"Remain still."

"Yes, Ma'am." Salen answered automatically and frozen in place.

Clearly enjoying having power over him she ran her hand down his stomach. His mind spun and his vision turned green at the edges as it became more difficult to resist reaching out to take her. Keeping her hand on his burning skin she circled him slowly. Salen had to literally fight for breath as she scratched her nails down the same four gashes that Joanna had given him in her panic. With the wounds reopened he could feel the green blood dripping down his back. Sick with an unusual fever he found the usually unpleasant sensation intensely erotic.

T'Pring watched him closely for a reaction to the pain, but he forced himself to remain motionless and staring forward. T'Pring circled around to his front once more and brought her lips close to his own. Assuming that she was testing him for a human reaction of wanting to kiss her Salen kept his statue like visage. In what Salen felt was an act of cruelty she reached up and traced the tip of his right ear.

Being close to entering pon farr herself T'Pring's skin radiated a maddeningly inviting heat even though her eyes remained as cold as ice. Salen was becoming increasingly light headed as his heart thumped against his ribs so quickly that it began stumbling against its own impossible rhythm. He could feel himself becoming lost to the animal instinct that had been woken. Salen felt a flash of fear over the impending complete loss of control. He was certain that it would only take a few more seconds of this before he was completely under her spell.

A new sensation crept into his flesh, one that brought with it a terrifying urge to shed blood. Salen briefly glanced around the room, hoping to find a challenger to vent this new frustration out on. When he found no one he ground his teeth together. His attention was snapped back to T'Pring as her scented breath brushed against his skin.

Salen moaned against the growing agony of having her near. He took a deep shuddering breath, but that only served to enhance his desire. Still acting disinterested T'Pring brought her palm back to his chest and slowly dragged it down his abdomen. When she hooked her fingers into the waistband of his pants Salen finally broke. Unable to stand her torture any longer her grabbed her wrist with enought force to break human bones and cause a Vulcan pain.

"How dare you..."

"I may be at your mercy," Salen snarled "but that does not mean that I am yours to tease and torment!"

T'Pring curled her lip at him and twisted out of his grip. Fast as a striking snake she landed an open palm slap across his cheek. Salen's ears rung for a moment from the force of the blow that had left a bright green mark across his face. Infuriated he surged forward to attack her. T'Pring lashed out and dug three of her finger expertly into his throat, instantly paralyzing him with the pressure on his carotid artery.

"I will do as I please, male." T'Pring hissed. "There was a time when it would have been my right to have you fight to the death for me!"

The initial shock of T'Pring's hold on him wore off and Salen was able to reach up and capture her wrist to tear her off his throat. Salen slammed her against the nearest stone wall and pressed his well muscled body against her hard enough to force her into painting for each shallow breath. Clearly surprised by his strength T'Pring gasped as her eyes filled with fear.

"Times change." Salen spat vehemently. "Now accept me as a mate or release me to find another! I am running out of time, and every moment that passes you risk this encounter turning violent."

"You can not take me by force, Vulcan!" T'Pring cried as she struggled for freedom, but found her young opponent far to powerful. "Release me!"

"Not until I have your answer! Delay this any longer, and I will tear you apart no matter your wishes...it is taking all of my strength not to force myself on you as it is...accept me, or let me go!"

"I will accept you under one condition." T'Pring whispered.

"Name it." Salen growled.

"You will never contact myself nor the child. If we ever meet on a chance encounter you are to treat me as a stranger."

"You are a stranger!" Salen cried angrily. "I know nothing of you other than my lust for you, and even that I do not understand!"

"Then you accept my terms?"

"I do."

"Very well, I acce..."

T'Pring did not get a chance to finish and ended her acceptance in a cry of pain as Salen sunk his teeth into the soft flesh where her neck and shoulder met. Lost in his desire Salen tore at her clothing. The once commanding T'Pring had suddenly fallen submissive and passively allowed him to run his hands down her curves.

With his mind torn from him Salen's instincts ruled his actions. T'Pring's own body took control of her and logic was shoved aside. The mixture of pleasure and pain was overwhelming, proving to be both terrifying and exhilarating. Entwined in a shared passion that held no love the pair followed orders given to their species by Mother Nature back at the dawn of time.

Hours later Salen woke wondering if his encounter with T'Pring had been nothing more than a dream. Finding himself naked on a cold stone floor told him it had all been reality. Sitting up slowly Salen shook his head to clear the last traces of the pon farr madness from his mind. He caught sight of his robe and slipped it on. Standing up he tied the gold sash and looked around.

Alone in the strange house Salen hunted out his arranged partner. He walked out onto the porch and saw the sun was beginning to set. T'Pring was standing by the rail, her hair pulled tightly back and her clothing without a single winkle. Salen felt a terrible guilt crush down on him as he recalled how she had whimpered beneath him. He took a nervous step closer to her.

"T'Pring..."

"Why are you still here?" T'Pring asked coldly.

"I just felt we should tal..."

"You made an agreement to never contact me again once I was with child. The conception was a success, we need not repeat our encounter. Leave before I have you dragged before the Council for breech of contract."

"Very well." Salen sighed. "If you ever need anythi...."

"I do not need anything more from you. Leave." T'Pring ordered. "Return to the humans, you do not belong here."

"No, I do not. Good-bye, T'Pring. Good luck...to you both."