Alright, fess up, who missed me? XD

Sorry for anyone I scared with the notice! I feel really badly that so many people thought I was cancelling the Story! That really was not my intention, but I thank all of those who let me know they were patiently waiting. I appreciate it more than you know! So without further delay (except for the disclaimer that I do not own anything, and this is purely for fan entertainment, not profit) I give you…

Chapter 11!

OoOoOo

Spock's gaze swept the length of the Medical bay. He noticed instantly that James was sitting with the female terran linguist. He felt a wave of deep satisfaction break over his control at her obedience. It was a good omen that she would accept him readily if she had already complied with his logical requests.

It had also been favorable that Spock had sequestered the male terrans in a separate area. He had deduced that the recreational decks would be better suited for the weaker males. Spock had naturally decided to keep James and the other female in the Medical bay where access by other Vulcans was limited at his discretion. Also, the Medical bay had higher defenses in the event of an unfortunate attack upon the vessel. Lest that Romulan attempted to abscond with Spock's chosen future bond mate.

The very thought filled him with a dark and nearly infinite rage. Something in him had clung tightly to James being his. Females were highly valued by all Vulcan males. The protection of a bond-mate, or future bond-mate, was never taken lightly. It had only increased his duty and fervor, that James was his equal in nearly every respect. Their biology obviously created some discrepancies. However, breeding was not out of the question.

That being stated, Spock had every reason to claim James' mind as quickly as possible. There were other males in pursuit of her that were viable threats to his intentions. The terran male was a nuisance but Spock knew he would be able to subdue him in combat. The Romulan, however, was similar in physiology and strength.

Therefore, it was only logical to expedite his perusal of the female.

"James, attend," he commanded peacefully as she jumped at the sound of his voice.

Spock noted that T'Starla wore a look of shock behind her eyes. He knew that the way in which he had addressed James would have caused anyone to enter a state of surprise. Calling a female to attend was normally reserved for wives. It was a blatant declaration of his intent. His gaze shifted to the darker terran female, who blinked up at him in stark curiosity, he could tell she was sorting out his manner toward James.

"What?" James asked confused.

"James, attend," he repeated evenly.

He raised a brow at her.

Her blue eyes scrunched in confusion, and her stance changed to a defensive posture. Emotions flickered across her face too rapidly for Spock to see them all. He watched as her agitation changed to resignation, her posture shifting back to normal. Spock considered that the response was… unexpected.

Spock's glance slanted over James, who had moved to stand, as she came forward steadily. "Hello again, Captain," her voice was slightly cautious.

The human memory must have been a faulty thing indeed, for he knew he had told her to call him Spock. It was her right as his future intended. He chose to turn back toward the door. He could hear James shift behind him, her footfalls echoed on the metal floor. Spock entered in the access code and led them from the room.

He knew that word of his declaration would spread within the hour. Though Vulcans were not creatures for gossip, T'Starla had an obligation to inform his crew of the development to prevent any misunderstandings that might have resulted.

James was peeking up at him; he could see her blue eyes as she gazed at him. Spock found her increased interest in him satisfactory. He knew he was a fit specimen for her to consider mating to. Not, that Spock was truly concerned with her finding fault in him, but he consented that she was entitled to appraise him.

Logically, preening was considered acceptable if it influenced her favorably.

James followed him in silence for a few more paces. "Can we talk?" She broached hesitantly.

Spock stopped and turned toward her. "If it is your wish," his face betrayed nothing.

He watched her lips quirk into a small smile. "I wish for a lot of things," she said jovially.

"Elaborate," he tilted his head in consideration of what she might want that he could provide for her.

Her eyes sparkled with delight and a touch of mischief. "Well, I could wish for a replicator for instance," she gazed up at him with hope shining in those bright blue orbs, "it doesn't have to be in working condition. I can fix it myself."

"Why do you require a replicator?" Concern flittered across his thoughts. "Have you not been receiving sufficient nutrients?"

Had he failed to provide her adequate meals? The thought caused his stomach to tighten in shame.

The human rushed to clarify her request. "No, no, nothing like that. It's just that terrans prefer… certain flavors that simply aren't found in Vulcan cuisine."

"Flavor is a large factor in terran nutrient intake?"

Spock blinked down at her with curiosity.

"Yes," James nodded at him enthusiastically," Yes, it is."

"Then I shall find a suitable device for your disposal."

It would further give her cause to associate him with a positive outlook. Though, he understood that logic should be used for all things, he also agreed that when there was an advantage to be had it should be used readily.

"Oh! Thank you," James said excitedly as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

Spock reveled in weight of her hand on his shoulder. He noted that James had been extremely respectful of his personal space, unless she was overcome with 'gratitude'. Spock made a mental note to keep her pleased after their bonding when touch would be appropriate.

He still had to observe the guidelines of his culture. Therefore, with some effort, he stepped away from her touch. Spock tried to ignore the saddened look on her face at his rebuff.

"I forgot about the 'touch' thing," she admitted sheepishly.

"I have suffered no injury" he stated stoically.

James smiled at him again, and Spock felt his Katra dance at the sight.

He turned to continue down the hall to the turbo lift. James stepped in next to him; her earlier apprehension appeared to have drained away.

"Oh, and by the way, I apologize for the whole 'testing the power-grid without your knowledge' thing."

Spock felt his ears twitch at her casual tone. He would explain to her, in great detail, what the logical course of action should have been. Then he would ensure that she also understood her actions were never to be repeated.

"We shall discuss it at a later time," came his even reply.

"I really don't think that will be necessary," James started.

"I must insist."

The human deflated slightly. "Of course, Captain." she winced slightly.

"I have already expressed permission to call me Spock,'

James laughed. "Of course, Spock," she stressed the saying of his name playfully.

Spock found himself amused by her mercurial nature.

The lift doors opened and he lead her down the hall to his quarters. James moved behind him quietly as they entered. Spock had taken time to straighten his quarters more, and had located a selection of terran classical music to play during their game.

His mother had appreciated music. He did not doubt that James would understand the meaning behind his actions. He had glimpsed the depth of her intelligence briefly in the two times they had touched. His ears grew a darker shade of green at the remembrance of her kiss.

He would permit another such display after they were bonded.

There was much he had come to desire about James. Her intelligence, her character, her brand of human emotionalism, and mostly he desired her acceptance of their undeniable connection. Spock was forced to keep his mental shields at full capacity to prevent an accidental bond between them. It would have disgraced his clan, and been reprehensible to commit such an action without James' full consent.

He waved a hand in the direction of the set of chairs that accompanied the table. James walked over to the chair she had occupied last time without comment. Spock noted that he felt her presence in his person quarters to be… reassuring.

"White or black?" James turned her gaze upon him

Spock raised a brow in question. "I do not understand."

James blinked at him with an expression of indulgence. "Do you wish to play as the white side, or the black side?"

"Ah. I understand. I will play as the black side."

"Alright, do you want to go first, or should I?"

"You are the guest," he inclined his head toward her gently.

"Guest… nuisance… semantics," she responded with a roll of her eyes.

Terran communication as a complex and fascinating thing, he realized mutely.

"You are incorrect, they are not synonymous. Guest means," he started to correct her faulty logic.

"Spock?" James interrupted him lightly.

"Yes, James?"

"I was teasing," she grinned impishly at him from across the table.

Her first move had once more thrown him, for it was far more traditional than her previous attempts. Spock noted the contented look about her features, and how her whole countenance appeared at ease. She was lovely, in his eyes. However, it would not be an agreeable task to broach the delicate conversation over things that needed to be discussed prior to landing on Vulcan.

He made his first move to counter what he calculated was her most likely strategy as he regarded the most viable way to inform James of their future.

"After in-depth observation, I have concluded that we are suitable," he broke the silence between them with his declaration.

"I'm not sure I understand," James' face remained fairly passive, "What do you mean by suitable?"

He watched her head tilt to the side as she regarded him. The stoic male found himself at a loss for an appropriate way to phrase such a delicate inquiry.

"We are compatible," he further explained.

"I like you too, Spock," James replied sweetly.

He felt reassured by her quaint terminology.

"I think it would serve in our best interest to bond," Spock stated with as much feeling as he dared, shining behind the black depths of his eyes.

"Bond?" Jim queried in noticeable confusion, "Aren't you already 'bonded' with another Vulcan?"

"I am," he replied evenly.

Blue eyes danced with mirth and sadness. "Then please clarify what you mean by 'bond'," the woman corrected gently after a moment of silence.

Spock's brows furrowed together. There had been a trace of surprise that James had known about bonds already. It simplified his task greatly now that he knew she would be informed on Vulcan customs. He contemplated the best way to reference the meaning between their two cultures. Though his mother was human, she had always sought to honor the Vulcan way. Therefore, Spock was as equally inept at interpreting human customs as any other Vulcan.

There was something to be said about being too diligent in conforming to the Vulcan way, he supposed.

"I was imprecise," he started again, "I wish for us to participate in Koon-ut-so-lik."

"And a Haka-laca-lou to you too," her lips split into an amused grin.

Spock was unsure if that was acceptance in her culture. He could not place the reference. His mind tingled with the possibility that she had acquiesced so readily. However, he had to make certain that she understood what precisely he had asked of her.

He raised a brow in question. "Does that mean you are amicable to my request?"

James shrugged nonchalantly. "I honestly have no idea what you asked."

She moved her rook, and Spock was momentarily distracted.

Spock felt his feelings tighten in disappointment. He placed a firmer hold on his emotions. Logically, James knew very little about his language, though she had learned more on his culture, he would have to explain the meanings behind the words which did not translate perfectly into standard.

"I have asked for your participation in a ritual," Spock clarified evenly, moving his next piece.

James' eyes widened. "What kind of ritual?" Her voice broached the level of concern.

Spock inclined his head at her question. "An ancient rite of my people when one is pursuing Koon-ut-so-lik, or, a new bond."

"I'm still not clear on what bond means in this conversation," the female stated cautiously, as she moved to avoid his trap on the board.

Spock stayed silent for a moment as he went through his mental knowledge of Vulcan and terran terms. His mother had told him once when he was 6.982 years that humans had as dire a need for connections as Vulcans did. However, her wording had been odd to his mind, but he found that perhaps, it could be used to properly make James understand. It was imperative that there was no misunderstanding between them.

This was rather vital to his continued mental stability.

Spock tensed slightly at the nervousness that clawed behind his control.

"Bond, in the closest terran terms would mean to form a connection."

"Like an alliance?" Her voice held a note of incredulity.

"It would be considered a unification, yes," he replied informatively.

"Between Humans and Vulcans?" Her blue eyes gazed at him steadily, "Our people are rather firmly entrenched in an alliance already."

James was proving to be distracting to their game. Spock decided that logically, he should allow her to win and then they could shift their entire focus to the topic at hand.

"No," Spock corrected firmly, "between you and I."

He made a mistake that was not so glaringly obvious that James would be alerted to his ploy to end the match prematurely.

James considered him for a moment. He heard her heart race, and could see her eyes dilate. From his studies he hypothesized that to be a favorable indication of her answer.

"A unification between…us?" Her voice rose slightly and a flush decorated her cheeks.

"Perhaps unification is not the correct term," he conceded slowly. It was difficult to navigate a way in which James would not become lost in his meanings.

"Oh," the terran uttered softly, "could you clarify?"

"Indeed. It would create a more involved relationship between ourselves."

The human blinked at him for a moment. Her eyes scrutinized his face, before she parted her lips to reply. "Like a friendship?"

Spock nodded. "Affirmative, a friendship would be required in part."

"For this ritual?"

"Affirmative."

"What does this ritual entail, exactly?" She took her next move haphazardly.

Spock could not resist taking her misplaced piece. "The ritual takes place on Vulcan."

"Vulcan?" James exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, we are on our way to Vulcan already to contact the Human Embassy and see the crew of the USS Hemingway safely back to Starfleet,' Spock informed her blandly.

"That is logical," James conceded with her lips twitching slightly.

"Indeed," He inclined his head graciously.

James peeked at him from beneath her lashes with a stoic face. "And, we should always endeavor to follow the course of logic."

"Your respect for the way of my people is admirable," Spock felt a spreading sensation of warmth that flooded across his mind, though nothing showed past the mask of neutrality.

He noted that James' lips twitched even more, though he did not understand what she had found humorous.

"What would I be required to do in this 'ritual'," she asked brightly.

Spock shifted uncomfortably 1.121 centimeters to the right.

"You would be required to stand with me in declaring Koon-ut-so-lik, and if it is challenged, a display of honor will be required from both sides."

"Display of honor?" she parroted back at him quizzically.

Spock inclined his head. "Affirmative. A display of honor is required by both clans to see if the deceleration will stand."

"I see," she said slowly, refusing to look at him.

"Provided it stands, my previous obligation will be dissolved," he interjected tonelessly.

James' face took on a twist of confusion once more. Though, Spock was unable to discern if it was at his words or his last move.

"So, I just have to stand by you as you make this… declaration, and that's it?" Her blonde brows rose in disbelief.

"You are required to do nothing but stand as witness along with the other members of my clan and the presiding healer," he clarified as he watched her move her queen across the board.

"Well," James mulled over his words for 2.145 terran minutes, "I think that would be alright."

"Alright?" He questioned blandly.

James flashed him a large smile. "What I mean to say, is that I accept your proposal to participate in the Kilee-wham-bulu."

"Koon-ut-so-lik," the patient Vulcan corrected.

"Right. That," the female beamed at him brightly.

Spock felt a sense of weightlessness, thought it was illogical for the gravity controls were fully functioning, at her acceptance of his proposal of marriage. He had been concerned, or at least, acknowledged the fact that she potentially could have refused him. He felt his Katra hum in quiet contentment.

"Your acceptance is… pleasing," Spock stated with feeling hidden in the depths of his brown eyes.

The low rumble emanated from his chest once more.

"Are you purring?" James asked in disbelief.

"Vulcans do not 'purr'."

"Are you certain?"

"Indeed."

"Really?"

"Vulcans do not lie," Spock interjected.

"Really?"

"I do not comprehend why you have asked the same question twice."

"Really?"

A lengthy pause stretched between them. Finally Spock relented.

"Is this another attempt at terran humor?"

"Me?" James asked innocently. "Tease a Vulcan Captain? I would never."

Spock furrowed his brows. "Yet, you have done so already three times since our first meeting," he pointed out her contradiction logically.

He did not understand why she laughed for so long, but he was pleased to be the cause of her… happiness.

OoOoOo

Jim felt a rise resigned indignation crash through her. He wanted to be friends? That was all. Just friends…she… James T. Kirk was stuck in the friend-zone. This was probably for the best since she was lusting after a married man. There were many boundaries she liked to push, but when someone was taken, Jim had the utmost respect for leaving that person the hell alone.

But she really, really, didn't want to leave Spock alone.

Because she was only a flesh and blood human with needs. One of them was the need to kiss him senseless in any culture, just to see that absolutely invigorating look of shock that crossed his features, again. And, she honestly was drawn to the stoic Vulcan. There was just… something there. She had not been kidding, entirely, when she explained love-at-first-sight to him. For all of her knowledge and imagination, she just couldn't deny that she had found herself half in love with someone she hardly knew.

Furthermore, after being asked to participate in a 'ritual' had killed any thoughts of naughtiness on her part… mostly, she had been assuaged of her concerns after Spock's explanations to her questions. Jim was still leery of anything that involved her and another alien species. After the whole Klingon 'incident', she had always made sure to look before she leapt. Not, that she was terribly concerned that Spock was attempting anything unseemly toward her, but there were a few things she had not forgotten. Such as the whole 'not touching' the Vulcans thing, attempting to follow the rules of common sense, and also the one glaring fact that kept the majority of her illicit thoughts in check.

She didn't even know his last name for crying out loud!

She tried to ignore the wave of self-loathing that accompanied her wistful and foolish notions. This was not some trashy inter-species novel where the placid Vulcan took her into his arms and made her forget everything except his touch, though that would have been welcomed. Jim pushed those thoughts aside, because she was starting to have a physical reaction to her rather… lurid thoughts. Besides, she had never heard of a single Vulcan marrying outside of their species. Maybe Uhura was right, she never did things in half-measures.

The shrill beeping of the alarms drew her attention away from her next move and toward the top of the room. Spock stood suddenly, and James quickly moved to follow him as he reached for the communicator located at his desk.

James frowned lightly as her worry spiked as to what could have caused the shift in their otherwise pleasant evening. She watched as the screen shifted to life and the impassive face of another Vulcan could be seen.

"Report," Spock commanded.

Jim reminded herself that now was not the time to wonder if he was as commanding in the bedroom.

"We were hailed by the Romulan Warbird 33.145 seconds ago," the other male responded evenly. "However, there are also three Klingon vessels accompanying the Romulan ship."

Jim watched Spock's body stiffen at the news. She was filled with a sense of dread. This was a peaceful ship with no weapons capabilities, with the exception of the bare basics. Such small velocity weapons would not even do damage to their shields. The sinking feeling of fear settled in her stomach.

She disliked Romulans after Maelrok… she fucking hated Klingons after...

'Better not go there,' she reprimanded herself angrily.

"On screen," Spock shifted from personable to professional in the blink of an eye.

Jim tired very hard to not be impressed, but she was failing fast.

"Captain Spock," Maelrok started with a jeer that fell flat at the sight of Jim in his quarters.

If she didn't know better, she could have sworn the Vulcan was smug, and the Romulan was downright murderous. Her blue eyes gazed back and forth between the two with exasperation.

Dear God! Why wouldn't the Romulan just give up already!

"Hello Maelrok," Jim called with forced politeness.

"What are you doing in his quarters Jim?" The Sub-Commander demanded with a near hiss.

She blinked at him in disbelief and placed her hands on her hips.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" She questioned sarcastically, "I'm standing."

Maelrok sneered at her caustic reply. "You know very well what I meant."

Jim sighed and glared at him without fondness. "Not everyone is out capture me and chain me to their bed, Maelrok."

"Chaining you to a stationary object could prove harmful to your inferior body," Spock commented evenly.

She looked at him affronted. "Thanks, Spock."

"Thanks are-"

"Illogical, yes, it's coming back to me now," she responded dryly.

"The terran mind truly is far poorer at recalling events than I had previously estimated," the Vulcan continued blithely.

"You are just full of compliments today, aren't you?" James asked with thinly-veiled sarcasm.

"It was my experience that humans did not consider fact to be complimentary," Spock responded curiously.

"JIM!" Maelrok snarled over the communications screen.

Her blue eyes landed on his enraged features. "Yes honey-bun?" her tone was snarky.

"Honey-bun?" The Romulan repeated, and Jim could see one of his officers lean down and whisper something in his ear. Jim did not like the fact that there were multiple Romulans that were perfectly okay with kidnapping a terran against her will.

Honestly, what kind of home planet was Romulus to allow that anyway?

A look of shock and pleasure broke over his features. Jim nearly snorted. Clearly, Maelrok did not understand the other connotations behind terms of endearment. Like the fact that many of them were used to in a manner to unman unwanted suitors.

She mentally rolled her eyes when the Romulan's tone shifted to be gentler. It was almost insultingly… indulgent.

No one did that except for her, okay?

"Jim, I will ask once more. What are you doing in his private quarters?"

"I don't have to answer to you Maelrok," she reminded him smarmily.

She watched his displeasure come back ten-fold. "Yet," he amended her statement, "You do not have to answer to me… yet."

"Ever…," she shot back, "I do not have to answer to you… ever."

Jim saw Spock shift to cover the majority of the screen. "You shall desist with engaging in conversation with James," the Vulcan's tone left no room for argument; "You will speak with me. I am the Captain of this Vessel."

Whatever hidden meaning was in his words, Jim did not know, but Maelrok looked ready to spit acid in her opinion.

"You over step your bounds Vulcan."

"You would do well to learn yours, Romulan," Spock replied stoically, but his eyes flashed.

"I know mine, Captain," a cold smile settled on Maelrok's features. "But perhaps my Klingon allies could teach you, yours."

Jim shifted closer to Spock at the Romulan's harsh words. She knew all too well how much of a bitch fighting Klingons could be.

Had Jim ever mentioned to Spock how much she hated Klingons?