Chapter 10
M'Benga had been required at several V'Tosh events in the past. They seemed to take a sadistic pleasure in torturing the Terran females they found attractive. Their lust was unbridled. Joseph dreaded attending this event as a guest. It meant that he would be required to participate. If not, Nyota would be in danger, as well as Joseph's life.
M'Benga pulled out the robe he was given the first time he had to attend to a patient injured in one of the so-called ceremonies. It was a little long for him. Joseph had the robe cleaned three times, but the blood stains were still noticeable if one looked closely at the robe's hem.
"Hassa," a voice called out.
M'Benga turned to see Sarek standing there with two other Vulcans. He surmised that they were guards based on their uniforms.
"Osu Sarek, How may I be of assistance," Joseph replied. His voice quaked. Nothing good would come of a private meeting with the governor.
"You will attend Spock's bonding ceremony?" Sarek asked.
"Yes, I was just preparing my robe," Joseph replied.
Sarek sniffed, and the guard strode across the floor and took the robe.
"This robe is unsuitable for such a grand occasion," Sarek said with a gleam in his eyes.
The other guard stepped forward with a large case. He placed it on the counter and opened it. There was a pad, a pouch and a black robe with silver Vulcan insignia.
"You will represent Clan S'chn T'gai. Your responsibilities are outlined on the padd. Once you have completed your tasks, change into your robe, and the guards will show you to the gallery. You may select a comfort female of your choosing there," Sarek said.
M'Benga flinched.
"Unless you prefer males, we have a small supply of choice, young males," Sarek's voice took on a sultry quality. Then he cleared his throat.
"No sir, I prefer females," M'Benga said. He had not been with one for a long time, but this was not what he had in mind.
"Thank you, Osu Sarek," Joseph added. Then he gave a slight nod.
Sarek tapped one of the jewels on his robe with a very long index fingernail.
"Very well, I will leave a guard to escort you," he turned and left.
Joseph grabbed his surgical kit and added a razor, a derma-blaze and a dermal regenerator. He was about to close it but turned and added five cartridges and two Hypospray guns. He sighed and snapped the bag shut. Finally, he added a surgical gown, cap and boots. He had just purchased these items and knew they would have to be recycled by the time the ceremony ended. However, Sarek would compensate him for the loss.
When Spock and Nyota returned to the embassy, they had lunch with Sarek. Spock was very quiet, which made Nyota nervous. At the end of dinner, the servant poured a small cordial for Nyota. She picked It up and tasted it. She smiled at Spock. He grabbed a glass of port and drank it down quickly. Then he looked away. Before Nyota could ask what was the issue, she slumped down in her chair. Spock exhaled slowly. It had begun.