I find the differences that separate us from the Vulcans very interesting, and I've always wanted to push them to their limits.

Non-slash romances often feature graceful ladies who have a bit of stoicism or reserve that ends up charming the unflappable commander. In the most successful stories, one can't help but cheer her on with enthusiastic comments. But of course, we're talking about a select few chosen ones because, to be honest, as sexy as our beloved Vulcan may be, he's more the type to drive poor Earth women completely mad.

Most often, we can admire this remarkable talent in amusing parodies, but here, I had fun treating the genre with the seriousness it deserves. To that end, I've tried to portray characters faithful to the originals, but of course, I beg your indulgence for my mistakes and missteps; such a predictable setback for humans.

A quick reminder on the timeline.

Following the five-year mission that we followed over the course of the first three seasons, Captain James Kirk was promoted to admiral in 2270 and returned to Earth to take on the role of Starfleet's Chief of Operations. In 2272, he resumed command of his ship during the V'Ger mission (Star Trek: The Motion Picture).

It is often assumed that afterward, he left his position to undertake a new exploration mission at the helm of the Enterprise. Many non-canonical sources deal with this hypothetical mission. As for the timeline, all we know is that by 2276, four years later, Spock had been promoted to captain of the Enterprise, which had become a training vessel for Starfleet Academy.

This exploration mission would therefore have taken place between 2272 and 2276. In the absence of contradictory information, we can also assume that Spock was part of the crew.

If the Vulcan biological cycle proceeded normally, the first officer's second pon farr occurred during this mission, in the year 2274. This is when the events of this fiction take place.

Its a traduction of my fic Pon farr. English is not my first language, so I apologize for any mistakes I may have made

oOoOo

Sitting at his desk, James Kirk was reviewing the latest reports on the unexplored nebula they had detected a few hours earlier. He heard the door swish open and looked up to see Spock place a tablet in front of him. He picked it up and quickly scanned the latest data, which revealed nothing particularly new. They would have to get closer to gather significant information. He signed with the stylus, and Spock took back the tablet.

"Captain, may I ask if you intend to explore the nebula temporarily designated 14-D-25."

Kirk smiled like a kid sensing Christmas was coming.

"I think you already know the answer, Mr. Spock."

"Indeed, but I wanted to confirm, as under these circumstances, I must inform you that there is an obstacle."

"What kind of obstacle?" Kirk asked.

"It will soon be seven years, Captain."

Kirk looked at him, puzzled.

"On Vulcan," Spock clarified, with a meaningful glance.

"Oh. You mean the…"

"Yes," Spock cut him off.

Kirk was suddenly flooded with troubling memories.

"Given the unknown parameters of this new mission, I fear I must return to Vulcan immediately."

"Of course. If you deem it necessary, we'll make a detour to Vulcan first."

"Unfortunately, I'm afraid it won't be a simple detour, Captain."

"What do you mean?"

"Considering I do not know exactly when the time will come, and we also don't know whether we will be able to reach Vulcan when it does, the safety of the Enterprise requires that I be taken there as soon as possible, for an indeterminate amount of time. It could be several months."

"Still, if my memory serves, last time the process seemed rather swift," Jim pointed out.

"I was engaged then, which is no longer the case. Furthermore, I estimate the first signs should occur in approximately two hundred and fourteen Terran days, perhaps more. Given that we know nothing of this nebula and that seven years ago you defied orders to take me to Vulcan, I pose a danger to the Enterprise within that time frame. Moreover, in the case of a second engagement, the delays could be considerable. I consider it likely that T'Pring is not the only Vulcan who would prefer not to be married to a 'legend.'"

Kirk nodded. It was hard to forget why Spock's fiancée had rejected him, especially since he had been the one who'd been beaten, slashed, and strangled for the cause.

"Mr. Spock, this is very bad news," he said, leaning back in his chair with a displeased expression. "I can't imagine being without you for that long. Is there no other way?"

"Yes. After extensive research, I've concluded that it would be possible to resolve this matter internally."

Kirk looked at him skeptically.

"I'm not sure I understand."

"A female crew member could be assigned to this task."

"Spock? You're serious?" Jim said, unable to imagine such a thing.

"Yes," Spock replied, as though he saw no reason to doubt it.

Kirk gave an awkward smile and cleared his throat, observing his friend, who stood rigidly in front of him, completely unaffected by the scandalous nature of the proposal.

"Yes. I suppose it may seem logical, but it's not as simple undertaking such a... mission. I'm afraid the regulations would oppose this plan."

"Are you referring to Starfleet's policy on sexual harassment, Captain?"

"Among other things," Kirk agreed, surprised that there was anything in this area Spock didn't already know. "The regulations don't allow for assigning a crew member to such a... uh... task."

"As part of a mission, the regulations may not apply in the same way, Captain."

"I admit, Mr. Spock, I don't quite see how."

"A mission has specific parameters that can alter the regulations to a certain extent."

"I don't know about Vulcan practices, but when it comes to human ones, I don't believe it's possible to authorize a mission of this nature under any circumstances," he assured him.

"As part of a mission, and provided the individuals involved are aware of the inherent risks, safety protocols do not have to be applied systematically. The Captain's judgment takes precedence."

"I see what you're referring to, and I have no doubt you've looked into this thoroughly, but I don't believe that rule applies in a case like this."

"It most certainly applies when a crew member is at risk of death, particularly if that crew member's duties are essential to the operations of the Enterprise."

Kirk stared at him for a moment, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. He rubbed his chin, suddenly wishing to be somewhere else.

"Spock, I admit that even in these circumstances..." he hesitated. "You do understand that from a human perspective, such a mission could be seen as... inappropriate."

"I'm aware of that, Captain."

"I'm glad to hear you say that," Jim replied, somewhat relieved that the Vulcan understood.

"I, of course, took this element into account when analyzing the files of the candidates. Out of the one hundred and twelve female crew members, I've identified three with the appropriate profile to successfully complete this mission. I'm ready to begin interviews as soon as you approve the mission, Captain—if you approve it, of course."

"And can I know who you've selected exactly?" Kirk asked, his curiosity piqued.

"The most qualified female is third-class Stone from the mechanical maintenance team. Second is first-class Darion from security, and lastly, Lieutenant Smith."

"Smith? Really?" Kirk asked, recalling a small, round Black woman.

"Yes. She has previously expressed interest in mating, but I will consider her candidacy as a last resort."

"Ah. And... the others have also shown interest in that sort of thing?" Kirk asked, feeling as though this conversation was becoming completely surreal.

"No. Lieutenant Smith's advances did not influence her selection. All candidates were chosen based on their psychological profiles and, of course, their exemplary discretion. While this mission does not violate regulations, I believe it should be classified as highly... secret, with your permission, Captain."

Jim sighed heavily. He stood up and sat on the edge of his desk, crossing his arms with a troubled expression.

"Spock, you're putting me in a... difficult position," he said, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the proposal.

"It's evident that this mission is more delicate than usual. However, as long as the procedure is followed, I see no impediment to initially starting the selection process. In the case of three consecutive refusals, we would have to consider the possibility of an absence, the duration of which cannot be precisely determined but could extend over several months."

"Yes, I understand," he said, perturbed. "But I'm not sure I fully grasp it. Are you planning to propose to these women?"

"No. I don't believe that will be necessary. Terran females can mate with any male regardless of their marital status."

"Uh… I'm sorry to contradict you, but such arrangements are not at all desirable in a marital context," Jim clarified, clearing his throat.

"I understand, Captain. That is why I have ensured that none of the candidates are involved in such relationships. Otherwise, a refusal would be expected. I was referring to your species' natural biological dispositions, which are, by the way, fascinating in terms of mating."

"Hmm, yes, if you say so. So… what exactly are you proposing?" he asked, dreading the answer.

"Mating," Spock said as if it were obvious. "But it could also involve several consecutive matings. I cannot confirm that."

Still leaning on his desk, Kirk felt a strong urge to laugh and massaged the bridge of his nose as if that could help him maintain his composure.

"Spock," he finally said, "as a friend, I must admit I seriously doubt that this approach will succeed with any woman."

"In that case, I will need to go to Vulcan and start the process to find a wife. I believe it would be most logical to attempt to avoid that, even though the chances of success are minimal."

Kirk sighed. He was certain that the prolonged absence of his first officer and best friend would put him in a dreadful situation. But all of this was truly… quite out of character for Spock. The idea of him conducting such interviews was unsettling.

"And how do you see yourself… um… proceeding?"

"Standard procedure," Spock replied, surprised to have to mention it. "I will present the mission conditions and then answer the candidates' questions."

"Of course," Kirk said, imagining the candidates' reactions upon learning the conditions. "And they will, of course, be perfectly free to refuse."

"Anything else would be criminal, Captain."

Kirk scratched his head, never having thought he'd one day have to approve such a mission, and even less so from Spock.

"Well then, start by submitting the mission order," he said, choosing to live dangerously. "Then, I suppose you can proceed with your… interviews."

"Very well, Captain," Spock said, turning to leave.

"And Spock. While I think of it, if I may offer you a piece of advice…"

The Vulcan turned to look at him.

"When you talk about your candidates, try to avoid using the term 'female' as much as possible."

Spock tilted his head in that familiar way he did when human behaviors seemed illogical to him.

"It is the appropriate term to refer to female individuals of a Terran species."

"Just… trust me," Jim said confidently.

"Very well. If you say so, Captain."

The first officer left, and Jim stared at the door for a long time, thinking he had probably just made a serious mistake. It was almost certain he would soon have to deal with three harassment complaints. But of course, if there was even a chance he wouldn't have to be without his second, it was probably worth the risk… even if it meant enduring a few burns in the process.