Mirrors Pt 1 of 3 (K/S)
May. 8th, 2005 09:30 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gilda_eliseI wanted to do a story on Vulcan after having one of those "flash" visions of Kirk and Spock surrounded by Vulcan warriors. This was as close as I could get.
It ended up in the contest zine, so while it's been betaed it hasn't been edited. I tried not to change anything, other than the glaring mistakes I missed the first half dozen times around, while I reformatted it for posting but there were a few times I couldn't resist.
Originally published in First Time 54, 2002 by Merry Men Press.
MIRRORS
By Elise Madrid
Captain’s Personal Log: Stardate 6055.1
The ship is in orbit above Vulcan, where I and my science officer will spend the next three weeks. I accepted Spock’s invitation to accompany him on shoreleave, with some trepidation. I fear I am losing my friend and I don’t know why. Over the last few months, he has begun to avoid me. Our days of shared meals and chess games are a thing of the past. Though I hope to discover the reason behind his withdrawal from me, and a way to bring it to an end, I begin to suspect that only sorrow awaits me on the planet below.
First Officer’s Personal Log: Stardate 6055.1
We are in standard orbit above Vulcan. My captain has accepted my invitation to spend time on my home world, unaware that it will be, in all probability, our final time together. I am unable to continue the charade in which I now live, and have decided my only course of action is to confess to him what I have discovered within myself. I only hope that he can forgive me, and will understand why I can no longer remain on the ship. Logic has failed me, and I am lost
* * *.
They materalized outside the imposing structure of Spock’s childhood home. Kirk had always found its dark interior a bit depressing, as if the need to keep out heat had also made it necessary to restrict light. Spock quietly led them to the door, opening it and entering as if he had only left that morning, rather than months ago. No one came forth out of the gloom, the house still and empty. On the large table in the middle of the foyer there lay a small envelope with Spock’s name hand written across it.
“It is my mother’s handwriting.” Spock glanced at his captain before opening the note. He scanned it briefly, a small frown appearing over his brow. “My father has been called away. There is a problem between the two warring factions whose planet has asked for Federation membership. He and my mother will be gone for at least five standard weeks.”
“Is that going to be a problem?” Kirk looked around, wondering why the thought of spending all that time alone with Spock, here in this mausoleum of a house, was so distressing. Maybe because it seemed to match so well the nature of their current relationship. Dark, empty.
“No, my parents knew that we would both be here and the length of our stay. I am sure that provisions were made for our visit. Because of my father’s position, my mother has become quite adept at making new arrangements at a moment’s notice.” He picked up the large valise he had brought. “Come. I will show you to your room. You will no doubt wish to unpack and refresh yourself.”
Kirk grabbed his own suitcase, following his friend into the recesses of the house. He was led to the same room he had used on their last visit, directly across the hall from Spock’s. It had been recently aired out, and fresh linen and a vase of brightly colored flowers helped lift the sombre atmosphere pervading the rest of the house. He placed his luggage on the bench at the foot of the bed, looking around and trying not to show how nervous he was. “This is nice. I think I’ll unpack and change into something cooler. Give me about thirty minutes, okay?”
Spock merely nodded and started toward the door.
“Spock?”
“Yes, Captain?” Spock stopped, in the process of closing the double doors of the room.
“Um, where will you be?”
“I too, plan to change, after which I shall be in the kitchen. It is almost fourteen hundred hours and I thought perhaps you would wish to eat at this time.”
“That sounds great. I’ll meet you there.” Kirk begin unpacking as the doors were closed, but then turned and sat dejectedly on the bed. What the hell was he going to do for three weeks with someone who would barely talk to him? He had hoped to get some kind of advice from Amanda, perhaps the two of them could figure out what was going on with her son. But now it looked like he was on his own. Somehow, he was going to have to find a way to break down the walls Spock had so effectively built between them. He got up, grabbed his robe and headed for the bathroom. A shower before going into battle sounded good.
* * *
Spock already had the beginnings of lunch prepared when Kirk made his way into the spacious kitchen. The windows were uncovered, allowing light to filter in from outside, dispersing the darkness of the house. It helped. Kirk leaned against the counter and watched as his friend cut up an assortment of vegetables, Spock turning every so often to moniter the noodles cooking on the stove behind him.
“Can I help with anything?” Kirk grabbed a piece of broccoli and popped it in his mouth.
“You may set out the dinnerware, if you wish. They are in the large cabinet directly behind you.”
Spock hadn’t even looked up, and Kirk felt anger start to build. He hated this, hated the way things had changed between them. He turned and began collecting the things they needed, slamming the cabinet drawers and doors as he went along. When he turned back to the counter, he was stopped short by the look of devastating sorrow on Spock’s face. Perhaps no other would have noticed, but time had given him a gift, and he had been at first surprised, and then pleased, to discover that he could see so much more on that austere face than anyone else.
“Spock?” He walked over, placing the dishes and utensils down and standing next to the Vulcan. “What is it? What the hell is going on?”
Spock’s head went down, his voice pitched low with emotion. “I...I cannot tell you, I cannot.”
Kirk took the knife from his friend’s hand and steered him to the dining table, sitting him down. “Wait here.” He quickly turned off the heat on the stove, returning to sit next to Spock, pulling his chair up so that they were only inches apart, almost touching. “Okay, tell me. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I cannot.” Spock looked away, a look of defeat heavy on him. “I am a coward.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the bravest man I’ve ever known. Come on, it can’t be that bad, can it?”
The Vulcan finally turned, studying the human for a moment. “Jim, it is so much worse.”
Jim. That was a start, at least. Kirk couldn’t remember the last time Spock had used his given name. “Do you think I’ll get mad, or something? I won’t. I promise. Whatever it is, I promise not to get upset. I just want my friend back, Spock. I’ve really missed him.”
“As I have missed you, t’hy’la.” He hesitantly lifted his hand, as if to caress Kirk’s face. But at the last moment he brought his hands down into his lap and clasped them tightly together.
“I’m glad to hear that. I was beginning to wonder if I’d lost you.”
“No, never that.” He quieted for a moment, a look of deep concentration on his face. Finally, he continued speaking. “There is an ancient ruin at the edge of the Great desert. It is said to have been a fortress for the warrior band that ruled the area before the time of Surak. I wish to take you there.”
“What’s that got to do with what’s going on between us? Spock, you need to tell me.”
“There is something there that, perhaps, will help you to understand what it is that has caused this...this rift between us. Once you have seen it, I will tell you. Will you allow me this?”
“You promise?”
“Yes, I promise. We can go there in the morning. It is only a day’s travel by air car.”
Kirk brightened. “Hey, why don’t we make a camping trip out of it? Maybe stay for a day or two?” Anything to help bring them back the closeness they had lost.
“That would be acceptable. There is a great deal to see. The ruins are quite extensive.”
“Then I guess I can wait until then for your big, bad secret.” He watched his friend’s face, noticing the lessening, but not the disappearance, of the sorrow that showed so painfully there.
* * *
Meditation had done little good. Dawn was breaking, and he would need to complete the preparations for their journey. Spock slowly rose from the kneeling position he had held for much of the night. His mother’s garden, long his refuge in times of turmoil, had been powerless against the coming sorrow. He dusted himself off and walked quietly back into the house, returning to the chore he had so abruptly left the night before.
He had been unable to sleep, and had used the time to prepare for their journey. He had most of their supplies packed, only needing to finish gathering up what food they would require. He picked up the tin of specially ground coffee, a favorite of Kirk’s, that had sent him fleeing from the house the night before. The memories that had sprung to mind had been bittersweet, and he had been unable to bear the deep pain that had permeated through him, as he contemplated his life after...after he told his friend what he had discovered buried deep within himself.
These last four and a half years had been a journey of discovery, as his heart had been captured by the charismatic man sleeping upstairs. When had respect turned to admiration, to friendship...to love? All the years he had spent behind his walls of isolation, built to protect himself from the hurt he had endured as a child, had left him unprepared to deal with the untamed force which was Kirk. The human had forced his way into Spock’s life, brushing aside all his attempts to keep distance between them. Gradually, the walls had tumbled down, and Kirk had wasted no time in making himself at home in the Vulcan’s heart.
His life aboard the Enterprise had never been the same. Eventually, he and Kirk had come to spend most of their free time together. Meals, chess games, and long conversations into the ship’s night had cemented their growing dependence on each other, until Spock had been unable to rationalize his feelings away. He had no life without Kirk. Everything that had once been of importance to him now took second place to his need to be at Kirk’s side, his desire to protect and cherish the man, always.
He knew that he was important to Kirk, that his captain cared a great deal for him. But that was not the same as what he now understood was part of what drew him to the human. Until pon farr, he had been ignorant of the passion that lay quiescent beneath his controlled exterior. Afterwards, it had flamed up in a white-hot blaze, incinerating his preconceived notions of desire. He wanted Kirk, in the way that a man wanted his mate. He wanted to touch him, take him, to burn together in the fires of sexual congress.
It was then that he had remembered the murals seen in his boyhood at the great ruins. In the Hall of Warriors, his ancestors had left vivid proof of their unleashed, often violent, emotions. Wall after wall was covered with brightly colored scenes of life among the warriors. Fighting, playing, making love, they depicted a drama of two men joined body and soul in a celebration of mutual passions. It had all made sense then, the travesty that had been his link to T’Pring and his overwhelming attraction to the man he served.
It became a joy and a curse to touch the human, to feel the cool, smooth texture gliding below his hands whenever he was called for a backrub, to feel the muscled contours of Kirk’s body whenever he held him close as they worked out together. Finally, it became too much. During their last workout, he had pinned the smaller body beneath his and had felt himself becoming aroused, his engorged organ rubbing against Kirk’s as they struggled on the mat. Kirk had appeared unconcerned, as if it was as normal for Spock as it had always been for him. But Spock knew better. His controls were breaking down, and it was not outside the realm of possibility that one day he would take what he desired, no matter what his friend might want.
That day, some six months before, his course of action had been set. He would have to leave, break away from the only being who had ever fulfilled his life. And with only months left in the mission, his leaving would not create undue hardship. He began avoiding his captain, trying to tear apart the link that already bound him to the man. He knew he was hurting his friend, but better that, than to remain and allow what he feared to become reality. The human had never shown any inclination toward men as bed partners. Better that Spock leave, destroy their friendship, than stay and destroy Kirk.
He heard a door close upstairs and the steps of his captain as he made his way down. Spock shook himself out of his reverie and returned to his preparations.
* * *
They traveled all day, spending the night at the lodging facilities bordering the desert. They barely spoke, as if the promise Spock had made bound them to silence. Leaving the air car there, they got an early start the following morning, traveling steadily on foot for several hours. They rested through the heat of midday, then continued on after the sun had passed its zenith. Now, standing on a high plateau, Kirk looked down on a wide valley as the sun’s setting rays transformed it into a dream of red. He turned to the Vulcan behind him. “It’s beautiful, Spock.”
“It is Ku-li t’eifa Etwel Trasha Za’. The valley of those left behind.” Spock translated.
“Sounds poetic. What’s it mean?”
“It is the home of the Paki-Sular, the Lost People. The descendants of the only clan to reject the teachings of Surak and continue in the old ways.”
“Really? They live there? And no one bothers them?”
Spock gave a small smile. “They are left to their own devices. It would, after all, be illogical to force them into a life they do not desire.”
“So, all this time, they’ve been here? How come I’ve never heard of them?”
“It is not something Vulcan normally tends to publicize. They are considered...less.”
“Why? Because they’re not ‘logical’?”
“In a way. They have lived here, apart, for thousands of years, unaccepting of the outside world. They hunt for their sustenance, and will have nothing to do with technology and the advantages it provides. Though their numbers continue to decline, they refuse any assistance.”
Kirk looked back to the expanse below. “That’s really rather sad. I wonder what they think about the rest of us, the ‘aliens’ that come to their world.”
“We are not sure if they even know you exist.”
“Can we go down there?”
“No, Jim. It is not allowed. They do not wish visitors and our government has seen fit to honor their request.”
“Too bad. It would have been ‘fascinating’.” Kirk retreated to their campsite, set back about thirty feet from the edge. Behind it was the start of the ruins they had come to explore. He sat down on one of the slabs of rock they had positioned next to the fire. Wood was scarce in the Vulcan desert, but the fuel rods they had brought would burn for many hours, keeping at bay the chill that descended as night fell.
Spock took his place across from Kirk, watching the firelight play across the human’s face. Kirk seemed to glow, radiating a fire of his own. His friend had not brought up the conversation they had had two days before, for which Spock was grateful. He hoped Kirk would forget about it, and allow them to have at least a few more days. Too soon, he would have to tell his secret, bare his heart and soul and accept the rejection he knew would be forthcoming.
He continued to gaze at the human. Kirk seemed lost in thought, and Spock gladly took the opportunity to look his fill at his soul’s other half. Why did his captain have to be perfection incarnate? From the moment Kirk had stepped off the transporter platform as he took command of the Enterprise, Spock had felt the pull of this man’s charm, falling unknowingly into an orbit that inexorably drew him closer and closer in. Feelings unknown and bewildering had kept him off balance, easy prey for the consumate master of emotional response. Did Kirk have any idea of what he had created? Would it make any difference to the human that, given the nature of their relationship, it would have been almost impossible for Spock to resist? No, it was not Kirk’s fault that his science officer knew nothing of the drives that now owned him. He would do what he must. After that....
“I think I’ll turn in now. I’m not used to this much exertion.” Kirk smiled as he rose, as if aware that he had caught his friend lost in thought.
“I too, shall retire. If it will not disturb you, I wish to meditate for a time, first.”
“It doesn’t bother me, Spock. You should know that by now. Come on, morning will be here before you know it and I’d like to get an early start on those ruins.”
The tent they brought was by necessity small, making preparations for sleep difficult. Spock turned away, pretending to rearrange his bedrole as Kirk undressed. The human had always appeared at ease with his body, accepting his nudity in front of the Vulcan in the same way he had accepted all other aspects of their life together. Unable to help himself, Spock's gaze slid back. The fire outside lit the tent enough so that the human’s body was bathed in its glow. Spock was mesmerized. His friend’s motions as he used the cleansing pad to wipe himself down, only served to further accentuate the muscled form. Finally, Kirk crawled into his bedrole, freeing the Vulcan.
As he positioned himself for meditation, Spock realized Kirk was now watching him. “Captain?”
The human only looked at him, seeming to puzzle over something. Having appeared to have come to a decision, Kirk pulled his bedding tight and closed his eyes as he settled in. “Goodnight, Spock.”
* * *
“Let go of me! God damn it, let go!” The struggling human was pulled from the tent, two well-muscled Vulcans holding him by his arms. Next to them Spock, too, was effectively held, as both men were forced to stand, naked, in the chill night air.
“What the hell’s going on?” Kirk stopped his struggles long enough to take in the group of men that had invaded their campsite. They looked like something straight out of the Arabian Nights. Most wore loose flowing robes tied at the waist, with burmoose-type headgear almost hiding the telltale ears. A few wore pants and vests over blousing tunics, with knee-high boots made from some kind of animal skin.
The one that was obviously their leader walked up to Kirk, examing him with undisguised curiousity. “You’re not Vulcan.”
“No, I’m not. Who the hell are you?”
The two sized up each other, blue eyes staring back at hazel. The young Vulcan was about the same height as Kirk, with a similar built, though he appeared to be somewhat younger.
“I am J’han, of the Paki-Sular.” He smiled at Kirk’s obvious discomfort at his nudity. “Stavon, bring them something to wear. I wouldn’t want the Earth man to think we’re barbarians.”
Spock’s brow lifted. “You know of Earth?”
“We aren’t the children your people believe us to be.” He gave Spock a derisive look and then turned back to Kirk. “I've heard about Earth people. I always wondered...” He handed over the clothes his man had brought from the tent. “Here, put these on.”
“What are you going to do with us?” Kirk questioned as he drew on his clothes.
“Him?” He nodded at Spock. “We’ll ransom back. A prince should be worth a great deal.”
“Prince? What are you talking about?” Kirk looked at his first officer. “Spock?”
The Vulcan looked discomfit. “I believe he is referring to my status as T’Pau’s heir, Captain.”
“Captain? What is this ‘captain’?” J'han demanded.
“I’m his commanding officer, his ‘leader’.”
“You? A human, commanding a prince of Vulcan? You’ve fallen far, Prince. I don’t think your people would approve.”
“You keep saying that. ‘Your’ people. You’re both Vulcan.” Kirk stated, his temper barely in check.
J'han stepped towards him, standing inches in front of the human. “No, we’re not, as you'll soon find out.” He grabbed Kirk’s chin, their eyes meeting. “You’ll make a fine slave, Captain. Many of our men still follow the ways of the warrior.” He turned away with a laugh as Kirk’s eyes went wide with shock.
“No! You cannot do this.” Spock began to fight as he and Kirk were again grabbed, both struggling to get free as they were forced to the mounts reined nearby. Their hands were tied and then they were hoisted up, each mounted with one of their captors. “J'han, you must listen to me. He is not a man to be enslaved. J'han!”
The young Vulcan mounted and laughed at Spock’s distress. “You’re not acting like a proper Vulcan, Prince. What happened to your precious control of emotions?” He motioned to the men around him and started forward. “Come on. We have a lot to show for a night’s hunt. I think we’ve earned a day of rest.”
* * *
The ride to the village set against the backdrop of mountains took the rest of the night and dawn was just breaking as they entered its outskirts. The two were taken to a small dwelling obviously built to house prisoners. There was only one way in, and the door was shut behind them after they were untied and unceremoniously thrown in.
Kirk got up from where he had fallen on the floor. He lunged at the door as it closed, grabbing at the bars set across the small opening. “I demand to talk to your leader.”
J'han stood relaxed on the other side, his arms crossed. Aa smile played across his face. “You’re in no position to demand anything. If I were you, I’d rest now. I’ve already had several offers for you.” He casually walked away, laughing as he joined the group of men waiting for him. “See you later, Captain.”
“Captain, I would do as he suggests. Until one of us is able to communicate with whoever is in charge, there is nothing to be done but wait.” Spock sat on one of the small beds, his back against the wall.
Kirk began pacing, his outrage keeping him in motion, the need to do something overpowering his need for rest. “I can’t. I’ve got to figure out how to get us out of this mess. There must be something we can do, something we can say to make them let us go.”
“I think not. Jim, do not mistake these people for simple tribesmen. Though they appear to reject technology, they are obviously knowledgable of events on the rest of Vulcan. I noticed that not just J'han understood what we were saying. They know standard, which means that they have somehow monitored the outside world. Add to that the fact the J'han knew of Earth...”
“There’s more going on here than there should be, right?” Kirk came over and sat next to his friend. “Do you think that maybe they’ve been ‘cheating’? Pretending to not want what the rest of Vulcan has, while all the time secretly using whatever they can?”
Spock steepled his hands, his arms resting on his knees, comfortably falling into the role of science officer. “Highly likely. Which makes it difficult to understand how J'han plans to keep you here. Surely he must realize that you would be missed and that once I was ransomed, I would fight for your release as well. Unless...”
“Unless, what?” Kirk eyed his friend, warily.
“In ancient times, when a warrior would take a male slave as a...companion, a mental link would be created. One which made escape impossible.”
“Why? Why impossible?”
“After the link was formed, the slave would no longer be drawn to any other. He would desire only his master. To leave would be unthinkable.”
Kirk, momentarily stunned speechless, could only stare at his friend. Finally, he found his voice. “They would do that...to me?”
Spock lowered his head. “I do not know, Captain.”
The human jumped up, returning to his pacing. “Well, we better think of something...fast! I don’t plan to spend the rest of my life as some Vulcan warrior’s bedwarmer.”
“Jim...”
“No, Spock. I mean it! I’m not staying here. Whatever it takes, whatever I have to do, whatever we have to do, to make sure that...that doesn’t happen. I can’t, I won’t, live like that.”
Spock leaned his head back to rest against the wall behind him, closing his eyes. Either way, whether they made it out of here or not, he had received his answer. The idea of being with another male was obviously so repugnant to Kirk, that he would rather die than submit to it. “Very well, Captain. I will do whatever you wish me to do.”
* * *
“J'han, what have you done?” The tall, fair-haired Vulcan, stared at the younger man, exasperation and annoyance fighting with concern.
J'han quirked his lips, shyly looking up at his older brother from his seat. They were so different, in looks and in temperament. But no one meant more to him, no one whose opinion he valued as much. Even their father’s. “It’ll be okay, Skott. The human will bring a fair price, and the prince...he’ll be so glad to get out of here and back to his decadent life-style, he won’t even know the man’s gone.”
Skott came around and pulled up a chair next to his brother. They were in the kitchen of the spacious home they shared with their father, the leader of their people. “You don’t know that. What if the man is important to him? You said he called him ‘captain’. In their world, that means that the man has power, is important in his own right.”
“I don’t care. I’ve already promised him to one of the men, and once the link is created he won’t want to leave. Besides, if we keep him with the prince, there’ll be trouble. I can tell.” J'han stared at his brother. “Don’t you see? We can ask for anything we want, and they’ll give it to us. The prince is our people’s way out.”
Skott sighed, affectionately ruffling his brother’s hair. “Little brother, I know what you’re trying to do but you’re not thinking straight.”
“Why not? Would it be so hard for you to finally get what you want?”
Skott rose, walked away from the table to stand near the open doorway, and looked out at the slowly lightening sky. “It can never be, J'han. Even if by some miracle we pulled this off. Our father is depending on me to carry on after him. I won’t disappoint him...for anything.”
J'han came over, resting a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “It doesn’t have to be one or the other. At least think about the possibility.”
Skott remained silent for a moment, obviously weighing his decision before speaking. “Very well. Until our father returns I am responsible for what is done. Give the prisoners the day to rest. Before the evening meal, bring them here. I can’t promise you anything but...we will see."
* * *
Kirk woke with a start, disoriented. He sat up and pushed aside the blanket draped across his body. Looking around, he could see sunlight streaming in through the door window. Spock sat in the same spot, his bedding still neatly made, a sure sign that the Vulcan had not slept. Nothing had been resolved. After the coerced promise, Spock had pulled back into himself, refusing to speak further.
Girdling himself for a fight, Kirk walked over and sat next to his rigidly surpressed friend. “Didn’t you sleep at all?”
“No.” Spock didn’t even turn his head but continued to stare at the wall across from them.
“Come on, Spock. Talk to me.”
“There is nothing left to say. You have stated that death is preferable to life with another male...”
“That’s not what I said.” Kirk responded, indignantly.
Spock turned to him then, angry and hurt. “Is it not? ‘Whatever I have to do to make sure that that doesn’t happen. I won’t, I can’t, live like that’ is, I believe, a direct quote.”
“But I didn’t mean because I’d have to be with a male. I meant because I’d be a slave, because I’d never be able to leave here.” Kirk’s toned softened at the look of confusion on the Vulcan’s face. “Is that what hurt you so badly? Because you thought I would rather die than be with a man? Why, Spock? Why would it matter so much? Tell me.”
The Vulcan gazed silently at his friend. This was not the way he had envisioned telling him of his feelings but it could very well be the last opportunity he would ever have to do so. He straightened, pulling slightly away. “Very well. It is something I have long wished to tell you but out of fear...I hid it from you, instead.” He cleared his throat and swallowied nervously. “For some time now I have felt...a change in the way I perceive myself, in what I believe myself to be.”
“Change? In a good way or a bad way?”
Spock shook his head. “That is something only you can say. After my link to T’Pring was severed, I realized that there was a reason for her reaction to me, a reason why she would not wish to be bonded to me.” He looked down, unable to meet the trusting eyes of his friend. “She did not wish to be with a male who desired...another way.”
“Another way? What other way?” Kirk’s voice took on an odd quality, an edge that Spock had never heard before.
“To follow in the way of the ancient warriors of Vulcan. To join my life, my soul, to another such as I. For all time, to be with the one I desire above all others.”
“You’re not talking about a woman, are you? It’s not a woman you want, is it?”
“I desire...another. Oh, Jim. I am so sorry.”
“Who? Who do you desire?” Kirk grabbed the Vulcan’s shoulders, shaking him.
A hoarse whisper was all he could manage. “You. I desire you.”
Kirk’s hands dropped away and only silence answered the Vulcan’s declaration. A slight tremor stirred through Spock’s body as he looked up and saw the tightly pressed lips and closed eyes of his friend. “Jim?”
Slowly the human’s eyes opened and a smile of unimagined joy lit his face. “What makes you think I don’t feel the exact same way?”
“I...I do not...”
Kirk’s smile broadened as he slid closer to the Vulcan, taking his friend in a tight embrace. “I love you. I can’t say it any plainer than that. Or maybe I can.” He brought his hand up to cradle Spock’s neck, pulling his head down for a gentle kiss. He held him there, softly pressing his lips to his friend’s for a few seconds before pulling away. “I love you. I want to make love with you. I want to go to bed with you every night and wake up next to you every morning for the rest of our lives.” He brought his other hand up and softly ran slightly trembling fingers down the Vulcan’s cheek. “Do you think that would be okay?”
Spock hesitantly copied the motion, as if to convince himself that this was not all some kind of dream, a cruel trick by his mind to hide from the reality of losing this man. Slowly, belief grew, and with it came an overwhelming gratitude for what he had been given. He gathered the smaller man closer, burying his face in the sweet hollow of the human’s neck, taking in the scent of him, the solid feel of him in his arms. “I have hungered for you, wanting you as part of myself for so long. That I could have this...”
“I take it that means yes?” Kirk teased. He pushed back and looked up into Spock’s face. The hunger there brought an instant reaction from his body and he pulled the Vulcan back into his arms, taking his mouth with his.
They kissed hungrily, frantically moving closer, each caressing the other as they removed their clothes to be left in a jumbled pile on the cell floor. Stretched out on the small bed, the two men held each other, mouths locked together as hands explored the unmapped contours of each others’ naked bodies.
Spock couldn’t get enough of the human’s taste, his mouth moving from Kirk’s down the strong neck, leaving a trail of burning kisses as he made his way to the smooth chest. He sucked in a nipple, his tongue flicking back and forth across it, bringing moans of pleasure from the writhing body. His fingers danced over chest and belly, skimming over the soft skin of thighs and hips, before settling on the rigid cock nestled in the golden thatch at Kirk’s groin.
Wrapping his fingers around the human’s straining organ, he gently squeezed, his thumb running over the cap, one finger working at the slit, Kirk’s hips slowly pistoning. Spock pulled his mouth away from the rigid nipple and returned to the sweet taste of his lover’s mouth, his tongue dueling with its counterpart.
Kirk pulled at him, urging him on top as Spock’s hands came up to entangle in the honey-colored hair. The human’s legs parted, trying to bring their bodies closer, his hands all over his lover. Breaking the kiss, he brought his mouth over to bite and suck at the Vulcan’s throat.
“Jim, please. I need..” Spock panted, his arousal growing with the reality of the cool body under his, Kirk’s hands on his ass pulling them together. He could feel the human’s cock, thick and heavy against his own, as their hips ground together.
“What do you need? Me? Do you need me?” Kirk gasped. “Take me. Make us one, Spock. Make it so no one can part us, ever.”
Make us one. The words rang like a song of forever in the Vulcan’s mind. He slowly rose to his knees between Kirk’s thighs, and bringing his head down, drew the human’s cock into his mouth, his tongue working along the shaft as he sucked.
“Spock. Oh, Spock.” Kirk silently repeated his lover’s name over and over, lifting his hips to drive his cock deeper into the heated wetness, the saliva running down, wetting his buttocks.
The Vulcan shifted his mouth down, gliding his tongue over and around Kirk’s balls, pushing the human’s thighs wider apart to reach the puckered hole below. He sucked along the inner thigh, nipping at the tender skin while his fingers teased at the opening. He felt hands pulling at him, and he looked up to see blatant need on the aroused human’s face.
“I want you. I want you inside of me.” Kirk’s voice was thick with desire. He pulled his legs up to rest against his chest, exposing himself fully to his lover.
“I have dreamt of this. On the Enterprise. I have dreamt of making you my own.”
“Do it, Do it now.” Kirk moaned softly as Spock’s finger insinuated itself into his rectum, stretching him as it slid in and out, joined by one, and then two more. He rocked back onto the invading digits. “God, that feels good.”
“Then this should feel even better.” Spock whispered as he withdrew his fingers. He rose and leaned over his lover, resting one hand above Kirk's shoulder, while using the other to position his cock against the human’s anus. Then, ever so slowly, he pushed forward, his shaft sinking into the slick moistness.
Kirk panted harshly as he was filled, his eyes going wide as he watched his lover’s cock disappear into his body. If there was a slight discomfort, it was swiftly overshadowed by the overwhelming pleasure of the shaft working its way inside of him. Spock began rocking his hips, pushing in deeper, harder, the human crying out each time his lover’s cock slid across his prostate.
Spock threw his head back, his universe centering on the feel of the wet tightness wrapped around his organ. He could never have imagined this feeling, the wonder of filling Kirk’s body, his cock giving him pleasure, the indescribable sensation as he buried himself over and over into the clenching orifice, and the knowledge that this was his, his to take, and his to give, for the rest of their lives.
Kirk’s head rolled from side to side, his hips thrusting up to meet the invading organ in a relentless reach for completion, each slide of flesh into flesh bringing them closer, closer. The sound of their bodies coming together, the slap of groin against upturned buttocks, filled the room.
They were being burned alive in an inferno of their own making, each plunge of the Vulcan’s cock feeding the fires within. Spock settled his hand on the upturned face, his soul burying itself in Kirk’s, and with one final thrust, he came, his seed filling the beloved body. He heard the human cry out and shudder into climax, the flames flaring up and incinerating them both, leaving only the union that would forever embody their love.
* * *
“I wonder when they’re going to feed us.” Kirk groused. The intense lovemaking had whetted his always healthy appetite. It had been almost twenty-four hours since their last meal.
“It would behoove them to do so, and quickly. They are not aware of the problems associated with a starship captain that...” The kiss planted firmly on his lips stopped the rest, the next several minutes taken with a thorough exploration of each other's mouths.
Finally, they pulled apart. “I really am hungry, Spock.”
“I know, t’hy’la. Hopefully, it will be soon.” He looked around at their meager surroundings. The small and sparcely furnished prison left much to be desired. The almost adequate facilities, a tiny room for voiding oneself and a faucet that dribbled out an unsteady flow of water, barely served. They had washed up and dressed after their lovemaking, feeling they were at enough of a disadvantage without being caught with their pants down...literally.
Spock leaned back against the wall, his armed draped over the smaller body. This was so new, and wonderful...and so very comfortable. There had been no doubt or shyness between them, their solid friendship the base on which their new relationship stood.
A shadow played across the floor. Kirk stood up suddenly, going towards the door. “Someone’s coming.”
J'han stood on the other side, the same lazy smile on his face. “Back away from the door.”
Kirk backed away and Spock rose to join him as the door opened. J'han entered, accompanied by four of his men, a phaser firmly held in his hand. “I know how to use this, so don’t go getting any ideas.” He motioned them forward. “Come on. It’s time we got on with things.”
They were taken ou, and brought to a large house that stood almost in the center of the village. It was fronted by a shaded courtyard, the wall lined with three sets of double doors that led inside. Their “escorts” were left outside, but they were easily seen through the glass-paned doors.
“You two stay here. I’ll be right back. And don’t forget, there are four men outside just waiting for either of you to try something.” J'han left the room, bounding up the stairs that could be seen in the foyer beyond.
Left alone, they began a quiet but thorough inspection of the room, trying to find anything that could be used as a weapon or a means of escape. Nothing was found, except the unmistakable fingerprints of technology that had been impossible to hide. The books that lined two walls were of the finest quality and the decanter and glasses on the masterly carved table of the best crystal. Outside of the phaser, they saw nothing truly advanced, but these people did not live the life of simple hunters.
Spock picked up a goblet, examining it closely before turning to show Kirk.
“Nice. I didn’t know these people had it in them,” Kirk responded as he continued his surveillance.
“They do not. This is from Rigel Four. I recognize the design.” Spock returned the goblet to the table. “ There has obviously been more ‘cheating’ going on than we originally thought.”
“Does that upset your Vulcan sensibilities, Prince?” The sight of the tall Vulcan who stood at the entrance to the room, J'han at his side, brought a stunned look from Kirk. His hair was the color of cornsilk, cropped close around his face. His eyes, like J'han’s, were startlingly blue. But where the smaller Vulcan’s were like deep water, this man’s were the color of a Terran sky at midday. The husky laugh in response to the human’s obvious surprise only added to his oddness.
He came forward and sat behind the large wooden desk that dominated the room. J'han leaned at its edge, a wolf guarding its alpha leader.
“Please, sit.” The fair Vulcan motioned to the comfortable looking chairs that faced him. “We have a lot to discuss.”
Spock threw a glance at his captain, and seeing agreement in his eyes, sat down. Kirk, taking the chair next to him, nonchalantly leaned back, his whole demeanor one of calm and control as he studied the Vulcan. “You might start with why you think you can get away with kidnapping two Starfleet officers.”
“I told you, Skott.” J'han stated, cryptically.
Skott looked down for a moment, hiding his smile. “My brother warned me about you, which is rather funny since you are very much alike.” He gave a fond look at the younger man to his right. “Both fast to action, both...” He quieted for a moment before giving his full attention to Spock. “J’han said that he found you in the old city. Is this true?”
“Yes. We were there to explore the ruins. They are not part of your land, so your brother should not have approached us, should not, in fact, have been there at all.”
“They are part of our land. It is ours, the place where our ancestors lived until Surak,” J’han gave a disgusted sneer, “decided that all of Vulcan would be one.”
“Even if that were true, it doesn’t give you right to just go in and kidnap whoever happens to be there,” Kirk interjected.
“Perhaps not,” Skott shot his brother a look before the younger man could interrupt. “But you're here, nevertheless. I don’t totally agree with my brother’s methods, but his goal is the same as mine. Our people are in need of many things, things that a prince’s ransom would go far to provide. And duplicity seems to be the only language your people understand.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means we’re not going to strike any more losing bargains to get what we want.”
“I thought you didn’t want anything. That’s why you’re out here.”
J’han gave a derisive laugh. “Where’d you hear that? From him?” He pointed at Spock. “Just because we didn’t want to go along with Surak, didn’t mean we wanted to stay simple tribesmen forever.”
Spock’s eyebrows rose. “The agreement was that you would be allowed to continue as you are, on your own land.”
Skott nodded. “Yes, an agreement almost two thousand years old, when my people rejected the ways of Surak. But how did that translate to mean that we wanted to be forever isolated from everything else?”
“And you think this is the way to get it?” Kirk asked, incredulous.
“It’s the only way. We’re tired of having to give up more land every time we ask for something,” J’han answered and then turned to Skott. “Why are we arguing with them? That’s how we always end up losing. This time, they’re going to pay.”
“They will not pay. And I do not understand how you could be so ignorant of the consequences of this action.” Spock knew his family. Even in this time, their first reaction would be to force his release. Punishment would be swift...and extremely unpleasant.
“Because this time, we have an extra something on our side,” J’han said. “Something that will make sure you or your family don’t try anything...or should I say 'someone'?”
“J’han.” Skott gave his brother a warning look.
“No, they need to know, both of them.”
“There may be no need.”
“You’re crazy if you think that. Look at them.” J'han pointed at the two men, anger rising. “They think we’re a bunch of savages, that all they have to do is threaten us and we’ll back down. I want them to know that this time, that’s not going to be the case.” He turned to Kirk, that same lazy smile returning. “Remember what I told you? Well, that’s what’s going to happen.”
“You think you can keep me here as a slave?” Kirk returned the smile. “Think again.” He stood, returning his gaze to Skott. “Your brother has a lot to learn, but I think you already know that. In any event, his plan won’t work, not anymore. You can’t hold a prince here...or his bondmate.”
Spock felt a swell of pride at the proclamation. He stood, taking his place next to Kirk.
“You’re lying!” The younger man spun toward his brother, his hands slamming down on the desk. “He’s lying! I know he is.”
Skott looked from the human to the Vulcan at his side. He sighed heavily, leaning forward and wrapping a hand around his brother’s wrist. He gazed into the younger man’s anguished face. “No, J’han, he isn’t lying.”
J’han stared at his brother for a moment, before pulling stiffly away. “You don’t know that, not for sure.”
“Yes. I do. Look at them. They are one. Anyone can see that.” He turned his attention back to the two men. “J’han may not have noticed, but I know Stavon would have if you had been bonded before. I’m surprised you’d use so extreme a measure to win.”
Kirk shrugged, and Spock noticed he made no attempt to correct Skott’s wrong conclusion as to why they bonded. “You will release us? Both of us?” Spock asked. It unsettled him that the fair-haired Vulcan would give in so readily.
“Yes. Obviously, this changes everything. I had hoped that something could come of all this but I guess I knew...never mind. It’s late. You will be taken back to the holding place for the night. Tomorrow you will be returned to where you were...picked up.”
“No, Skott!” J’han turned to his brother. “You can’t let them go. They're mine. I captured them, so I get to say what’s to be done with them. It’s my right.”
“And what would you do? You can’t sell the human now. Do you honestly believe that the entire wrath of Vulcan wouldn’t come down on our heads if we tried to separate bondmates? It’s not going to work.”
“I don’t believe it. No one bonds himself to another just to keep from...”
“From what? Slavery?” Kirk interjected. “Think again.”
J’han swung around, advancing toward the human. “I think I’ve had enough of you.”
“Stop it, both of you.” Skott came around the desk, placing himself between the two men. “There’s nothing left to be said. If I thought for a moment we could actually wring any concessions from T’Pau, I’d keep you both here. Since we can’t...” He pulled his brother away, keeping hold of the younger man’s arm.
“So that’s it? You kidnap us, threaten to enslave me, hold Spock for ransom, and then when your plans fall through you think all you have to do is let us go and everything will be just fine?” Kirk threw an amazed look at the Vulcan.
Skott smiled, a bitter smile so unlike his brother’s. “No. I’m aware that there will probably be repercussions. There’s not a lot I can do about that. All I can say is that I’m sorry. If that’s not enough, well, I guess we’ll have to deal with whatever comes.”
“Fine, just get us the hell out of here.” Kirk turned to his first officer. “Come on, Spock.”
Spock looked from one brother to the other. On Skott’s face he saw only respect and an old pain, forever unknown to him. But on J’han’s...there, there was an implacable will that would not be denied. He had seen that same look on his captain’s face often enough, and Spock was suddenly afraid.
* * *
The trip back to the small building was made in silence. J’han’s expression had settled into a glower, and any thoughts he might have about the destruction of his plans he kept to himself. He stared at them as they were led in and the door bolted behind them.
Kirk stood at the door, his expression thoughtful as he watched the young Vulcan walk away. “That one’s trouble. I can feel it.”
Spock sat on the bed, his back resting against the wall. “I agree. What I do not understand was Skott’s swift capitulation. He must have known that his brother would not be pleased.”
“Oh, he knew, all right.” Kirk walked over and settled next to the Vulcan. “But he’s smart. He knows they can’t win, probably knew it from the very start. He was just playing for time.”
“To what end? J’han will not change his mind. He believes that, somehow, we can be used to further their people's cause.”
“And Skott knows we can’t. But he also knows his brother. I'll bet that’s why he waited until late in the evening to talk to us. He used up all the time that J’han might have used to plan something else. This way, we’ll be gone before he has a chance to.”
“Perhaps.” Spock was not sanguin about that. He had seen the look on the younger Vulcan’s face when his brother had promised their release.
Within the hour their captor was back, accompanied by a woman carrying their supper on a tray.
“It’s about time.” Kirk took the tray, trading glares with J’han.
“My brother thinks you should be fed. If it were up to me...” J’han shrugged and motioned the woman out, closing the door behind them.
“So, what’s on the menu?” Kirk unloaded the tray on the small table. He settled himself across from Spock and watched while the Vulcan ladled out a thick soup.
“Plomeek.” Spock handed Kirk his bowl, noticing the face his bondmate made at the pronouncement. “You are hungry, are you not?”
“I’m not sure anymore.” He hesitantly brought a spoonful to his mouth and grimaced at the taste. “He probably did this on purpose.” But hunger won out, and he had almost finished when his hand suddenly opened, his spoon clattering to the table.
“Jim? What...” Spock watched wide-eyed as Kirk slumped to the floor. He attempted to rise but found his own body had betrayed him.
Kirk tried to get up, and when that failed, started crawling to the door for help. “Somthin...somthin in food.”
Spock managed to stand and staggered over to the human. He had pulled his captain to his feet when the full force of the drug hit. They both fell to their knees, trying to fight the gathering darkness.
When J’han walked in, he found them sprawled side by side, unconscious. The lazy smile was back.
* * *
It ended up in the contest zine, so while it's been betaed it hasn't been edited. I tried not to change anything, other than the glaring mistakes I missed the first half dozen times around, while I reformatted it for posting but there were a few times I couldn't resist.
Originally published in First Time 54, 2002 by Merry Men Press.
By Elise Madrid
Captain’s Personal Log: Stardate 6055.1
The ship is in orbit above Vulcan, where I and my science officer will spend the next three weeks. I accepted Spock’s invitation to accompany him on shoreleave, with some trepidation. I fear I am losing my friend and I don’t know why. Over the last few months, he has begun to avoid me. Our days of shared meals and chess games are a thing of the past. Though I hope to discover the reason behind his withdrawal from me, and a way to bring it to an end, I begin to suspect that only sorrow awaits me on the planet below.
First Officer’s Personal Log: Stardate 6055.1
We are in standard orbit above Vulcan. My captain has accepted my invitation to spend time on my home world, unaware that it will be, in all probability, our final time together. I am unable to continue the charade in which I now live, and have decided my only course of action is to confess to him what I have discovered within myself. I only hope that he can forgive me, and will understand why I can no longer remain on the ship. Logic has failed me, and I am lost
* * *.
They materalized outside the imposing structure of Spock’s childhood home. Kirk had always found its dark interior a bit depressing, as if the need to keep out heat had also made it necessary to restrict light. Spock quietly led them to the door, opening it and entering as if he had only left that morning, rather than months ago. No one came forth out of the gloom, the house still and empty. On the large table in the middle of the foyer there lay a small envelope with Spock’s name hand written across it.
“It is my mother’s handwriting.” Spock glanced at his captain before opening the note. He scanned it briefly, a small frown appearing over his brow. “My father has been called away. There is a problem between the two warring factions whose planet has asked for Federation membership. He and my mother will be gone for at least five standard weeks.”
“Is that going to be a problem?” Kirk looked around, wondering why the thought of spending all that time alone with Spock, here in this mausoleum of a house, was so distressing. Maybe because it seemed to match so well the nature of their current relationship. Dark, empty.
“No, my parents knew that we would both be here and the length of our stay. I am sure that provisions were made for our visit. Because of my father’s position, my mother has become quite adept at making new arrangements at a moment’s notice.” He picked up the large valise he had brought. “Come. I will show you to your room. You will no doubt wish to unpack and refresh yourself.”
Kirk grabbed his own suitcase, following his friend into the recesses of the house. He was led to the same room he had used on their last visit, directly across the hall from Spock’s. It had been recently aired out, and fresh linen and a vase of brightly colored flowers helped lift the sombre atmosphere pervading the rest of the house. He placed his luggage on the bench at the foot of the bed, looking around and trying not to show how nervous he was. “This is nice. I think I’ll unpack and change into something cooler. Give me about thirty minutes, okay?”
Spock merely nodded and started toward the door.
“Spock?”
“Yes, Captain?” Spock stopped, in the process of closing the double doors of the room.
“Um, where will you be?”
“I too, plan to change, after which I shall be in the kitchen. It is almost fourteen hundred hours and I thought perhaps you would wish to eat at this time.”
“That sounds great. I’ll meet you there.” Kirk begin unpacking as the doors were closed, but then turned and sat dejectedly on the bed. What the hell was he going to do for three weeks with someone who would barely talk to him? He had hoped to get some kind of advice from Amanda, perhaps the two of them could figure out what was going on with her son. But now it looked like he was on his own. Somehow, he was going to have to find a way to break down the walls Spock had so effectively built between them. He got up, grabbed his robe and headed for the bathroom. A shower before going into battle sounded good.
* * *
Spock already had the beginnings of lunch prepared when Kirk made his way into the spacious kitchen. The windows were uncovered, allowing light to filter in from outside, dispersing the darkness of the house. It helped. Kirk leaned against the counter and watched as his friend cut up an assortment of vegetables, Spock turning every so often to moniter the noodles cooking on the stove behind him.
“Can I help with anything?” Kirk grabbed a piece of broccoli and popped it in his mouth.
“You may set out the dinnerware, if you wish. They are in the large cabinet directly behind you.”
Spock hadn’t even looked up, and Kirk felt anger start to build. He hated this, hated the way things had changed between them. He turned and began collecting the things they needed, slamming the cabinet drawers and doors as he went along. When he turned back to the counter, he was stopped short by the look of devastating sorrow on Spock’s face. Perhaps no other would have noticed, but time had given him a gift, and he had been at first surprised, and then pleased, to discover that he could see so much more on that austere face than anyone else.
“Spock?” He walked over, placing the dishes and utensils down and standing next to the Vulcan. “What is it? What the hell is going on?”
Spock’s head went down, his voice pitched low with emotion. “I...I cannot tell you, I cannot.”
Kirk took the knife from his friend’s hand and steered him to the dining table, sitting him down. “Wait here.” He quickly turned off the heat on the stove, returning to sit next to Spock, pulling his chair up so that they were only inches apart, almost touching. “Okay, tell me. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I cannot.” Spock looked away, a look of defeat heavy on him. “I am a coward.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the bravest man I’ve ever known. Come on, it can’t be that bad, can it?”
The Vulcan finally turned, studying the human for a moment. “Jim, it is so much worse.”
Jim. That was a start, at least. Kirk couldn’t remember the last time Spock had used his given name. “Do you think I’ll get mad, or something? I won’t. I promise. Whatever it is, I promise not to get upset. I just want my friend back, Spock. I’ve really missed him.”
“As I have missed you, t’hy’la.” He hesitantly lifted his hand, as if to caress Kirk’s face. But at the last moment he brought his hands down into his lap and clasped them tightly together.
“I’m glad to hear that. I was beginning to wonder if I’d lost you.”
“No, never that.” He quieted for a moment, a look of deep concentration on his face. Finally, he continued speaking. “There is an ancient ruin at the edge of the Great desert. It is said to have been a fortress for the warrior band that ruled the area before the time of Surak. I wish to take you there.”
“What’s that got to do with what’s going on between us? Spock, you need to tell me.”
“There is something there that, perhaps, will help you to understand what it is that has caused this...this rift between us. Once you have seen it, I will tell you. Will you allow me this?”
“You promise?”
“Yes, I promise. We can go there in the morning. It is only a day’s travel by air car.”
Kirk brightened. “Hey, why don’t we make a camping trip out of it? Maybe stay for a day or two?” Anything to help bring them back the closeness they had lost.
“That would be acceptable. There is a great deal to see. The ruins are quite extensive.”
“Then I guess I can wait until then for your big, bad secret.” He watched his friend’s face, noticing the lessening, but not the disappearance, of the sorrow that showed so painfully there.
* * *
Meditation had done little good. Dawn was breaking, and he would need to complete the preparations for their journey. Spock slowly rose from the kneeling position he had held for much of the night. His mother’s garden, long his refuge in times of turmoil, had been powerless against the coming sorrow. He dusted himself off and walked quietly back into the house, returning to the chore he had so abruptly left the night before.
He had been unable to sleep, and had used the time to prepare for their journey. He had most of their supplies packed, only needing to finish gathering up what food they would require. He picked up the tin of specially ground coffee, a favorite of Kirk’s, that had sent him fleeing from the house the night before. The memories that had sprung to mind had been bittersweet, and he had been unable to bear the deep pain that had permeated through him, as he contemplated his life after...after he told his friend what he had discovered buried deep within himself.
These last four and a half years had been a journey of discovery, as his heart had been captured by the charismatic man sleeping upstairs. When had respect turned to admiration, to friendship...to love? All the years he had spent behind his walls of isolation, built to protect himself from the hurt he had endured as a child, had left him unprepared to deal with the untamed force which was Kirk. The human had forced his way into Spock’s life, brushing aside all his attempts to keep distance between them. Gradually, the walls had tumbled down, and Kirk had wasted no time in making himself at home in the Vulcan’s heart.
His life aboard the Enterprise had never been the same. Eventually, he and Kirk had come to spend most of their free time together. Meals, chess games, and long conversations into the ship’s night had cemented their growing dependence on each other, until Spock had been unable to rationalize his feelings away. He had no life without Kirk. Everything that had once been of importance to him now took second place to his need to be at Kirk’s side, his desire to protect and cherish the man, always.
He knew that he was important to Kirk, that his captain cared a great deal for him. But that was not the same as what he now understood was part of what drew him to the human. Until pon farr, he had been ignorant of the passion that lay quiescent beneath his controlled exterior. Afterwards, it had flamed up in a white-hot blaze, incinerating his preconceived notions of desire. He wanted Kirk, in the way that a man wanted his mate. He wanted to touch him, take him, to burn together in the fires of sexual congress.
It was then that he had remembered the murals seen in his boyhood at the great ruins. In the Hall of Warriors, his ancestors had left vivid proof of their unleashed, often violent, emotions. Wall after wall was covered with brightly colored scenes of life among the warriors. Fighting, playing, making love, they depicted a drama of two men joined body and soul in a celebration of mutual passions. It had all made sense then, the travesty that had been his link to T’Pring and his overwhelming attraction to the man he served.
It became a joy and a curse to touch the human, to feel the cool, smooth texture gliding below his hands whenever he was called for a backrub, to feel the muscled contours of Kirk’s body whenever he held him close as they worked out together. Finally, it became too much. During their last workout, he had pinned the smaller body beneath his and had felt himself becoming aroused, his engorged organ rubbing against Kirk’s as they struggled on the mat. Kirk had appeared unconcerned, as if it was as normal for Spock as it had always been for him. But Spock knew better. His controls were breaking down, and it was not outside the realm of possibility that one day he would take what he desired, no matter what his friend might want.
That day, some six months before, his course of action had been set. He would have to leave, break away from the only being who had ever fulfilled his life. And with only months left in the mission, his leaving would not create undue hardship. He began avoiding his captain, trying to tear apart the link that already bound him to the man. He knew he was hurting his friend, but better that, than to remain and allow what he feared to become reality. The human had never shown any inclination toward men as bed partners. Better that Spock leave, destroy their friendship, than stay and destroy Kirk.
He heard a door close upstairs and the steps of his captain as he made his way down. Spock shook himself out of his reverie and returned to his preparations.
* * *
They traveled all day, spending the night at the lodging facilities bordering the desert. They barely spoke, as if the promise Spock had made bound them to silence. Leaving the air car there, they got an early start the following morning, traveling steadily on foot for several hours. They rested through the heat of midday, then continued on after the sun had passed its zenith. Now, standing on a high plateau, Kirk looked down on a wide valley as the sun’s setting rays transformed it into a dream of red. He turned to the Vulcan behind him. “It’s beautiful, Spock.”
“It is Ku-li t’eifa Etwel Trasha Za’. The valley of those left behind.” Spock translated.
“Sounds poetic. What’s it mean?”
“It is the home of the Paki-Sular, the Lost People. The descendants of the only clan to reject the teachings of Surak and continue in the old ways.”
“Really? They live there? And no one bothers them?”
Spock gave a small smile. “They are left to their own devices. It would, after all, be illogical to force them into a life they do not desire.”
“So, all this time, they’ve been here? How come I’ve never heard of them?”
“It is not something Vulcan normally tends to publicize. They are considered...less.”
“Why? Because they’re not ‘logical’?”
“In a way. They have lived here, apart, for thousands of years, unaccepting of the outside world. They hunt for their sustenance, and will have nothing to do with technology and the advantages it provides. Though their numbers continue to decline, they refuse any assistance.”
Kirk looked back to the expanse below. “That’s really rather sad. I wonder what they think about the rest of us, the ‘aliens’ that come to their world.”
“We are not sure if they even know you exist.”
“Can we go down there?”
“No, Jim. It is not allowed. They do not wish visitors and our government has seen fit to honor their request.”
“Too bad. It would have been ‘fascinating’.” Kirk retreated to their campsite, set back about thirty feet from the edge. Behind it was the start of the ruins they had come to explore. He sat down on one of the slabs of rock they had positioned next to the fire. Wood was scarce in the Vulcan desert, but the fuel rods they had brought would burn for many hours, keeping at bay the chill that descended as night fell.
Spock took his place across from Kirk, watching the firelight play across the human’s face. Kirk seemed to glow, radiating a fire of his own. His friend had not brought up the conversation they had had two days before, for which Spock was grateful. He hoped Kirk would forget about it, and allow them to have at least a few more days. Too soon, he would have to tell his secret, bare his heart and soul and accept the rejection he knew would be forthcoming.
He continued to gaze at the human. Kirk seemed lost in thought, and Spock gladly took the opportunity to look his fill at his soul’s other half. Why did his captain have to be perfection incarnate? From the moment Kirk had stepped off the transporter platform as he took command of the Enterprise, Spock had felt the pull of this man’s charm, falling unknowingly into an orbit that inexorably drew him closer and closer in. Feelings unknown and bewildering had kept him off balance, easy prey for the consumate master of emotional response. Did Kirk have any idea of what he had created? Would it make any difference to the human that, given the nature of their relationship, it would have been almost impossible for Spock to resist? No, it was not Kirk’s fault that his science officer knew nothing of the drives that now owned him. He would do what he must. After that....
“I think I’ll turn in now. I’m not used to this much exertion.” Kirk smiled as he rose, as if aware that he had caught his friend lost in thought.
“I too, shall retire. If it will not disturb you, I wish to meditate for a time, first.”
“It doesn’t bother me, Spock. You should know that by now. Come on, morning will be here before you know it and I’d like to get an early start on those ruins.”
The tent they brought was by necessity small, making preparations for sleep difficult. Spock turned away, pretending to rearrange his bedrole as Kirk undressed. The human had always appeared at ease with his body, accepting his nudity in front of the Vulcan in the same way he had accepted all other aspects of their life together. Unable to help himself, Spock's gaze slid back. The fire outside lit the tent enough so that the human’s body was bathed in its glow. Spock was mesmerized. His friend’s motions as he used the cleansing pad to wipe himself down, only served to further accentuate the muscled form. Finally, Kirk crawled into his bedrole, freeing the Vulcan.
As he positioned himself for meditation, Spock realized Kirk was now watching him. “Captain?”
The human only looked at him, seeming to puzzle over something. Having appeared to have come to a decision, Kirk pulled his bedding tight and closed his eyes as he settled in. “Goodnight, Spock.”
* * *
“Let go of me! God damn it, let go!” The struggling human was pulled from the tent, two well-muscled Vulcans holding him by his arms. Next to them Spock, too, was effectively held, as both men were forced to stand, naked, in the chill night air.
“What the hell’s going on?” Kirk stopped his struggles long enough to take in the group of men that had invaded their campsite. They looked like something straight out of the Arabian Nights. Most wore loose flowing robes tied at the waist, with burmoose-type headgear almost hiding the telltale ears. A few wore pants and vests over blousing tunics, with knee-high boots made from some kind of animal skin.
The one that was obviously their leader walked up to Kirk, examing him with undisguised curiousity. “You’re not Vulcan.”
“No, I’m not. Who the hell are you?”
The two sized up each other, blue eyes staring back at hazel. The young Vulcan was about the same height as Kirk, with a similar built, though he appeared to be somewhat younger.
“I am J’han, of the Paki-Sular.” He smiled at Kirk’s obvious discomfort at his nudity. “Stavon, bring them something to wear. I wouldn’t want the Earth man to think we’re barbarians.”
Spock’s brow lifted. “You know of Earth?”
“We aren’t the children your people believe us to be.” He gave Spock a derisive look and then turned back to Kirk. “I've heard about Earth people. I always wondered...” He handed over the clothes his man had brought from the tent. “Here, put these on.”
“What are you going to do with us?” Kirk questioned as he drew on his clothes.
“Him?” He nodded at Spock. “We’ll ransom back. A prince should be worth a great deal.”
“Prince? What are you talking about?” Kirk looked at his first officer. “Spock?”
The Vulcan looked discomfit. “I believe he is referring to my status as T’Pau’s heir, Captain.”
“Captain? What is this ‘captain’?” J'han demanded.
“I’m his commanding officer, his ‘leader’.”
“You? A human, commanding a prince of Vulcan? You’ve fallen far, Prince. I don’t think your people would approve.”
“You keep saying that. ‘Your’ people. You’re both Vulcan.” Kirk stated, his temper barely in check.
J'han stepped towards him, standing inches in front of the human. “No, we’re not, as you'll soon find out.” He grabbed Kirk’s chin, their eyes meeting. “You’ll make a fine slave, Captain. Many of our men still follow the ways of the warrior.” He turned away with a laugh as Kirk’s eyes went wide with shock.
“No! You cannot do this.” Spock began to fight as he and Kirk were again grabbed, both struggling to get free as they were forced to the mounts reined nearby. Their hands were tied and then they were hoisted up, each mounted with one of their captors. “J'han, you must listen to me. He is not a man to be enslaved. J'han!”
The young Vulcan mounted and laughed at Spock’s distress. “You’re not acting like a proper Vulcan, Prince. What happened to your precious control of emotions?” He motioned to the men around him and started forward. “Come on. We have a lot to show for a night’s hunt. I think we’ve earned a day of rest.”
* * *
The ride to the village set against the backdrop of mountains took the rest of the night and dawn was just breaking as they entered its outskirts. The two were taken to a small dwelling obviously built to house prisoners. There was only one way in, and the door was shut behind them after they were untied and unceremoniously thrown in.
Kirk got up from where he had fallen on the floor. He lunged at the door as it closed, grabbing at the bars set across the small opening. “I demand to talk to your leader.”
J'han stood relaxed on the other side, his arms crossed. Aa smile played across his face. “You’re in no position to demand anything. If I were you, I’d rest now. I’ve already had several offers for you.” He casually walked away, laughing as he joined the group of men waiting for him. “See you later, Captain.”
“Captain, I would do as he suggests. Until one of us is able to communicate with whoever is in charge, there is nothing to be done but wait.” Spock sat on one of the small beds, his back against the wall.
Kirk began pacing, his outrage keeping him in motion, the need to do something overpowering his need for rest. “I can’t. I’ve got to figure out how to get us out of this mess. There must be something we can do, something we can say to make them let us go.”
“I think not. Jim, do not mistake these people for simple tribesmen. Though they appear to reject technology, they are obviously knowledgable of events on the rest of Vulcan. I noticed that not just J'han understood what we were saying. They know standard, which means that they have somehow monitored the outside world. Add to that the fact the J'han knew of Earth...”
“There’s more going on here than there should be, right?” Kirk came over and sat next to his friend. “Do you think that maybe they’ve been ‘cheating’? Pretending to not want what the rest of Vulcan has, while all the time secretly using whatever they can?”
Spock steepled his hands, his arms resting on his knees, comfortably falling into the role of science officer. “Highly likely. Which makes it difficult to understand how J'han plans to keep you here. Surely he must realize that you would be missed and that once I was ransomed, I would fight for your release as well. Unless...”
“Unless, what?” Kirk eyed his friend, warily.
“In ancient times, when a warrior would take a male slave as a...companion, a mental link would be created. One which made escape impossible.”
“Why? Why impossible?”
“After the link was formed, the slave would no longer be drawn to any other. He would desire only his master. To leave would be unthinkable.”
Kirk, momentarily stunned speechless, could only stare at his friend. Finally, he found his voice. “They would do that...to me?”
Spock lowered his head. “I do not know, Captain.”
The human jumped up, returning to his pacing. “Well, we better think of something...fast! I don’t plan to spend the rest of my life as some Vulcan warrior’s bedwarmer.”
“Jim...”
“No, Spock. I mean it! I’m not staying here. Whatever it takes, whatever I have to do, whatever we have to do, to make sure that...that doesn’t happen. I can’t, I won’t, live like that.”
Spock leaned his head back to rest against the wall behind him, closing his eyes. Either way, whether they made it out of here or not, he had received his answer. The idea of being with another male was obviously so repugnant to Kirk, that he would rather die than submit to it. “Very well, Captain. I will do whatever you wish me to do.”
* * *
“J'han, what have you done?” The tall, fair-haired Vulcan, stared at the younger man, exasperation and annoyance fighting with concern.
J'han quirked his lips, shyly looking up at his older brother from his seat. They were so different, in looks and in temperament. But no one meant more to him, no one whose opinion he valued as much. Even their father’s. “It’ll be okay, Skott. The human will bring a fair price, and the prince...he’ll be so glad to get out of here and back to his decadent life-style, he won’t even know the man’s gone.”
Skott came around and pulled up a chair next to his brother. They were in the kitchen of the spacious home they shared with their father, the leader of their people. “You don’t know that. What if the man is important to him? You said he called him ‘captain’. In their world, that means that the man has power, is important in his own right.”
“I don’t care. I’ve already promised him to one of the men, and once the link is created he won’t want to leave. Besides, if we keep him with the prince, there’ll be trouble. I can tell.” J'han stared at his brother. “Don’t you see? We can ask for anything we want, and they’ll give it to us. The prince is our people’s way out.”
Skott sighed, affectionately ruffling his brother’s hair. “Little brother, I know what you’re trying to do but you’re not thinking straight.”
“Why not? Would it be so hard for you to finally get what you want?”
Skott rose, walked away from the table to stand near the open doorway, and looked out at the slowly lightening sky. “It can never be, J'han. Even if by some miracle we pulled this off. Our father is depending on me to carry on after him. I won’t disappoint him...for anything.”
J'han came over, resting a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “It doesn’t have to be one or the other. At least think about the possibility.”
Skott remained silent for a moment, obviously weighing his decision before speaking. “Very well. Until our father returns I am responsible for what is done. Give the prisoners the day to rest. Before the evening meal, bring them here. I can’t promise you anything but...we will see."
* * *
Kirk woke with a start, disoriented. He sat up and pushed aside the blanket draped across his body. Looking around, he could see sunlight streaming in through the door window. Spock sat in the same spot, his bedding still neatly made, a sure sign that the Vulcan had not slept. Nothing had been resolved. After the coerced promise, Spock had pulled back into himself, refusing to speak further.
Girdling himself for a fight, Kirk walked over and sat next to his rigidly surpressed friend. “Didn’t you sleep at all?”
“No.” Spock didn’t even turn his head but continued to stare at the wall across from them.
“Come on, Spock. Talk to me.”
“There is nothing left to say. You have stated that death is preferable to life with another male...”
“That’s not what I said.” Kirk responded, indignantly.
Spock turned to him then, angry and hurt. “Is it not? ‘Whatever I have to do to make sure that that doesn’t happen. I won’t, I can’t, live like that’ is, I believe, a direct quote.”
“But I didn’t mean because I’d have to be with a male. I meant because I’d be a slave, because I’d never be able to leave here.” Kirk’s toned softened at the look of confusion on the Vulcan’s face. “Is that what hurt you so badly? Because you thought I would rather die than be with a man? Why, Spock? Why would it matter so much? Tell me.”
The Vulcan gazed silently at his friend. This was not the way he had envisioned telling him of his feelings but it could very well be the last opportunity he would ever have to do so. He straightened, pulling slightly away. “Very well. It is something I have long wished to tell you but out of fear...I hid it from you, instead.” He cleared his throat and swallowied nervously. “For some time now I have felt...a change in the way I perceive myself, in what I believe myself to be.”
“Change? In a good way or a bad way?”
Spock shook his head. “That is something only you can say. After my link to T’Pring was severed, I realized that there was a reason for her reaction to me, a reason why she would not wish to be bonded to me.” He looked down, unable to meet the trusting eyes of his friend. “She did not wish to be with a male who desired...another way.”
“Another way? What other way?” Kirk’s voice took on an odd quality, an edge that Spock had never heard before.
“To follow in the way of the ancient warriors of Vulcan. To join my life, my soul, to another such as I. For all time, to be with the one I desire above all others.”
“You’re not talking about a woman, are you? It’s not a woman you want, is it?”
“I desire...another. Oh, Jim. I am so sorry.”
“Who? Who do you desire?” Kirk grabbed the Vulcan’s shoulders, shaking him.
A hoarse whisper was all he could manage. “You. I desire you.”
Kirk’s hands dropped away and only silence answered the Vulcan’s declaration. A slight tremor stirred through Spock’s body as he looked up and saw the tightly pressed lips and closed eyes of his friend. “Jim?”
Slowly the human’s eyes opened and a smile of unimagined joy lit his face. “What makes you think I don’t feel the exact same way?”
“I...I do not...”
Kirk’s smile broadened as he slid closer to the Vulcan, taking his friend in a tight embrace. “I love you. I can’t say it any plainer than that. Or maybe I can.” He brought his hand up to cradle Spock’s neck, pulling his head down for a gentle kiss. He held him there, softly pressing his lips to his friend’s for a few seconds before pulling away. “I love you. I want to make love with you. I want to go to bed with you every night and wake up next to you every morning for the rest of our lives.” He brought his other hand up and softly ran slightly trembling fingers down the Vulcan’s cheek. “Do you think that would be okay?”
Spock hesitantly copied the motion, as if to convince himself that this was not all some kind of dream, a cruel trick by his mind to hide from the reality of losing this man. Slowly, belief grew, and with it came an overwhelming gratitude for what he had been given. He gathered the smaller man closer, burying his face in the sweet hollow of the human’s neck, taking in the scent of him, the solid feel of him in his arms. “I have hungered for you, wanting you as part of myself for so long. That I could have this...”
“I take it that means yes?” Kirk teased. He pushed back and looked up into Spock’s face. The hunger there brought an instant reaction from his body and he pulled the Vulcan back into his arms, taking his mouth with his.
They kissed hungrily, frantically moving closer, each caressing the other as they removed their clothes to be left in a jumbled pile on the cell floor. Stretched out on the small bed, the two men held each other, mouths locked together as hands explored the unmapped contours of each others’ naked bodies.
Spock couldn’t get enough of the human’s taste, his mouth moving from Kirk’s down the strong neck, leaving a trail of burning kisses as he made his way to the smooth chest. He sucked in a nipple, his tongue flicking back and forth across it, bringing moans of pleasure from the writhing body. His fingers danced over chest and belly, skimming over the soft skin of thighs and hips, before settling on the rigid cock nestled in the golden thatch at Kirk’s groin.
Wrapping his fingers around the human’s straining organ, he gently squeezed, his thumb running over the cap, one finger working at the slit, Kirk’s hips slowly pistoning. Spock pulled his mouth away from the rigid nipple and returned to the sweet taste of his lover’s mouth, his tongue dueling with its counterpart.
Kirk pulled at him, urging him on top as Spock’s hands came up to entangle in the honey-colored hair. The human’s legs parted, trying to bring their bodies closer, his hands all over his lover. Breaking the kiss, he brought his mouth over to bite and suck at the Vulcan’s throat.
“Jim, please. I need..” Spock panted, his arousal growing with the reality of the cool body under his, Kirk’s hands on his ass pulling them together. He could feel the human’s cock, thick and heavy against his own, as their hips ground together.
“What do you need? Me? Do you need me?” Kirk gasped. “Take me. Make us one, Spock. Make it so no one can part us, ever.”
Make us one. The words rang like a song of forever in the Vulcan’s mind. He slowly rose to his knees between Kirk’s thighs, and bringing his head down, drew the human’s cock into his mouth, his tongue working along the shaft as he sucked.
“Spock. Oh, Spock.” Kirk silently repeated his lover’s name over and over, lifting his hips to drive his cock deeper into the heated wetness, the saliva running down, wetting his buttocks.
The Vulcan shifted his mouth down, gliding his tongue over and around Kirk’s balls, pushing the human’s thighs wider apart to reach the puckered hole below. He sucked along the inner thigh, nipping at the tender skin while his fingers teased at the opening. He felt hands pulling at him, and he looked up to see blatant need on the aroused human’s face.
“I want you. I want you inside of me.” Kirk’s voice was thick with desire. He pulled his legs up to rest against his chest, exposing himself fully to his lover.
“I have dreamt of this. On the Enterprise. I have dreamt of making you my own.”
“Do it, Do it now.” Kirk moaned softly as Spock’s finger insinuated itself into his rectum, stretching him as it slid in and out, joined by one, and then two more. He rocked back onto the invading digits. “God, that feels good.”
“Then this should feel even better.” Spock whispered as he withdrew his fingers. He rose and leaned over his lover, resting one hand above Kirk's shoulder, while using the other to position his cock against the human’s anus. Then, ever so slowly, he pushed forward, his shaft sinking into the slick moistness.
Kirk panted harshly as he was filled, his eyes going wide as he watched his lover’s cock disappear into his body. If there was a slight discomfort, it was swiftly overshadowed by the overwhelming pleasure of the shaft working its way inside of him. Spock began rocking his hips, pushing in deeper, harder, the human crying out each time his lover’s cock slid across his prostate.
Spock threw his head back, his universe centering on the feel of the wet tightness wrapped around his organ. He could never have imagined this feeling, the wonder of filling Kirk’s body, his cock giving him pleasure, the indescribable sensation as he buried himself over and over into the clenching orifice, and the knowledge that this was his, his to take, and his to give, for the rest of their lives.
Kirk’s head rolled from side to side, his hips thrusting up to meet the invading organ in a relentless reach for completion, each slide of flesh into flesh bringing them closer, closer. The sound of their bodies coming together, the slap of groin against upturned buttocks, filled the room.
They were being burned alive in an inferno of their own making, each plunge of the Vulcan’s cock feeding the fires within. Spock settled his hand on the upturned face, his soul burying itself in Kirk’s, and with one final thrust, he came, his seed filling the beloved body. He heard the human cry out and shudder into climax, the flames flaring up and incinerating them both, leaving only the union that would forever embody their love.
* * *
“I wonder when they’re going to feed us.” Kirk groused. The intense lovemaking had whetted his always healthy appetite. It had been almost twenty-four hours since their last meal.
“It would behoove them to do so, and quickly. They are not aware of the problems associated with a starship captain that...” The kiss planted firmly on his lips stopped the rest, the next several minutes taken with a thorough exploration of each other's mouths.
Finally, they pulled apart. “I really am hungry, Spock.”
“I know, t’hy’la. Hopefully, it will be soon.” He looked around at their meager surroundings. The small and sparcely furnished prison left much to be desired. The almost adequate facilities, a tiny room for voiding oneself and a faucet that dribbled out an unsteady flow of water, barely served. They had washed up and dressed after their lovemaking, feeling they were at enough of a disadvantage without being caught with their pants down...literally.
Spock leaned back against the wall, his armed draped over the smaller body. This was so new, and wonderful...and so very comfortable. There had been no doubt or shyness between them, their solid friendship the base on which their new relationship stood.
A shadow played across the floor. Kirk stood up suddenly, going towards the door. “Someone’s coming.”
J'han stood on the other side, the same lazy smile on his face. “Back away from the door.”
Kirk backed away and Spock rose to join him as the door opened. J'han entered, accompanied by four of his men, a phaser firmly held in his hand. “I know how to use this, so don’t go getting any ideas.” He motioned them forward. “Come on. It’s time we got on with things.”
They were taken ou, and brought to a large house that stood almost in the center of the village. It was fronted by a shaded courtyard, the wall lined with three sets of double doors that led inside. Their “escorts” were left outside, but they were easily seen through the glass-paned doors.
“You two stay here. I’ll be right back. And don’t forget, there are four men outside just waiting for either of you to try something.” J'han left the room, bounding up the stairs that could be seen in the foyer beyond.
Left alone, they began a quiet but thorough inspection of the room, trying to find anything that could be used as a weapon or a means of escape. Nothing was found, except the unmistakable fingerprints of technology that had been impossible to hide. The books that lined two walls were of the finest quality and the decanter and glasses on the masterly carved table of the best crystal. Outside of the phaser, they saw nothing truly advanced, but these people did not live the life of simple hunters.
Spock picked up a goblet, examining it closely before turning to show Kirk.
“Nice. I didn’t know these people had it in them,” Kirk responded as he continued his surveillance.
“They do not. This is from Rigel Four. I recognize the design.” Spock returned the goblet to the table. “ There has obviously been more ‘cheating’ going on than we originally thought.”
“Does that upset your Vulcan sensibilities, Prince?” The sight of the tall Vulcan who stood at the entrance to the room, J'han at his side, brought a stunned look from Kirk. His hair was the color of cornsilk, cropped close around his face. His eyes, like J'han’s, were startlingly blue. But where the smaller Vulcan’s were like deep water, this man’s were the color of a Terran sky at midday. The husky laugh in response to the human’s obvious surprise only added to his oddness.
He came forward and sat behind the large wooden desk that dominated the room. J'han leaned at its edge, a wolf guarding its alpha leader.
“Please, sit.” The fair Vulcan motioned to the comfortable looking chairs that faced him. “We have a lot to discuss.”
Spock threw a glance at his captain, and seeing agreement in his eyes, sat down. Kirk, taking the chair next to him, nonchalantly leaned back, his whole demeanor one of calm and control as he studied the Vulcan. “You might start with why you think you can get away with kidnapping two Starfleet officers.”
“I told you, Skott.” J'han stated, cryptically.
Skott looked down for a moment, hiding his smile. “My brother warned me about you, which is rather funny since you are very much alike.” He gave a fond look at the younger man to his right. “Both fast to action, both...” He quieted for a moment before giving his full attention to Spock. “J’han said that he found you in the old city. Is this true?”
“Yes. We were there to explore the ruins. They are not part of your land, so your brother should not have approached us, should not, in fact, have been there at all.”
“They are part of our land. It is ours, the place where our ancestors lived until Surak,” J’han gave a disgusted sneer, “decided that all of Vulcan would be one.”
“Even if that were true, it doesn’t give you right to just go in and kidnap whoever happens to be there,” Kirk interjected.
“Perhaps not,” Skott shot his brother a look before the younger man could interrupt. “But you're here, nevertheless. I don’t totally agree with my brother’s methods, but his goal is the same as mine. Our people are in need of many things, things that a prince’s ransom would go far to provide. And duplicity seems to be the only language your people understand.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means we’re not going to strike any more losing bargains to get what we want.”
“I thought you didn’t want anything. That’s why you’re out here.”
J’han gave a derisive laugh. “Where’d you hear that? From him?” He pointed at Spock. “Just because we didn’t want to go along with Surak, didn’t mean we wanted to stay simple tribesmen forever.”
Spock’s eyebrows rose. “The agreement was that you would be allowed to continue as you are, on your own land.”
Skott nodded. “Yes, an agreement almost two thousand years old, when my people rejected the ways of Surak. But how did that translate to mean that we wanted to be forever isolated from everything else?”
“And you think this is the way to get it?” Kirk asked, incredulous.
“It’s the only way. We’re tired of having to give up more land every time we ask for something,” J’han answered and then turned to Skott. “Why are we arguing with them? That’s how we always end up losing. This time, they’re going to pay.”
“They will not pay. And I do not understand how you could be so ignorant of the consequences of this action.” Spock knew his family. Even in this time, their first reaction would be to force his release. Punishment would be swift...and extremely unpleasant.
“Because this time, we have an extra something on our side,” J’han said. “Something that will make sure you or your family don’t try anything...or should I say 'someone'?”
“J’han.” Skott gave his brother a warning look.
“No, they need to know, both of them.”
“There may be no need.”
“You’re crazy if you think that. Look at them.” J'han pointed at the two men, anger rising. “They think we’re a bunch of savages, that all they have to do is threaten us and we’ll back down. I want them to know that this time, that’s not going to be the case.” He turned to Kirk, that same lazy smile returning. “Remember what I told you? Well, that’s what’s going to happen.”
“You think you can keep me here as a slave?” Kirk returned the smile. “Think again.” He stood, returning his gaze to Skott. “Your brother has a lot to learn, but I think you already know that. In any event, his plan won’t work, not anymore. You can’t hold a prince here...or his bondmate.”
Spock felt a swell of pride at the proclamation. He stood, taking his place next to Kirk.
“You’re lying!” The younger man spun toward his brother, his hands slamming down on the desk. “He’s lying! I know he is.”
Skott looked from the human to the Vulcan at his side. He sighed heavily, leaning forward and wrapping a hand around his brother’s wrist. He gazed into the younger man’s anguished face. “No, J’han, he isn’t lying.”
J’han stared at his brother for a moment, before pulling stiffly away. “You don’t know that, not for sure.”
“Yes. I do. Look at them. They are one. Anyone can see that.” He turned his attention back to the two men. “J’han may not have noticed, but I know Stavon would have if you had been bonded before. I’m surprised you’d use so extreme a measure to win.”
Kirk shrugged, and Spock noticed he made no attempt to correct Skott’s wrong conclusion as to why they bonded. “You will release us? Both of us?” Spock asked. It unsettled him that the fair-haired Vulcan would give in so readily.
“Yes. Obviously, this changes everything. I had hoped that something could come of all this but I guess I knew...never mind. It’s late. You will be taken back to the holding place for the night. Tomorrow you will be returned to where you were...picked up.”
“No, Skott!” J’han turned to his brother. “You can’t let them go. They're mine. I captured them, so I get to say what’s to be done with them. It’s my right.”
“And what would you do? You can’t sell the human now. Do you honestly believe that the entire wrath of Vulcan wouldn’t come down on our heads if we tried to separate bondmates? It’s not going to work.”
“I don’t believe it. No one bonds himself to another just to keep from...”
“From what? Slavery?” Kirk interjected. “Think again.”
J’han swung around, advancing toward the human. “I think I’ve had enough of you.”
“Stop it, both of you.” Skott came around the desk, placing himself between the two men. “There’s nothing left to be said. If I thought for a moment we could actually wring any concessions from T’Pau, I’d keep you both here. Since we can’t...” He pulled his brother away, keeping hold of the younger man’s arm.
“So that’s it? You kidnap us, threaten to enslave me, hold Spock for ransom, and then when your plans fall through you think all you have to do is let us go and everything will be just fine?” Kirk threw an amazed look at the Vulcan.
Skott smiled, a bitter smile so unlike his brother’s. “No. I’m aware that there will probably be repercussions. There’s not a lot I can do about that. All I can say is that I’m sorry. If that’s not enough, well, I guess we’ll have to deal with whatever comes.”
“Fine, just get us the hell out of here.” Kirk turned to his first officer. “Come on, Spock.”
Spock looked from one brother to the other. On Skott’s face he saw only respect and an old pain, forever unknown to him. But on J’han’s...there, there was an implacable will that would not be denied. He had seen that same look on his captain’s face often enough, and Spock was suddenly afraid.
* * *
The trip back to the small building was made in silence. J’han’s expression had settled into a glower, and any thoughts he might have about the destruction of his plans he kept to himself. He stared at them as they were led in and the door bolted behind them.
Kirk stood at the door, his expression thoughtful as he watched the young Vulcan walk away. “That one’s trouble. I can feel it.”
Spock sat on the bed, his back resting against the wall. “I agree. What I do not understand was Skott’s swift capitulation. He must have known that his brother would not be pleased.”
“Oh, he knew, all right.” Kirk walked over and settled next to the Vulcan. “But he’s smart. He knows they can’t win, probably knew it from the very start. He was just playing for time.”
“To what end? J’han will not change his mind. He believes that, somehow, we can be used to further their people's cause.”
“And Skott knows we can’t. But he also knows his brother. I'll bet that’s why he waited until late in the evening to talk to us. He used up all the time that J’han might have used to plan something else. This way, we’ll be gone before he has a chance to.”
“Perhaps.” Spock was not sanguin about that. He had seen the look on the younger Vulcan’s face when his brother had promised their release.
Within the hour their captor was back, accompanied by a woman carrying their supper on a tray.
“It’s about time.” Kirk took the tray, trading glares with J’han.
“My brother thinks you should be fed. If it were up to me...” J’han shrugged and motioned the woman out, closing the door behind them.
“So, what’s on the menu?” Kirk unloaded the tray on the small table. He settled himself across from Spock and watched while the Vulcan ladled out a thick soup.
“Plomeek.” Spock handed Kirk his bowl, noticing the face his bondmate made at the pronouncement. “You are hungry, are you not?”
“I’m not sure anymore.” He hesitantly brought a spoonful to his mouth and grimaced at the taste. “He probably did this on purpose.” But hunger won out, and he had almost finished when his hand suddenly opened, his spoon clattering to the table.
“Jim? What...” Spock watched wide-eyed as Kirk slumped to the floor. He attempted to rise but found his own body had betrayed him.
Kirk tried to get up, and when that failed, started crawling to the door for help. “Somthin...somthin in food.”
Spock managed to stand and staggered over to the human. He had pulled his captain to his feet when the full force of the drug hit. They both fell to their knees, trying to fight the gathering darkness.
When J’han walked in, he found them sprawled side by side, unconscious. The lazy smile was back.
* * *
