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Slavery, Rites and Ceremonies	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: Star Trek > Star Trek Views: 3065 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek, it's characters, story lines, references or anything else having to do with the franchise. I make no money from this story, it is written purely for entertainment and enjoyment purposes only.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
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Chapter Seven

Terrors
          Serek stood in front of Yanira whose eyes were planted firmly on the ground. It was easy to see that she was ashamed everything had gotten so out of control. It was likely when she first acted in this way, she hadn’t considered the consequences or the full ramifications of her actions.
            “I understand your concern, Yanira.” Serek said having both heard and felt her explanation, “However, you know that the future is never written. What you have seen is only one possibility; it is not necessarily what will happen. Captain Kirk has shown himself to be extremely resourceful and attentive. His career record has shown that on numerous occasions.”
           Yanira was silent for a moment before she spoke, “I wish for Sarah to know her father.” She said with absolute sincerity in her voice.
            “You fear being alone from losing the only other person in the universe who understands what you have gone through and what you are going through. Is this not so?” Serek said.
            She couldn’t even answer him this time and bit her lip nodding completely ashamed that she was allowing emotions to dictate her actions. Admitting to him the wealth of emotions that were whirling around inside of her causing her such horrid feelings and nightmares, resulting in her acting in this way.
           “Yanira.” He said taking a step closer and softening his voice, “Spock is a man with a will of his own. You must allow him to make his own decisions. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at just how well he and the rest of his crew perform in life threatening situations.”
           “If what I have seen comes to bare . . . ” She said in a soft quiet tone not having an end to her own sentence.
           Serek looked at her, “Then you will have to go on without Spock. You and your daughter will be well looked after and cared for. You need not concern yourself with that. But you must let Spock leave and return to the Enterprise with his shipmates.” It looked as though she was considering protesting again but instead she stopped herself.
           Yanira was silent as she submitted, bowed her head obediently, and walked to the doors. Taking a breath she unlocked the doors and opened them wide allowing entrance to the Doctor and the Captain. Instantly the two men hurried in, finding Spock lying motionless on the bed where he had been since the night before when he and Yanira retired. The doctor went to the bed where Spock lay and began to scan him with his equipment. “He’s out.” Bones reported, “Deep asleep.”
            Serek looked towards Yanira and she instantly walked over to Spock and reached down. She began touching several pressure points on his body before stepping back. With her last touch he woke and his eyes opened. Bones looked at him scanning again, finding everything to be functioning perfectly. “I’ll be damned.” He said looking towards Yanira.
            Spock sat up arching a brow as he looked around. Then, his eyes met Yanira’s a moment before looking away. Yanira had caught him off guard and managed to do a nerve pinch that was more than just a stun. It kept him asleep until she had woken him. It was a shock, a disappointment, and an annoyance “I apologize for the delay in our departure, Captain.” Spock said as he stood. “We may leave immediately.” He said reaching for his uniform shirt.
            “Hold on a minute.” Captain Kirk said turning his back to Yanira, “I think it would be a good idea to know what caused this madnessed. Just what it was she saw that brought this episode on in the first place.”
            Yanira’s eyes went wide having no idea that the Doctor and the Captain knew of her gift. She hadn’t known that Spock had told them. Serek arched a brow hearing this, and Spock looked at Yanira, not having known that she had a vision.
            Amanda, wasn’t sure what was going on and looked at everyone else. “Is someone going to tell me what this is about?” She asked.
            No one spoke, as Yanira stared wide eyed at Spock, who’s eyes were turned away knowing full well that he had betrayed her confidence yet at the same time, It was Bones and Kirk who had betrayed his. “Are not the matters between a husband and wife, only between them?” Yanira said her eyes still wide starring at her husband.
            “We were not yet, husband and wife.” Spock replied.
            “You knew.” She said, “You knew how precious the secret was to me. How deep I had buried it so no one would ever find out!” Her voice was starting to rise now, as the terror of being found out was starting to wash over her.
            “We have told no one.” Kirk said quickly.
            “Captain.” Spock said to keep him from interfering. “I did betray Yanira’s confidence . . . and there is no excuse that can be made for such betrayal.” He admitted.
            “What hasn’t been told to anyone?” Amanda asked looking at Kirk, “What betrayal?” She asked looking towards Spock. No one answered her, and the feeling in the room was very uncomfortable.
            “Yanira. . . is clairvoyant, a gift that she inherited from her mother who was a Vulcan Priestess.” Serek told Amanda taking control of the situation, which seemed to be getting out of hand. “The matter between Spock and Yanira is private and will have to be solved by them, and alone.” He pointed out that there were far too many people present to discuss it now. “As the choice remains with Yanira, it would be best that no one outside this room would know of her gift and heritage. She wishes it to be a thing remained unsaid, and so it shall be.”
            Kirk looked at Spock and Yanira and anyone within a mile could feel the tension in the room. “I think we can spare a bit more time for them to talk.” He said, “However, I would still know what it was that she saw that caused her to be so upset she would take Spock hostage.”
           Yanira’s eyes still remained on Spock for another moment before she turned and picked up her sketchbook. Rather than waiting for everyone to leave she decided to deal with it now. Opening it to the last page she had drawn, she walked over to the Captain and handed it to him.
            Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy both seemed shocked at what they saw. They say the Enterprise in what appeared to be a huge explosion, the center of the chaos as though it had been completely destroyed. “Would you not have done the same to save a loved one, Captain Kirk?” Yanira asked as the two Star Fleet officers looked at the picture in absolute horror.
            “What can you tell us about this?” Captain Kirk said looking at her. Spock moved over to the two men and looked at the picture as well. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been so disturbing if Yanira had not become the talented artist she was over the years. “How does it happen?”
            She was silent for a moment, before she decided that she should simply tell them. “The explosion happens from inside the ship. No others are nearby, no one attacks. It’s quiet, and then everything bursts into flame and breaks the ship apart.”
            “How?” He asked, “How does the explosion come from the inside? Something must have caused it.” Kirk demanded becoming a bit more forceful at the prospect of his crew and ship being in such deadly danger.
           Yanira reached over and turned the page back to the one before it, “There. That is the cause of the explosion.”
            Spock took the sketchpad looking at it, “It could be a bomb, Captain.” He confirmed. “Although I’m not sure I’m familiar with the type.”
            “Who put it there?” Kirk said looking at Yanira. “Someone must have placed it on the ship, who was it?” It was as though she was being interrogated the more upset the Captain got, and she was already quite upset herself for several reasons. Stubbornness may have been a human trait, but like Serek and Spock, Yanira had her fair share of it too.
            “Captain,” Serek said, “Premonitions are not called at will. If she has not seen the perpetrator, it is unlikely that she will be able to recall his face.”
            Captain Kirk looked back at the picture a moment before looking at Spock. He knew that he and Yanira needed to talk, but it couldn’t be now. He needed him aboard the enterprise. “I want the ship put on full alert. I want every area, every service panel, everything searched. Have this picture copied and circulated throughout the ship so everyone knows what they are looking for.” He said to Spock. He started to tear the picture out of the sketch book, but stopped glancing towards Yanira. She nodded allowing him to take it with him. Then, all three men left so they could return to their beam up coordinates.
            Amanda walked over to Yanira and wrapped her arm around her embracing her slightly as they watched the men leave. She knew that her young daughter in law was hurting. She could almost feel it as she held her. “He will be back. I promise.” She said reassuring her.

Last Moment
           Yanira stood by the huge stain glass window, looking out towards the planes of Vulcan. On a clear day if you were patient and knew where to look, you could see a small part of the massive water formation a few miles away. She had been there twice since she had returned. It was absolutely beautiful with the sun shining off the water. A cool breeze would wash over you, and you would feel peaceful inside. She liked it there and if it were possible she would spend her days there every day.
            Spock stood quietly not saying anything. It was a difficult situation that they had put themselves in. Trying to find a resolution was perhaps the most difficult challenge of all. They had apparently run out of things to say. Neither of them was satisfied, and both were filled with a certain level of regret.
            “The search of the Enterprise found nothing resembling the device in your vision.” He reported, “Which means that it has perhaps, not yet been brought aboard. Yet we now know what we are looking for, and anyone leaving or boarding the ship will be thoroughly searched.”
            “An earth man once said that one often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.” Yanira said still looking out of the window.
            “That will not be the case this time. The Enterprise is going to remain on alert until we are certain that the threat has passed and we needn’t worry any longer.” Spock reassured her.
            Then they both fell silent again neither of them wanting to talk about the personal issues at hand. Yet they knew it had to be done. “My visions are still a curse to me.” She said closing her eyes, “Feeling the pain and fear of over 400 people is a torture I cannot describe.” She said opening her eyes as her head hung low at the memory.
            “I can appreciate the reason you resorted to putting me into a sleep trying to keep me from boarding the Enterprise. As a new mother you did not wish to see your husband destroyed as one of the crewmen on the ship you envisioned.” He began, “Yet I cannot approve or condone your actions, Yanira. You know that I cannot turn my back on my obligations and my responsibilities to Star Fleet.”
           Yanira turned looking at him, “I know this.” She walked closer, “Why do you think I told them. Even though I did not know that they had been informed of what I was. If I could not keep you here, safely at home on Vulcan then I would have them try and keep my vision from becoming a reality.”
            Now it was her issue with him that was coming to bare. The betrayal that she felt was rolling off of her in waves. “I did not mean to betray your confidence, Yanira. The disruption on the Enterprise when I first discovered your hidden gift needed to be explained to the Captain. So that he knew that you were not a danger to the ship.” He said. “And yet, I still cannot make excuse for myself. It was wrong of me to betray your trust. Please know that Doctor McCoy and Captain Kirk are most trustworthy, and they will not tell another soul of what you do not wish exposed. They know how imperative it is to keep your secret.”
            She looked into his eyes, wondering if he truly knew the gravity of the situation. “It is too late for me, Spock. They cannot take me away to be a priestess now if they found out. I am married to you and now I have had a child. My husband’s child.” She looked at him seriously, “However if I am discovered they will begin to monitor and test Sarah. They will take her away from us.”
            Spock walked closer to her, “No they will not.” He said. “I know of your wish to allow her to choose her own path when she is old enough. Dr. McCoy and the Captain will not speak a word of it to anyone. I promise you. Sarah will remain safely hidden until she has come of age.”
            “I believe in our customs, Spock. Vulcan traditions and ways. Vulcan’s have adopted a philosophy, a way of life which is logical and beneficial to our people. It saved us from our old destructive and primitive ways.” Her eyes met his again, “Perhaps it is the human in me that refuses to let our daughter’s future to be decided just because she is cursed as I am.”
            “Yanira, you are not cursed and risk causing Sarah to believe she is cursed if she has inherited your ability. You possess a number of remarkable gifts. It is only one among many. I agree that our daughter should be allowed to make the choice for herself. I stand by you in your wish to keep her gifts concealed until she comes of an age to understand and know what her choice is. Yet, it is not yet shown that she also possesses your gift. It may not have passed on to her and you may be worrying for nothing.” Spock explained.
            “Perhaps.” She answered looking away from him a moment.
            Just then Spock’s communicator beeped. “Mr. Spock, we are preparing the ship to leave orbit, sir.” A voice said. It was not exactly a welcome communications from the ship. He looked towards Yanira a moment.
            “I’ll be ready to be beamed up in just a moment, stand by.” Spock replied.
            His eyes returned to Yanira. “My father and mother will undoubtedly support our decision, and will do everything they can to help.” He assured her. “You must continue to send me transmissions and updates on you and Sarah.” He said seriously, knowing his time had run out. “I will return when I am able to do so.”
           Yanira nodded, and Spock watched as she returned to the submissive wife that she was supposed to have been all along even though it had been an interesting and intriguing few days with her moment of insanity in an attempt to save his life.
            Reaching up, he touched her chin and lifted her head so he could look at her beautiful eyes one more time. Then, he placed a sweet and gentle kiss to her lips, before looking into her eyes again. Yanira had a tendency to feel slightly dizzy whenever Spock kissed her, it was not an unpleasant feeling. They rested their foreheads against each other for a moment with their eyes closed, before Spock stepped back a few feet from her. “Energize.”

Transmissions
            “Spock, I was wondering if you had the reports on . . .” The Captain started to say when he noticed that Spock had been listening to something other than his research. He half smiled, when Spock realized the Captain was standing nearby cutting off the message.
            “Yes Captain,” He said pulling the disk in the computer out and replacing it with another. “I shall have them for you presently.”
            “New transmission from home?” Kirk said not really minding since it was a slow shift and nothing vital was going on at the moment.
            “Yes.” Spock said simply as he punched a few numbers and calculations into the computer.
            “Well?” Kirk asking expecting more than that just that, “How is everyone?”
            “Captain, as we are both on duty, perhaps it is better not to discuss personal matters until a more appropriate time.” He offered.
            Kirk smiled to himself, “Alright. However as soon as our shift ends, I want a full report.” He said sounding half official. “That’s an order.”
            Spock arched a brow, “Yes Captain.”

News from Home
            Spock and Kirk were headed to the mess hall when Kirk decided to remind his first officer of the transmission he had been listening to earlier, “So once again I ask you Mr. Spock how are things at home?”
            Spock arched a brow slightly, wondering why the Captain was so concerned. “Yanira reports that she and Serek have been involved in an investigation that is quickly leading to an abolishment of the Celass Colony and the illegal practices that have been engaged in. It had been discovered that those who ran the colony were not Vulcan but of other races. The Colony had changed hands several times since it was first created 45.6 years ago. Apparently, there is great profit to be made training and selling young ladies as servants to wealthy men.”
            “That’s barbarous, even on Earth. Something we ourselves put an end to hundreds of years ago.” Captain Kirk replied.
            “As did we, Captain.” Spock said, “Yet there are times when discipline and decency fall through the cracks when they are not monitored. If I and my family did not know of the Colony before Yanira considering my father must be well acquainted with everything that takes place and operates on our planet to be an affective ambassador, it’s safe to say that all of their dealings were done in secrecy.” He explained. “Knowledge of its forming had reached us when it was originally started as an all female orphan colony. There are other colonies with the same purpose and mission statement for boys and girls. Yet this Colony, seems to have forgotten its original intention and reverted to the primitive practices and ways. My father and my wife are seeing to it that it is ‘cleaned up’, their ways corrected, and those overseeing the colony are replaced with responsible well disciplined Vulcan individuals.”
            “Well, she certainly knows how to keep herself busy when you’re not home, doesn’t she.” Kirk said as they entered the officer’s mess hall. They got their food and found a table to sit down at. “So I take it that she is doing well, How about Sarah?” He asked.
            “Yanira reports that she is healthy and doing very well.” He said looking at his tray before half glancing at the Captain hoping that he wouldn’t ask what he was sure he was going to ask next.
            The Captain paused a moment and took a bite of his food, before he grinned. “Alright, let’s see it.” He said.
            Spock sighed slightly and took out his communicator opening the screen and turning on the small viewer. He punched up a few things before handing it to the Captain. Kirk smiled as he looked at the weekly picture sent to Spock of his daughter. She seemed to be bright eyed and there was an unmistakable smile on her small beautiful face. “Definitely takes after your mother.” He said handing it back to Spock, “That picture is even better then the last one.” He said.
            “Thank you Captain.” Spock said dryly taking the communicator back and turning it off slipping it back onto his belt slightly embarrassed.
            “Oh come on Spock. You are a father now, and no one is going to look down on you for being proud.” Kirk offered. Instead of contradicting the Captain, this time the Vulcan just remained silent feeling that being accused of a human feeling such as ‘pride’ didn’t even warrant acknowledgement. Kirk half smiled finding that to be a confirmation of his suspicion.

Easily Grateful
            It had been months since the Enterprise left Vulcan, and even though they were continuing their search on a daily basis for the device that Yanira had seen in her vision it was decided that enough time had passed that they had slipped passed the danger. And the search parties became smaller and smaller until only a handful of security officers searched each day.
            Bones walked over towards Spock and leaned on the rail behind his station, “Seems as though even Vulcan’s aren’t infallible.” He said.
            “Not to my knowledge Doctor McCoy.” Spock answered continuing to look through his scanner.
            “Well, what I mean is Vulcan’s can’t be right all the time, can they.” Bones added. Spock arched a brow and turned around in his chair looking at the doctor. “I saw today’s duty roster. I see that the search parties have now been decommissioned all together.”
            “I assume what it is you are referring to is that the device Yanira indicated was never found. Nor has the ship been destroyed beyond repair, help, or recognition.” Spock said.
            “I guess that’s the jist of it, yeah.” Bones replied.
            “Have you considered the possibility that because we have conducted such complete searches on a daily basis since we left Vulcan that whoever was responsible for what happened in Yanira’s vision was deterred from his or her plan for fear of being discovered?” Spock pointed out. Bones thought about it for the first time and supposed it could be possible. “The future is never set, Doctor until it has actually taken place. Because of our actions, and because of the warning we were fortunate enough to receive, perhaps we changed the course of our own future by not giving it an opportunity to occur.”
            “Maybe . . . or maybe she was just wrong. It could have been a dream set off by the idea or fear of losing you. Not a prediction but her worst fears instead.” Bones said.
            “Doctor, the gift of clairvoyance is not subject to whim or emotion. It simply is what it is. One who possesses such a gift can sense the future and share the knowledge if they so choose. They cannot change it nor put their own interpretation of what they fear might happen in what they have seen. What she saw could have been most real. Our ignoring could have also meant our demise.” Spock explained.
            “Well yes but . . .” Just then a beep came to the command console.
            "Engineering, Scotty to Captain Kirk.” A Scottish voice said.
            “Kirk here, what is it Scotty?"
            “Captain . . . you know that device you sent out a picture of a few months back? Your not going to believe what I just found hooked into the warp drive systems.” He said.
            Kirk looked at McCoy and Spock, “We’re on our way down, Scotty. See what you can do to disable it.” The Captain stood but paused and pressed the button, “And Scotty . . . be very careful.” He added before all three men instantly stood and headed into the turbo lift.
            When they arrived at engineering, Scotty had managed to disable the device and taken it from where it had been placed in the warp systems. He handed it to the Captain, “Here it is Captain, the bug in our works. Fortunately it wasn’t too difficult to disable and it did hardly any damage at all. Just have to replace a few circuits and reconnect the bypass the culprit used to hook it in with. I hate to think what would have happened if it had gone off, might have blown us all over the galaxy.” The engineer turned and walked away to get to work.
            Kirk turned and handed the device to Spock so he could inspect it and make sure that it wasn’t still active and followed Scotty. Spock and McCoy both examined the device. “These components were taken from pieces of the ship.” Spock said.
            “That’s obvious from the markings and the crude way it’s been assembled.” He pointed at the marks, “How come these marks weren’t in the picture Yanira drew? It might have given us more to go on. Let us know that it was built on the ship, from parts of the ship.” The Doctor asked.
            “Because Doctor, often the . . .” He paused noting that there were other personnel around, and even though they were talking quietly, he didn’t want to risk someone overhearing how they found out there was going to be a threat to the Enterprise. “The dreams that she has are not as clear as seeing with ones own eyes. They are often like looking through a colored glass, and are brief flashes filled with the feelings of those she is seeing. Markings and details as small as these would not be seen unless they were the main focus of the vision.” He explained.
            “I thought it was the main focus.” McCoy said.
            “The explosion was the main focus, Doctor. The fact that she saw what caused it, was amazingly fortunate as well as uncommon.” Spock found this to be interesting. As both he and his father had pointed out, Clairvoyance was not something of choice you took the visions as they come. But there was a possibility that Yanira so upset by the vision of the Enterprise’s destruction forced herself to have another vision, searching for the cause. It was an intriguing possibility, one he would have to question her about later.
            “Well . . . hooray for your choice of wives.” He said quietly. ”Now I’m not so annoyed she took you hostage before we left.”
            “That was not what she did, Doctor. Hostage indicates she was demanding money or goods for my return. She did not. Yucillia was simply attempting to keep me from leaving the planet aboard the Enterprise.” Spock corrected.
            Bones gave him a look, “What I mean to say is, perhaps we should consider ourselves lucky she had that ‘dream’ before we left the planet.”
            “I quite agree. Now our search for the perpetrator will be implimented.” Spock said before walking past the doctor to join the Captain.

Relentless
            “By the time you finished those calculations we’re all going to be old and grey.” Dr. McCoy said crossing his arms looking at Spock, “You’ve never taken so long before, I hope this isn’t a new habit you’re developing.”
            “This is a delicate matter Doctor, one that requires the utmost attention to detail. I am simply rechecking the data and making certain that all of our calculations are correct.” Spock said.
            “Yes well, is there a reason you aren’t doing this in your own quarters?” He asked. “You’re usually prone to wonder off by yourself so you won’t be disturbed.” Bones pointed out.
            Spock didn’t answer right away and he could feel Bones looking at him. Apparently he wasn’t going to let it go without some sort of an answer. “I find it somewhat quiet in my quarters.” He said simply before he realized how that sounded then quickly added, “And if I require medical records for reference this would be the logical place to be.”
            Bones arched a brow at his answer, “Oh?” He said moving closer and inspecting Spock’s face for a moment. Spock sighed and put his research on hold as he looked at the doctor a bit annoyed. “Is it possible your feeling a bit lonely, Mr. Spock?”
            “Loneliness is a hu . . .” Spock started to say only to have the doctor quickly cut him off.
            “Oh yes I know, ‘loneliness is a human emotion’. I’ve heard it before, and I’m sure I’ll hear it again.” Bones said rolling his eyes. “The point is . . . you’re looking for company and don’t want to be alone.” Spock narrowed his eyes and looked back at the monitor. “Or is it that you’re simply missing a certain individual and sitting alone in your quarters only causes you to think about their absence even more?”
            “Doctor, I believe you have work of your own to do. If you continue to interrupt mine you may never get your work station back.” He said in a stern tone.
            “Hmmm . . . pulling rank on me are you?” The Doctor questioned, “Definitely making your argument a valid one.” He said sarcastically before walking away.
            Spock sighed in frustration, more with himself then with the good doctor. He had been thinking of home more then usual lately. It had been well over a year since Sarah was born, and the last time he had been on Vulcan. Although Yanira and his mother were quite diligent about sending him updates and pictures of his daughter, it wasn’t quite the same.
            There was one picture that he found himself looking at quite often that he had received. It was of Yanira and Sarah together. All he could figure about it was that his mother had taken the picture for both Yanira and their daughter had smiles on their faces, their beautiful eyes shining brightly. It turned out to be his favorite picture above any of the others he had received. This picture he kept private for himself and no one would see it, even though the Captain and the Doctor seemed very consistent about pestering him for updates on his family.
            It was becoming harder and harder for him to keep his mind on his work which was highly unusual for the Science officer. Usually he could put his personal affairs aside and separate them from his work but right now it wasn’t so simple. He’d been finding himself dreaming of Yanira the way they did when they lay close together in the same bed and their minds would touch while they slept. It was an odd feeling, especially since she was on the other side of the galaxy. There minds couldn’t possibly touch so far apart.
            Perhaps the doctor was right perhaps he was feeling a bit lonely, and memories of when they were together and the months she had traveled with them on the Enterprise were simply coming to mind. He always managed to accumulate a great deal of shore leave days, as he never took them with the rest of the crew. He had plenty of time but he wasn’t quite sure he could step away from his duties. He’d rather wait for a more covenant and less busy time.
            However Doctor McCoy was more perceptive then Spock gave him credit for. He knew what was going on having seen it in other crew members from time to time.

Drop Offs
            “You will not be staying on Vulcan then, Captain?” Spock said arching a brow.
            “No, the rest of the crew would rather go some place other then Vulcan for their mandatory shore leave. I’ve heard many complaints about the entertainment on Vulcan being nonexistant.” Kirk answered. “We’ll drop you off and then swing by to pick you up in two weeks. You’ll have plenty of time to spend with your wife and daughter, and we’ll have plenty of time for the crew to get some rest and relaxation.”
            “Ah yes. You humans have a strange definition of rest. For Vulcan’s to rest means to actually rest.” Spock commented.
            Kirk smiled remembering the last time they had been to Vulcan and the fact that Spock and Yanira were doing very little resting themselves the entire time they were there. “Well, you enjoy yourself and your time at home.” Kirk said.
            “Thank you, Captain.” Spock said before turning to leave the bridge and heading to the transporter room.

Greetings
            At the beaming site Spock began to materialize and became solid again. When he stopped sparkling, he found Yanira and Sarah waiting for him on the platform. Sarah looked so sweet and adorable in her small dress that seemed to match Yanira’s. Her hair was swept back in barrettes to keep it from her face, and her eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
            Spock clasped his hands behind his back and looked around a moment. “There is no one else here.” Yanira said. “Your parents are waiting in the house for us, and no one is around as it is your parent’s property.” She had a feeling that was what he was concerned about.
            He approached them looking at the little one in Yanira’s arms. Reaching out to her, Yanira passed their daughter to him. He lifted her high in the air and pleased to see her in person for the first time in a long time. Then he held her in his arms and looked into her eyes. She giggled and clapped her hands before chewing on her fingers slightly being a little shy. Spock forgot himself for a moment and a huge smile swept his own face as he touched her small nose and she giggled again.
           Yanira smiled as well as she watched them, unable to suppress it. He looked at Yanira and quickly regained his composure before clearing his throat and stepping closer to her. “Greetings.” He said formally.
            “Greetings,” She replied. He stepped a bit closer and they leaned their foreheads against one another closing their eyes as Spock rested hand gently against the back of Yanira’s head. Just thankful to be together again, after the 19 months he had been away.
            Spock opened his eyes and looked to Sarah again hardly able to take his eyes off of her. “Where are your escorts?” He asked looking around, “You should not be out in the open by yourselves.”
            “Do not worry.” She said. “The entire area was searched and cleared before they confirmed your beaming point. But I told them I wanted only Sarah and me to be here to greet you when you arrived. Besides,” She said tapping her side where Doctor McCoy had implanted the tracking device.
            The Vulcan arched a brow at this knowing that their daughter did not have an implant. Yet at the same time, he knew that Yanira could protect them both very well. Perhaps some would say far to well and in a terrifying fashion. He looked into her eyes for a moment longer, “It does me good to see you.” He said softly.
            “Come,” Yanira said, “Your father and mother are waiting for us. They are anxious for your return as well.” She said touching a stray strand of hair on Sarah’s face that had slipped out of one of the berets. Spock nodded handing Sarah back to her mother, and they turned heading towards his parent’s house.

Home Comings
            Once again, it was the exceedingly rare occasion that the four sat down to dinner. Sarah was with her nursemaid upstairs in her room, as Yanira had never recovered her ability to feed her child.
            “It won’t be too much longer until Sarah’s lessons begin.” Amanda said, “Not that I ever thought 24 months was old enough to begin them, but then earth has much different ideas of how to raise children.”
            “She has already shown great promise according to her future instructors at the school she will be attending.” Serek said.
            “Oh yes,” Amanda confirmed, “Already she’s doing things that many 6 year olds can do.” It seemed that Amanda was a very proud grandmother indeed and had no qualms about showing it.
            “Has she spoken yet?” Spock asked, not having received news of her first words in the weekly transmissions he received.
            “No.” Yanira answered simply, still attempting to keep the decorum that Vulcan women were meant to have.
            Spock arched a brow as she should have said something by now. “Really?”
            “She is a very quiet child. Although she smiles and giggles she has not said anything at all.” Serek said. Children were the exception to the Vulcan rule especially the very young ones, under four years of age. They would not have had the training that allowed them to control their emotions, and it wasn’t considered distasteful for a child to have them. As often times it was the only way they had to communicate what their needs were, and of course their emotions were purest when they were young.
            “It seems odd. Has she been examined for some abnormal cause to her silence?” Spock asked.
            “Yes and our physicians found nothing. She is perfectly healthy in everyway.” Serek answered. “It seems that she simply does not wish to speak yet. It could change at any time of course but she seems content to just listen for now.”
            Then they all fell silent and went back to eating their meal.

Alone Finally
            Spock and Yanira stood in Sarah’s room watching her sleep a few moments after Yanira had rocked her to sleep. Her guardian stood outside waiting for the two parents to leave having been asked to give them a few moments alone with their daughter.
            “She is beautiful.” Spock said honestly as he watched Yanira tuck her in.
            “Yes,” Yanira agreed as she stood, “Very beautiful.” She smiled slightly as she stepped back next to Spock. “A few days ago I found that your father brought her a small gift.” She said looking towards a small glass charm that had been placed at the foot of Sarah’s crib.
            Spock observed it for a moment, “It is tradition to keep this flower close to a loved one to drive any evil away. A very ancient supersition.” He said a little surprised his father would indulge in such a thing.
            She nodded, “I know.” She looked back at their daughter, “Yet it always works best when it is a gift from another loved one.” She looked at Spock, “Your father loves her. He may not show his emotion where she is concerned but you can tell.”
            “New life brings joy to all.” He said.
            Deciding that their voices would wake Sarah the two left sending her guardian back in. It was getting late and was beginning to get dark so the two retired to their room.
           Yanira walked in first and Spock followed closing the door. “I have been told that the school that will begin Sarah’s training is the finest on Vulcan . . .” She started to say turning back towards Spock. Yet Yanira was unable to finish her sentence as she found herself pulled tight against Spock’s body and he began to kiss her deeply. After a few moments, he pulled back just enough to look into her eyes as they both gasped for air. Yanira’s eyes were closed as she licked her lips slightly feeling a bit light headed.
            “I apologize.” Spock said finding his actions somewhat primal and indecent. Yet his hands cupped her face before sliding down to her shoulders. He was not moving away and didn’t seem to intend to.
            “I see no reason for an apology.” She said resting her hand on his chest a moment before placing her hand against his face. It seemed that her permission was all that was needed before Spock began to hungrily consume her mouth once more and sweeping her up into his arms.

Under Arrest
           Yanira stood absolutely still before the council with her hands folded in front of her. Her eyes starred strait forward, as she waited to hear what the charges were and what her sentence would be.
            “What the council fails to understand is why you would hide such a gift. If it was simply because you did not wish to join the priestesses of Vulcan, then we do not understand why you continued to hide your gifts after you became married to Spock.” One of the elders explained.
            The council waited to speak even though she seemed reluctant but finally her voice broke the silence. “I wish for my daughter to have a choice.” She answered honestly, “Sarah does not yet show signs of having my . . .” She hesitated a moment as she had never called her abilities a ‘gift’but doing so now would be a mistake, “. . . my gift. But if she does I want her to choose her path in life. Not have it decided for her.”
            “Please explain.” Another of the elders said.
            "Clairvoyants are identified young on Vulcan and then taken away from their families and trained for a life as a priestess. But that is not all it means,” She began, “It means that there are customs and traditions that will endanger her life, and other things that a normal Vulcan would experience or have a priestess would not. I do not wish for the choice to be made for her. I want her to be of an age where she can decide for herself what path she wishes to travel.” Yanira explained as respectfully as she could.
            “When you say ‘endangering her life’ may it be assumed that you refer to your mother?” This question caused unbelievable anxiety in Yanira. It was something that she did not wish to admit yet it was one of the reasons she chose to hide herself.
            “Yes.” She said simply. “My mother died because it was forbidden for an unnatural cut to be made in her body or a drug to be used that might have eased her pain. She could not obtain the medical help she needed to live because she was a Priestess.” She hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I never knew my mother, I only know of her.” Her eyes turned towards the council for the first time, “I had a choice, the choice that I made for myself. I do not wish to deprive Sarah of the same.”
            The council looked at each other a moment before returning their attentions to the young lady below them, “We will speak of this matter. Leave us.”
           Yanira bowed respectfully as two guards walked up behind her to escort her to the holding cell she had been arrested and charges were brought against her. Not only did she hide her identity until it was too late to take her place but now she was hiding the identity of her child. All of which was tantamount to lying and expressly forbidden in Vulcan culture.
            Since Spock and his family had no knowledge of her hidden talent until after their marriage, no charges were brought against them and Yucillia took full responsibility. Although her only crime was hiding, because of the gift she possessed, it warranted exile from Vulcan, imprisonment for a time so that she could be rehabilitated in the Vulcan way, or even death if the council chose.
           Now, she sat alone in the cell she was incarcerated in. She sat quietly, her eyes straightforward and her hands folded in her lap. Waiting to hear what her fate would be.

Test of Strength
            Serek was finally allowed to see Yanira and was let into her cell. Instantly, Yanira kneeled down before him her head hung low and her eyes downcast. “Stand, Yanira.” Serek said never liking to see her turn her eyes away. Yanira did as he said instantly. “The investigation is well underway and so far it seems as though your particular situation and your past are worthy of special compensation.”

            “I do not ask for any.” She said honestly. “I lied and hid my identity from the beginning. I knew that it was not a thing to be hidden from my own people.” She paused a moment, “And than I knowingly made the decision to hide my daughters identity as well.”

            “Perhaps. But it is compassion that guided you to speak for your daughter. Not contempt or desire to simply deceive. Your wish was for her to make her own choice, not to be deprived of the choice you made for yourself.” Serek said. “That in itself is logical. For as her mother you have taken on the duty to raise and protect her, and make the choices she cannot until she is of an age of understanding. This too is being taken into account.”

            “As much as I wish that were true, father it was fear that led me in this matter. It led me when I was a child and it leads me now that I am a mother.” She admitted. “To some the life of a priestess carries prestige, honor, and respect. A priestess of Vulcan would never go hungry, would always be treated as sacred and have the best of everything. Yet a priestess will never have a mate, and with the exception of my mother would never have children. A priestess could die from the smallest of injuries or illnesses because she is not allowed treatments that are considered unnatural. One should be allowed to weigh the positives against the negatives and choose which life they desire.” Yanira explained, wanting Serek to know what was in her mind, and in her heart.

            Serek was quiet listening to all she had to say. He arched a brow thinking a moment, “As I have said your circumstances are very unusual. The priestesses of Vulcan do not bare children. It would be a lot to ask without a mate. It has been over 3 centuries since a priestess bore a child. In 300 years Vulcan females that displayed the gift were few, and far between. As it is there are currently only 14 in existence. Only 9 of which are currently on Vulcan.”

            “It was one of them who discovered me, through a vision. My entire life I have been able to keep secrets from any telepathic link that I might have come in contact with. I could not hide from another’s gift.” Yanira said, “It was foolish of me to take Sarah to the training facility today.” It seemed ironic somehow and disheartening at the same time, that accompanying her daughter knowing she would be scanned and tested for such abilities would result in this. Yanira hadn’t been expecting the Priestess to scan her as well.

            Serek knew that she was heartsick and eager to do what she could to make up for anything that would have shed a bad light on their family. “Spock has been notified of these proceedings. Unfortunately, you may have to remain in isolation until he can return.”

            That was the last thing Yanira wanted to hear. All of this was ghastly enough but now Spock would be here to witness it. She closed her eyes for a moment making certain that any emotion would stay in its proper place, and not spill out where it shouldn’t. She opened her eyes and looked at Serek, “Sarah?” She asked simply.

            “Both I and my wife will keep her safe as always.” He reassured her.

            “I would have preferred that Spock was not disturbed by this. He is to important to the Enterprise to taken away from his duties.” It seemed her mind was weighed heavy with this news which was not Serek’s intention, but it wasn’t completely unexpected.

            “You are a strong young woman. You will come through this with your head held high.” Serek said. Yanira bowed her head respectfully and returned his farewell.

Counseling

            It was two weeks before Spock was able to return to Vulcan. During that time the council investigated every aspect of Yanira’s life down to the last detail. She was kept in isolation where she meditated almost constantly. Then she dove even deeper into meditation when she was informed of Spock’s arrival on Vulcan.

            Spock was shown in to Yanira’s chamber and the door closed behind him. She did not rise right away; she was in a self induced trance digging deep into her subconscious mostly as a retreat from the current situation. He was patient and walked closer to her knowing that she did not realize she was no longer alone.

            Spock kneeled down beside her and reached up placing his fingers to the side of her face. Closing his eyes he began to carefully touch her mind. What he found there was a great deal of suppression trying to eliminate the multitude of emotions that were attempting to claw their way out. The main feeling was of fear. Although it did not seem as though the fear was for her so much as it was for their daughter and he was surprised to find fear of him.

            Their pulses slowed and the beat of their heart began to mirror one another’s, as did each breath they took. Slowly, her eyes opened and her body turned towards his and their gaze locked. Spock and Yanira’s minds were connected now.

            Much to Spock’s dismay he found a dark place in Yanira’s mind. One that hadn’t been there before, or if it was he had never seen it. Like something meant to cloud it and hide it from everything, perhaps even herself. He began trying to touch it, and then pushed a little harder in an attempt to penetrate it.

            Suddenly, Spock flew back away from Yanira and hit the wall. It was as though someone had physically hit him squarely in the head and kicked him in the stomach. It was hardly expected and impossible on many levels. He was overwhelmed by a headache from the forceful rip away from Yanira’s mind.

            Spock got up to his knees and looked towards Yanira. She hadn’t moved nor had she come out of her trance. Spock furrowed his brow and moved towards her cautiously. This time her eyes were open and he could see them clearly. The beautiful color they usually were had changed into the most interesting shade of black. Like broken pieces of onyx.

            “Yanira,” He said, his gazed locked on hers. Never had he seen this before in any other being, certainly not his young wife. It seemed unwise to attempt to touch her mind again when she was in this state, yet at the same time he couldn’t let her remain this way. “Yanira,” He said again, this time raising his voice a bit.

            When she didn’t respond a second time, Spock carefully reached for her hand and touched it gently taking it in his. Leaning a bit closer, he spoke softly into her ear. “Yanira, come home.”

            Yanira’s eyes closed and her breath stared to return to normal. Her eyes opened and she seemed weakened as she swayed. Spock quickly caught her before she fell and helped her to sit down from her keeling position. Her eyes blinked a few more times before she looked at Spock.

            “Are you alright?” Spock asked.

            “Yes. I believe that I . . .” Then, her eyes went wide as if a revelation and she looked at him, “Spock.” Yanira’s eyes went wide remembering what had occurred. “Are you alright? I did not mean to . . .”

            “I am uninjured.” He answered. “What was it, Yanira?”

            She was quiet a moment closing her eyes as if silently asking herself the question looking for an answer. Yet she began to shake her head, “I do not know.” She opened her eyes again and looked at Spock, “I cannot find it.” She said honestly. “I have been meditating for some time and have never been so deep inside myself before. I do not know if I can ever get back to such a place again.”

            “Was it of your making?” Spock inquired. “Another memory of your childhood you wished to forget.”

            “No.” She said with a definite tone. “I would not know how to make such a place in my mind and I would never create something that would harm you in such a way.” Her eyes moved towards the wall where he hit before looking at him.

            “I am concerned about this, Yanira. It is not something I have ever seen before and apparently it is something that is unknown to even you.” Spock pointed out before getting up taking Yanira’s hands to help her to her feet from the floor.

            “Sarah?” She asked, “Have you seen her, is she well?”

            He arched a brow at the sudden change of topic. “No. I came here immediately after beaming down from the ship. Having been informed of the situation I thought it best to come straight to you.”

            “Spock I did everything I could. But I could not hide from another who is cursed like I am.” She said. “I did try to keep silent but I would not run once I was discovered. Not now.”

            He looked at her a moment suppressing a smile, “Because of our daughter?” He asked. She didn’t answer but it was plain to see in her eyes. It was because of him she stayed instead of taking Sarah and fleeing. Regardless of the outcome that might befall her.

Council Chambers

            “We have looked over every aspect of this matter and taken into account all aspects of your past, your life, and your situation. No one can dispute it has been quite difficult and trying for you in many ways. However, many of your misfortunes may have been avoided if you had chosen to be honest from the beginning. Rather then choosing to deceive your own people from a very young age.”

            Yanira stood tall and held her head high like Serek had taught her to do. She waited to hear the judgment of the council ready to take whatever punishment they felt was necessary. Both Serek and Spock were present waiting to hear what had been decided.

            “It has been decided that even though your time has past to become a priestess of Vulcan now that you are both a wife and a mother, that your daughter will still be able to enter the priestess order.” Yanira felt a knot form in her throat and she couldn’t take a breath, before the council continued, “Once again, your circumstances are extraordinary in many ways. Rather then forcing you to give up your daughter with your fears an misconceptions still intact, we have decided to propose an arrangement” It seemed very unusual to say the least and Spock arched a brow waiting to hear what this would be.

            “Spending time with the priestesses, specifically the one who discovered you may give you a new perspective. If you will submit to spending time with the Vulcan priestesses for one full month then we will allow you to retain your original plan of allowing Sarah to choose when she comes of an age to understand her choices.” It seemed like a heaven sent miracle more then anyone could ever have imagined to hope for. “Will you agree to these?”

            Even though both Serek and Spock seemed incredibly grateful for this chance that had been given it was apparent that Yanira did not feel the same way. “No!” She said in horror at the prospect.

            The council seemed incredibly surprised at her outburst feeling that they were being both lenient and overly generous. They were not the only ones shocked at her answer as Spock and Serek could hardly believe her reaction. “You can’t . . . you cannot ask me to do this!” She said her eyes as wide as orbs. Her control over her emotions and her calm demeanor was melting away by the second “They are . . . .” She stopped her words right there catching herself before she made a huge mistake. She had almost called them monsters but still held enough sense not to disrespect them.

            The council members looked at each other, and saw the looks on both Spock and Serek’s faces, “We will give you time with your family to discuss what choice you shall make. Consider your options wisely, Yanira. This is not an opportunity that will come to you twice. The alternatives to this option are much harsher.”

Family Issues

            Yanira, Spock and Serek were all taken back to her cell and left to speak. It was obvious that she was incredibly disturbed and emotional as she paced back and forth across the room in front of Spock and Serek. Neither of the men understood why she was having such a reaction.

            “Yanira, you are not acting in any sort of a logical manner. The council has given both you and Spock a gift with this arrangement. Allowing your decision to let Sarah choose for herself remain and all other charges brought against you dropped. You will no longer have to hide yourself or Sarah.” Serek said.

            “The price they ask is high, father.” Yanira said continuing to pace, her entire body seemed to scream the terror she felt inside.

            “What they have asked of you is an honor, Yanira. Not a punishment. Being allowed to stay with and observe the priestesses at close hand is . . . something that many dream of but would never be permitted to do.” Serek explained.

            Another moment passed, even though Yanira had heard him she never stopped pacing and actually started chewing on her fingernails. Spock already had a good idea of why she was so upset. “Yanira does not consider any part of the Vulcan priestesses, their order, or existence, and honorable society.” He began. ”She considers her gift a curse and those who are a part of the priestess order . . . less then reputable.”

            “Is this true Yanira?” Serek asked.

            She hesitated a moment, “It is . . . somewhat true.”

            Serek arched a brow noting that she seemed unable to look at either him or Spock. He turned his attention back to his son to see if he had further explanation. Spock didn’t want to betray Yanira’s confidence but in this instance the situation was dire. “She fears them and their way of life.” He said truthfully.

            “Fear them?” Serek said not understanding finding the extreme emotion somewhat disturbing in itself. “Yanira, it is an irrational and illogical fear.”

            “Is it father?” Yanira said turning and looking at him. “The danger of simply existing is always present. There are those that would harm them simply so they could claim they did so. They have no compassion for those outside themselves. They . . .” Spock reached out and took her by the arm pulling her back. She became more and more agitated as she spoke and was getting somewhat out of hand. He knew her fears and where they stemmed from. Yet someone who did not know would not understand.

            Yanira instantly heard herself and the way she was speaking, and bowed her head in embarrassment and shame that she had spoken to Serek in such a way. Serek arched a brow as he watched the two of them. It was obvious that Spock knew more then he was letting on about the situation. “I will speak with you alone.” He told his son. Before turning and leaving the cell.

            Spock held Yanira’s arm a moment longer in a firm grip. She was incredibly upset and before they could speak rationally Yanira had to calm down. Then, he released her arm and turned walking out as well to speak with his father.

Sacrifices

            Amanda brought Sarah to visit her mother in the cell where she was still being held in isolation. It had been sometime and Yanira felt as though she was dying inside not to have seen her daughter in so long. Yanira sat quietly with Sarah in her arms rocking her gently and soothingly watching her fall asleep. Now that the little one was walking she got tired twice as quickly as before.

            Yanira didn’t mind it, she was just happy to have her close. “She has missed you greatly.” Amanda said watching them together. “None of us can wait until you are home again and the charges are dropped against you.”

            This was something that Yanira had been thinking about intently, now that her baby was in her arms and she could see her and touch her again it became clear that there was no question what her decision would be. It wasn’t for herself but it was for Sarah and for what was best for her. What would a few weeks with the priestesses hurt especially in comparison to what would be taken from Sarah and the family should she be so foolish as to refuse?
             Yanira placed a gentle kiss to Sarah’s head as the little one yawned quite content to sleep in her mothers arms. Of course she would accept.

Shaky Nerves

            “Spock.” Yanira said sitting up straight as she waited for him to come to bed.

            “Yes.” He said before sitting down next to her.

            “I do not know if I can go through with this.” her eyes turned towards him, “Do you realize that they are of a hive mentality? They are all connected to each other when they are here on Vulcan. All of them are in each other’s minds constantly. There is nothing that one knows that the others do not. There is no seperation.”
            “Yes. I am aware of this.” He said arching a brow. “It has always been this way.”

            Yanira closed her eyes as her head dropped back frustrated and worried at the same time. “I wish the council could decree that under no circumstances are they to touch my mind without permission, or that they were even to attempt it at all. I would prefer it if they kept their distances.”

            Spock cocked his head slightly as he looked at her studying her features and processing what she had said for a moment. “It is always a choice, Yanira. No one will forcibly invade your mind without your permission. Of all people, priestesses are the ones that will insure that you are comfortable with their meld before attempting one.”

            “Are you certain?” Yanira said sincerely concerned, “Are you certain that they will not automatically feel as though I am one of them and it would be permitted?”

            “Your fears are very irrational, Yanira. You have maintained your privacy and it will not be invaded. As your husband, I am the only one that holds the right to touch your mind in such a way. I am not about to relinquish those rights to anyone for any length of time.” He admitted.

            Yanira sighed knowing that she did have a tendency to worry far too much. There were times that she had no idea how Spock would continually put up with her.

Departures

            The following day they stood together waiting for the transport that was to take her away. “Will you stay here with Sarah? Will you be here when I come home?” She asked.

            “I cannot turn my back on my Star Fleet duties for long. I am needed on the Enterprise as her first officer. If an emergency is declared or I am summoned I must go.”

            “I understand.” She said with a nod. Just then the transport shuttle that would take her to the Priestesses temple arrived and they watched it as it set down on the landing pad and powered down.

            They turned towards each other as Yanira looked at Spock a bit nervously. Almost as though her feet were wishing they could run from the landing pad as fast as they could carry her into the hills. Yet she stayed somehow finding the strength to hold them in their place. Reaching up he gently took her face in his hands and they closed their eyes leaning their foreheads together taking a moment to say a private goodbye and give some encouragement. Then they separated before she turned and headed for the transport.

Meeting Your Fears

            When the transport landed, it took Yanira a moment to convince herself to leave her seat. All she could think about was how easy it would be to fly the transport away if she nerve pinched the pilot to put him out for a few moments. However she remembered who she was, who the family was that she was now a part of, and the reason why she was doing this.

            Standing she walked to the door of the transport as it opened and took a breath before stepping down to the platform. She found all nine of the priestesses waiting to greet her at the landing pad. They were all beautifully dressed in their formal garments having been expecting her and welcomed her arrival.

            As soon as Yanira came close she could feel their minds attempt to join with hers. However, it wasn’t a forceful penetration of her mind as she imagined it would be; it was more of a gentle request. Yet her denial came swiftly and almost violently making it clear she had no intention of opening herself to them. It seemed as though her reaction was not unexpected and no one seemed offended or shocked by it.

            One of the older women approached and greeted her. Yanira returned the greeting, but was still quite cautious of the situation. “I am Celeasia. Welcome.” She said. “I knew your mother Yanira. I was present and officiated at your birth.”

            For some reason, that made her heart jump and then fall in rapid succession. This person knew of her mother, and could tell her everything she wished to know, but did she want to know?

            “Come.” The woman indicated, “There is so much we wish to share with you.”

Impatient

            Spock stood at the window in his room starring out towards the hills and mountains of Vulcan. It was the same place that Yanira had a tendency to stand looking for the crystal clear body of water that could barely be seen in the distance. He could almost feel her standing there beside him. It was hard not to wish she was there when he didn’t know what was happening.

            Amanda quietly opened the door of his room seeing him at the window he was so lost in thought he didn’t even hear her come in. She watched him for a moment always having known when something was weighing on her sons mind, “Vulcan is a beautiful place to those who know what beauty is.” She said as she walked in and stood beside him looking out as well. “Although, there are times when I miss the earth’s moon and how beautiful it was at night.” Although he was listening Spock didn’t respond. His mother smiled as she looked towards the window. “She is alright, Spock. As you yourself have stated many times, she is very strong.”

            “Perhaps.” He said, “Yet the council could not know how great of a demand they made of her when they made their decision. She knows very little of her parents, Mother. I have always thought it best that it remain that way, and she never find out what sort of creatures they were.”

            “Yanira has been gone for three weeks now.” Amanda said wrapping her arm around Spock’s as she looked up at him, “She will return soon, Spock. This was something that she needed desperately, as the fear inside that she felt at even the mention of the Vulcan Priestesses was eating away at her. She needed to find out that they were not what she imagined them to be.”

            Spock knew that she did need to spend time with the priestess to know who they really were but on the same level, he couldn’t help but question if she should have been sent there by herself. “If things did not become less threatening to her once she was there?” He said looking at his mother, “I doubt that they would have the ability to defend themselves if she felt threatened.”

Impatience

            Spock stood on the landing pad his hands locked behind his back as he waited. He’d only been informed of Yanira’s return that morning. It had been hours since he’d received the transmission, but he found himself out waiting for her within minutes of the message. Already the transport was 13.25 minutes late, and it was most annoying.

            Finally, he saw the transport approaching from over the horizon and he stepped back a few feet making sure he was well out of the way for their landing. He approached the transport when the door opened and felt a sense of relief when he saw Yanira appear in the doorway.

            She stepped down from the transport and walked to Spock, stopping a few feet away from him. The transport closed its door before it lifted from the ground and took off into the distance. Spock and Yanira stood apart from each other for several moments looking into each other’s eyes.

            When it was certain they were alone, and no one was near they nearly fell into each other’s arms. They closed their eyes embracing each other tightly, and rested their foreheads against one another.

Welcome Home

            It didn’t seem long after Yanira’s arrival that she and Spock found themselves in their bedchambers with arms wrapped tightly around each other, just glad to be near once again.

            They began to kiss feverishly, unable to get enough of the taste of each others lips. Spock walked her backwards never moving his hands from her body as Yanira wrapped her arms around him to keep her balance. He cupped her face in his hands kissing her anxiously before he wrapped his arms around her and picked her up from the floor carrying her over to their bed and lay her down.

            Halting their lustful behavior a moment Spock leaned over her reaching up and placing his hand at the side of her face. Gently, Spock started to out to touch her mind, only to receive what could be described as the feeling of someone punching him in the face. It caught him off guard to say the least, and knocked him back instantly breaking any physical or mental contact they had.

            Yanira sat up quickly her eyes wide as Spock’s hand held the side of his head. “Spock!” She said in horror.

            After a moment of regaining his composure, he couldn’t help but just stare into her eyes. Not sure what had just happened.

            “I am sorry. Forgive me, please.” She said reaching up and touching his face with her hand. Although she didn’t try to reach into his mind as he had tried to slip into hers. All of this was very unnerving for him as he felt completely shut out from her for the first time.

            “What is this?” He asked hardly happy with the strange feeling that washed over him. Not the blow to the face as he’d taken many a physical injury before without the slightest notice but the emotional feeling that seemed to wash over him in unmerciful waves.

            “I am sorry.” She said again hardly able to make her excuses fast enough. “I just was not expecting you to . . .”

            “Not expecting?” He cut her off looking into her eyes in disbelief. “Intimacy between us has never been purely physical, Yanira. It has always been mostly mental and intellectual. Or all three together if one was to truly analyze our time with one another.”

            Yanira was quiet for a moment; she knew he was expecting a full explanation, and an immediate one but she seemed both reluctant and hesitant to say anything. Spock remained quiet and waited never removing his gaze from her face.

            “It is a habit I have developed.” She said turning her eyes away. “A full month of 9 women with the same abilities as I have all trying to invade my mind constantly because it is a habit to them. It took a lot of work to block them all out all of the time at first until finally it became so it was a natural reaction rather than a struggle.”

            “I am not a stranger Yanira I am your husband. There is a vast difference.” Spock stated trying not to sound as irritated as he actually was. “Do I make you so defensive that you feel as though you have to shield yourself from me?” He demanded.

            “No.” Yanira said quickly,. “No, I truly was not prepared.”

            Spock arched a brow as he studied her face for several moments. “You maybe telling me the truth, but I find myself unable to simply forgive it.” The anger and emotion that had sprung up from deep inside the first time his advances were violently halted still hadn’t quite subsided yet.

            Yanira bowed her head quickly, feeling completely ashamed at the whole situation.

(Please feel free to leave a comment, review or rating. I'm kinda working really hard on this thing and it would be nice to know if someone's reading it!!!)
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Slavery, Rites and Ceremonies