Title: PEACE ON EARTH
Author: T'Lin (LinkyS@aol.com )
Series: TOS
Code: K/S
Rating: R
Note: Part I of "SEASON OF PEACE - A TRILOGY IN FOUR PARTS".All four stories are part of the Rumairie Fuq Fest -- Part II is SOCHYA TEVUNYONUK (K/S), Part III is SHAUKAUSH SADALAYA (K/S) and Part IV is SOCHYA EH SHAUKAUSH (Spock/Vorik) *
Summary: A Christmas Eve dinner party for the former crew of the USS ENTERPRISE ... the last one they will celebrate on Earth, as Jim is about to retire from Starfleet, and live with Spock on Vulcan.
Web Page: T'Lin's FANFIC PAGE - http://www.oocities.org/tlin_s/
Written for the Rumairie Fuq Fest - http://www.fvillha.org/Romulan/index.htm
Archiving: RFF, ASC/EM, BLTS, TREKSLASH, and my own page ... all others, please ask first.
Feedback gladly accepted ... please reply to this post, or send directly to LinkyS@aol.com
Disclaimer: Paramount/Viacom own the STAR TREK universe ... I just borrow their characters and settings for recreational purposes. I intend no copyright infringement, nor do I make any money off of my labors ... this original fanfiction story is ŠT'Lin - 0103.18
Part 1 - PEACE ON EARTH
T'Lin - 0103.18
It has taken a great deal of time and effort on my part ... not to mention calling in favors, as Jim would say ... but I have rearranged both of our schedules so that we could spend the next 2 months on Vulcan. Jim does not know of these plans yet, as I intend to surprise him tonight after we share our marriage vows. You see, today is Christmas Eve, and Jim has been planning a simple wedding for the two of us, with our friends as witness, at the stroke of midnight ... this trip to Vulcan will be my Wedding/Christmas gift to him.
But there is more to it than observing this ancient Earth tradition ... for the first time, Sochya Tevunyonuk*-- the Season of Peace on Vulcan -- has come at a time when both Jim and I could attend. Allowing two months for our 'Honeymoon' not only gives us the opportunity to share the spiritual cleansing of Sochya Tevunyonuk, but also the physical pleasures of Rumairie ... a festival I have long wanted to share with my t'hy'la.
Our lives have been far too complicated in recent years. Overworked ... pulled in opposing directions at times in order to fulfil our duty to Starfleet ... we had never found the time to finalize our relationship. We have waited far too long. Sochya Tevunyonuk and Rumairie provide the perfect atmosphere to forge, and consummate, our marriage bond.
There is also another reason for this vacation, at this time. It is the forced separation that neither of us want, but that we have no control over. In three months, I will be required to live on Vulcan, where I will begin my training and duties as an Ambassador. Jim, on the other hand, has five-point-four months left till his retirement from Starfleet. Of course, they are requiring him to finish his career stationed on Earth.
Spending the next two months together will ease the sense of separation I will feel for those two-point-four months ... and if Jim will allow it, a full marriage bond will make the separation much more bearable.
~ close journal ~
********
It had become tradition ... on Christmas Eve, the former officers of the USS ENTERPRISE gathered at the home of their former captain to share a meal, and celebrate this festive time of the year. Jim was happy to see that this year, all of his former officers were going to be able to attend. It had been many years since they had all gotten together, but with the Excelsior finally returned from its five-year mission, Sulu and Uhura were back on Earth, and even Chekov had managed to get leave so that he could be here this year.
Funny how this year, of all years, everyone was able to make it ... Jim wondered if it was out of respect for him, knowing that he would be retiring soon, and this would be their last gathering for the holidays on Earth, or if it was just a sign that all of their lives were 'slowing down', as McCoy would say. Either way, Jim was pleased that the 'family' would be together ... he wanted them all here when he and Spock exchanged their vows.
That was the one thing that Jim had regretted all these years ... that he and Spock had not been able to make their relationship 'official' ... but STARFLEET had its rules ... and if they had 'officially' been a couple, they could not serve together. So, they kept their relationship 'private', and the brass left them alone.
But now, with his retirement in less than six months, and Spock already out of 'fleet, they could get married.
Jim once again opened the small box he had hidden in his pocket ... it contained two rings ... simple silver bands, etched on the inside with a simple message. One said K to S ~ 12/25/92, the other, S to K ~ 12/25/92. He had written simple vows, and all the paperwork was in order. At the stroke of midnight, they would share their vows with their friends as witness.
The sound of the door chime startled him momentarily. He hastily closed the box and returned it to his pocket. He and Spock had decided to surprise their friends ... Bones was probably the only one who even suspected, but even he did not know for certain. It would not do to spoil the surprise at this late date.
Crossing to the door, he waved it open. As he suspected, it was Bones, with Chekov right behind him. Chekov greeted his former Captain enthusiastically, while Bones passed them and entered the apartment ... frowning slightly as he quickly made his way to the bar and poured himself a generous amount of Romulan ale. As Kirk and Chekov broke off their embrace, Jim motioned for Chekov to enter, then he turned to ask Bones what was wrong. But before Bones could answer, he saw Chris Chapel, Uhura and Scotty step out of the lift across the hall from the tenth-floor apartment that he and Spock shared.
He smiled as he noticed Uhura and Scotty walked hand in hand ... they had been lovers on and off over the years ... it was a wonder that they had never gotten married. But then again, their relationship seemed to please them as it was ... who was he to think they should change things ... // as long as they were happy // he thought, as he hugged each in greeting.
Always the perfect host, he made his way to the bar, as all around him the joyful sounds of long absent friends getting reacquainted filled the apartment with laughter.
***********
Running late, Spock took advantage of his position at the Vulcan Embassy to beam directly to his residence ... to be specific, he beamed into his bedroom, knowing that their friends would most likely already be arriving. He changed quickly, as the sound of laughter and conversation filled the air.
Stepping out into the main room, he froze ... the tableau before him was one he had not seen in a very long time, and may never see again. His shipmates ... no, his friends ... all those who, so many years ago, accepted him for who he was. Not Human ... not Vulcan ... just Spock. The people his father once said had 'good character' ... high praise, indeed, coming from the Vulcan Ambassador.
Taking the scene in more fully, he noted that everyone in the room was part of a couple, with the exception of Miss Chapel, who was just greeting McCoy. She took him into an affectionate embrace, which he returned a bit awkwardly. It appeared as if she whispered something to him, and he noticeably relaxed, as he started to laugh.
Nearby, Jim was playing bartender, pouring drinks and laughing ... he had never looked so lovely as he did right now. Spock was once again lost in the glory that was his t'hy'la. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to take Jim in his arms, and hold him close ... but that would have to wait until later, for now, he should make his presence known.
As he took that first step into the main room, Jim looked up. His smile became even more radiant, if that were at all possible, as he noticed Spock. Uhura, who had been talking to Jim, noticed his change of expression, and turned to greet their other host. Spock could sense her desire to hug him, as she had hugged all the others, but she refrained from reaching out to embrace the Vulcan ... just barely.
Spock fully understood how she felt ... he wanted nothing more than to do the same to Jim, but for now, he would refrain from such a display of emotionalism. As he stepped next to Jim, he extended his hand in familial greeting ... the light touch opening their minds briefly and a promise of more to come later was passed between the two in an instant.
Just then the door chime sounded again. Spock gave Jim a nod, saying, "it must be Sulu ...I will get it, Jim," and made his way through the gathering crowd to answer the door. As the door opened to reveal the Captain of the Excelsior, Spock could sense a slight change in the room ... the level of anxiety and apprehension rose significantly. He turned to let Sulu pass, and as he did, he noticed the frown on McCoy's face, and the hesitant attitude of Chekov. It was quite apparent that *something* was going on, but Spock was at a loss to determine what.
Sulu made a circuit of the room, enthusiastically greeting Jim and Uhura ... Scotty and Christine ... sharing small talk and gossip, getting 'caught up' as they say. Spock stood back and observed, all the while trying to figure out what seemed so 'odd' about the situation.
It took him a few moments, but then it all seemed to click into place ... at least, if the rumors had been correct. Obviously, there must have been some truth to them, why else would Chekov be so apprehensive now, and McCoy so sullen? They had situated themselves apart from everyone else ... as well as each other, as if they had had a disagreement.
Spock watched as Sulu made his way over to Chekov ... a few words were exchanged, and Sulu enthusiastically embraced his old friend. Chekov visibly relaxed, as he returned the embrace. As they broke apart, they made their way over to the sofa where McCoy was seated, Romulan Ale in hand. Chekov reached down to take his free hand, and pulled him to his feet.
Spock was able to hear part of the conversation ... and the rumors had been correct ... Sulu and Chekov had been lovers before Sulu's promotion to Captain. That would explain Chekov's apprehension, as he had 'moved on' while the Excelsior had been away, and was not sure how his former lover would react. But apparently, Sulu had heard about the two-year long relationship between Pavel and Leonard, and was happy for them. He did not hold anything against them for finding happiness together.
With this bit of awkwardness over with, the peace and tranquility of the evening was restored ... Spock was glad, as he wanted nothing to mar the perfect evening that Jim had worked so hard to arrange. Turning to see if anyone else was aware of the tension between these three, he was pleased to note that their encounter was completely unobserved by the rest of the group.
The dinner guest mingled for a while, sharing old times, and new adventures, and before long, it was time for dinner.
*********
All was going well, as Jim announced that dinner was ready. He had noticed the awkwardness between Len and Pavel when Hikaru arrived, and had pretty much assumed what it was all about, but felt it was best not to 'notice' ... and as he thought, they were able to sort it all out. With that one minor exception ,the evening was perfect. He was happy ... and he could tell that Spock was, too. They would get very little sleep, tonight.
Jim had arranged for 'couples' to sit opposite each other, with he and Spock at the head of the table, Uhura to his right, and Scotty to his left ... then Pavel and Len, and Sulu and Chris at Spock's end of the table. Before the food was served, Spock stood to make a toast. "Na'shau Etek Odu .. fi' nash khru vah pi'matt."*
The guests stood, and accepted his words of welcome ... smiling at the formality of the Vulcan toast. Jim smiled, too, knowing that they would understand later. But for now, it was time to eat. Dinner was slightly more elaborate than in past years, as well ... adding to the 'formality' that Spock's toast created.
A small bowl of Plomik soup to start everything off was followed by a Caesar Salad ... then onto the main meal. The meal was all vegetarian, with emphasis on Vulcan dishes ... although they had discovered over the years that the traditional 'winter squash', 'yams' and 'turnips' associated with Christmas Dinner went quite well with 'T'ooRac S'MoorSum'**
For dessert, Jim had made Vulcan Apple Pastries -- to be served a-la-mode, or not -- sprinkled with extra cinnamon. Served with each plate was a small scroll, tied with a silver chord. Jim placed the last of the desserts on the table, as Spock brought in a tray with tea and coffee service.
Len was holding one of the small scrolls, looking it over, without opening it. "What's this?" he asked, as he tapped it against the table.
"Open it and see," Jim replied, as he once again took his place at the head of the table, gesturing for everyone to open the scrolls. As they did, he could see the expressions on their faces as they read the words printed in silver on the white parchment:
"Hot damn ... I never thought I'd see the day," McCoy muttered, smiling from ear to ear. His smile was infectious ... all around the table, the good wished of their friends were expressed, as Jim and Spock looked into each others eyes.
"We thank you all ... not only as our friends, but as 'family'. This is a day that is long overdue ... and who better to share it with that the very people who had been there from the very beginning," Jim said, as he looked around the table at all the familiar faces. Eyes once again resting on Spock, he continued, "So ... who wants coffee?" Tea?"
Spock stood, and began to pour ...
********
An hour later, the group was gathered on the terrace ... under the stars, and overlooking San Francisco Bay ... the perfect setting for this simple exchange. As the distant Church Bells rang out the hour, Jim and Spock exchanged their vows ... a promise of unfailing devotion, support and trust ... two souls who were one, coming together as they had always meant to be.
When Jim pulled the small box out of his pocket, he saw Spock's eyebrow raise ... this was his surprise to Spock, the exchange of rings. It was not customary for Vulcans to wear rings as a sign of their bond, but it was for humans ... he knew that Spock would accept his ring as a token of their bond. Later, he would offer himself to Spock for a more 'traditional' bond, in the Vulcan sense.
Taking the ring that was intended for Spock, Jim lifts his hand, placing the ring on the third finger, saying, "with this ring as an outward symbol of our bond, I thee wed."
Taking his cue from Jim, Spock takes the other ring, and repeats the formal words, in Vulcan. With fingers extended in familial embrace, their eyes lock. Jim's smile is infectious, and soon Spock is smiling slightly, as their friends applaud their union. Uhura, with tears in her eyes, points out that it is traditional for the happy couple to kiss at this point.
Spock tears his eyes away from his t'hy'la, and with raised eyebrow, says, "Indeed." As he looks back to Jim, there is a twinkle in his eye as he continues, "who am I to break tradition." and bends down slightly to kiss his husband.
********
The party broke up in the wee hours of the morning, with Scotty and Uhura the last to leave. Jim knew they would be spending the next few days together, if their conversation about 'who's apartment was closer' was any indication. Jim was happy for them ... as he was for Len and Pavel ... he hoped that they were even half as content as he and Spock were at this very moment.
Spock was in the kitchen ,clearing the last of the dishes into the recycler when Jim entered. They had the whole day ahead of them, before they were scheduled to leave for his cabin for a week long honeymoon. "Come, my husband ..." he said, as he pressed his body against Spock's back, lightly massaging the broad shoulders.
Spock deliberately finished what he was doing before turning to face his husband. "Yes, my t'hy'la," he says, as he pulls Jim to him ... their bodies touching for the first time that day. "Let us consummate our vows ... and then, there is something I must ask you."
Jim smiled, knowing what Spock was going to ask, and anticipating his compliance. "I'm sure I'll say yes ... but first, there is this little problem I need you to take care of," and he pressed his groin into Spock's, feeling the hardness there respond to the pressure of their embrace.
Spock gave him one of his private smiles, more radiant than the one he offered while the others were here. "Hardly a 'little' problem ... but I assure you that I am up to the task." And with that, he lifted Jim into his arms, and carried him across the kitchen and into the bedroom, gently placing him on the bed.
Spock had chosen his outfit for the evening for two very simple reasons ... it was aesthetically pleasing , and easy to get out of. As he pulled the tunic over his head, he noticed that Jim had already done the same ... apparently, he had used the same criteria in his clothing selection. In seconds, they were naked, and in each others arms ... bodies pressed close, trapping their erections between them.
Spock was undecided ... he wanted nothing more than to bury his shaft deep into the gorgeous ass of his husband, but he knew that Jim would want to do the same. The only solution as far as he could see was compromise ... as Jim would say, let's do a '69'.
Jim was a master, and taught Spock well ... with lips and tongue, they soon found release, and the urgency they had been feeling all night was assuaged slightly. Sated for the time being, they held each other close ... Jim resting his head on Spock's strong shoulder. "So ... what did you want to ask me?" he said somewhat sleepily, as he drew small circles around one taut nipple.
"Ah, yes ..." Spock said, slightly distracted. "But first, I must tell you something. I have a gift for you, that I hope you will enjoy." Spock rolled slightly onto his side, so that he could see Jim better. "In one weeks time, you and I will be leaving for Vulcan, where we will spend the next two months."
He could see the incredulity in Jim's eyes, but before he could question, Spock continued, "I have 'called in favors' and 'pulled strings' to force Starfleet into giving you your accumulated Leave time prior to your retirement, instead of as compensation after the fact. I have done this for two reasons ... first, we deserve more time for our 'honeymoon' than just one week ... and second, there is a Festival on Vulcan that I wish to share with you."
"What kind of 'festival'?"
"We call this time 'Sochya Tevunyonuk' ... the Season of Peace, and it is followed by the Festival of Rumairie. Rumairie is an ancient Festival, from long before the sundering. It is a time where arie'mnu is forgotten ... when one seeks the pleasure of the body and mind."
"Hmmm ... sounds like my kind of party," Jim said with a wicked grin. "But tell me, what of this 'sochya whatever'?"
"Sochya Tevunyonuk ... it is a time for cleansing ... of body and soul and mind ... in preparation for Rumairie. It is said that bonds that are forged during Sochya Tevunyonuk are unbreakable. I know that you wish a marriage bond with me, but I ask you to wait, and bond with me during Sochya Tevunyonuk."
"I will bond with thee ... at the time and place of your choosing." Jim said rather formally, then when he saw Spock's eyebrow rise, he continued, "we've gone this long without being of one mind, what's another couple of weeks? As long as I can have your body right now, I am satisfied."
"As am I ... my husband."
~ END PART I ~
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