Title: After the Rescue

Part: NEW 6/73

Author: Karmen Ghia, karmen_ghia@yahoo.com

Series: TOS

Romance Code: S/Mc and then some.

Rating: NC-17

See part one for disclaimers, etc.

"How d'you know Jir the Dancer?" Kirk asked his first mate in the turbo lift.

"He was two classes ahead of me at school on Vulcan."

"You went to High School with Jir the Dancer." Amazed.

Spock nodded, "More precisely, I attended Shirkar Middle School #7 and the Western Vulcan Preparatory Institute with Jir and his brothers.

Pause. "What was he like?" Kirk ventured.

Spock thought, unreadable: "He was .. kind .. to me, as were his three brothers."

"I thought there were only three brothers, not four."

"It is a widely held misconception." Spock seemed closed on this point so Kirk dropped it, for now.

"What did he call you? SpockDe...?"

"SpockDeVulCheq. It is my name in the Magidrian Patois.

"What does it mean?"

"Spock the half Vulcan."

Kirk was taken aback. Spock looked at him calmly: "It was never flung at me as an insult. It was offered as an honor to my uniqueness. I have learned to appreciate the name only since I left Vulcan."

They came to McCoy's door. Spock, in his abstraction, had brought Kirk to the place he had wished to enter alone and now could not.

McCoy looked up from his reading and was glad he'd stayed dressed.

"D'you know Spock went to High School with Jir the Dancer?" Kirk remarked sitting down.

McCoy looked thoughtful: "I knew the Talljets lived on Vulcan but I'd no idea they went to school with Spock." He looked at Kirk, who was interested.

"How d'you know that?"

"Because of what happened to the youngest one, Ling, on Magidrian and why they were packed off to Vulcan."

"Why's that?"

"It'll give you nightmares, Jim."

"You intrigue me; speak, speak."

McCoy looked at Spock, who lowered his eyes. 'No help there,' he thought, plunging on: "Ling was raped by Dr. Lazroid in the presence of Dr. Wilton on Magidrian." Kirk looked shocked. 'I told you so,' thought McCoy and continued: "It was somehow decided that the safest place for the Talljets was Vulcan."

"Why?"

"Well, they are half Magidrian so they have that Mage sex appeal that scares everyone so much. I'm told Vulcans are immune to it. Also, the Talljets are empaths and telepaths, both touch and otherwise, like all Mages, and Vulcan was, at that time, one of the few Federation planets that could cope with that. The brothers are classified as dangerous aliens, there are Federation planets they simply cannot go to because of their telepathy."

"Such as?"

"Terra." McCoy said flatly.

Kirk turned to Spock: "How old was Ling when he came to Vulcan?"

"Eight or nine."

Kirk was silent, he looked at McCoy: "This is going to give me nightmares."

"I warned you."

"What happened to Lazroid and Wilton? Were they prosecuted?"

"No, there was no evidence on Ling – his empath brothers healed him," 'thank god for small mercies,' he thought to himself, "so the only proof that it happened was on Lazroid's penis," Kirk winced, "but he was dead, throat crushed, and Wilton had an eye torn out when Ling's older brother rescued him from them."

"Which one? Jir or Hobie?"

"Neither, it was the third brother; Maja. Maja Talljet."

Spock was silent. Kirk was digesting this, he asked: "How do you know this, Bones?"

"Unfortunately, it's one of the major scandals in the scientific/medical community, Jim. Lazroid and Wilton were brilliant scientists and good doctors at one time, they simply went over the edge on Magidrian and no one saw it coming. It is why we do long distance psych evals and in-person ones as often as possible on remote outposts, especially where there's interaction with the local population."

"What happened to Wilton?"

"He was murdered on Tefrinis 7 after the Star Fleet mission was kicked off Magidrian. He was decapitated and his shrunken head was sent to the Talljets on Vulcan. It was never discovered by whom or from where."

Kirk looked impressed, looked a question at Spock.

"I have heard this story but have never seem the object," he said quietly.

"Arthur Castaris," McCoy began, "told me that knowing they were both dead gave Ling some peace. Wilton admitted he witnessed the rape but he was never prosecuted and he never showed any remorse over letting it happen."

"Who is Castaris?" Kirk asked.

"A Star Fleet medic, like me, and Hobie Talljet's adopted father."

"Well, this story gets more interesting by the minute. How does Hobie the Pirate have a Star Fleet doctor for a parent?"

"Well, four doctors on the Magidrian research mission volunteered to adopt four homeless half Mage street boys. Castaris adopted Hobie, Gregor Romsky adopted Jir, James MacQuarrie, Maja, and Paul Duvallier, Ling. The Talljets are not only Federation citizens with the highly desirable permanent residence status on Vulcan, they are also Star Fleet brats, of sorts."

"How long were they with the Doctors."

"Two years or so."

"Bones, you are a fund of knowledge. Why is that?"

"I did research in xenobiology with Castaris on Terra. He liked to talk, I liked to listen but even so, the Talljet scandal is well known in Fleet doctor circles but not much beyond, so I'm not surprised you didn't know," 'and now I wish you would leave so I can rip Spock's clothes off,' McCoy added mentally but not unkindly.

Kirk shifted to Spock and turned on the charm: "Will you take me to see Jir dance?"

"If you wish." Spock turned to McCoy, "Would you care to accompany us, Doctor?"

"Sure."

"Do you like the ballet?"

"No, Spock, but I'd like to see Jir dance at least once."

"Have you seen Jir dance?" Kirk asked Spock.

"Frequently before I left Vulcan but not since."

"Well, then we shall have an interesting evening, at least." Kirk rose, "I'll leave you two to science and see you at supper." He moved to the door, McCoy moved to see him out, "Bones, why is it so hot in here?"

"I like it hot, Jim." McCoy said to Kirk's back.

McCoy turned to Spock and was startled to find him right there, pulling him into a crushing embrace.

"Are you okay?" McCoy asked kindly.

No answer from the face buried in his neck so he just patted the Vulcan sympathetically and waited. Spock finally disengaged and looked at McCoy.

"Are you gonna tell me what's goin' on?" McCoy asked.

"Later," Spock murmured, pressing his lips to the doctor's.

McCoy was an extremely patient soul when necessary and was willing to wait for Spock to come round and tell him what was on his mind. Even though the Vulcan would never admit he was disturbed by anything, McCoy and those who worked closely with him could tell. And waiting in this kiss was very pleasant.

Spock had been upset by the discussion of the Talljets and prior to that, he'd been elated by his conversation with Jir, at finally having a conversation with Jir after all these years, so, for him, he was on emotional overload and trying to regain control. Consequently, the kiss that began with desperation (well, as close as Spock got to it) gentled into a soft play of lips and tongues, hands caressing and exploring and peace descending for both. Spock held McCoy close and whispered: "Shall I tell you now or after?"

McCoy felt his own need, reached out to feel Spock's and decided: "Later. Make love to me. Now."

Spock rubbed the doctor's back affectionately and steered him to the sleeping alcove. McCoy undressed, he was only wearing shorts and a T-shirt in the heat, so it didn't take long. Spock pulled off his own clothes with alacrity and lay down next to him, drawing McCoy into the curve of his arm.

Their affair had by now progressed to a calmer stage, which was a relief to both - its original intensity had been exhausting.

McCoy curled against his lover, running his fingers through Spock's chest hair, pinching his nipples playfully. Spock was enjoying this, McCoy knew this because he felt Spock relax. That was most gratifying and McCoy felt encouraged to let his hand play somewhat lower. Spock was only half-hard, unusual but not unheard of. McCoy gently stroked him a little harder and then moved down to take him in his mouth. Spock was responding but appeared to be in one of his rare passive moods. McCoy, not wanting to misread him, sucked on the head, paying special attention to the underside with his tongue. He fondled Spock's balls, weighing them, squeezing them in his hand. Spock spread his legs a bit wider, a usual sign that he wanted to be fucked. McCoy was happy to oblige. He looked up, "Ready?" he asked, surprised. Spock nodded and handed him the lubricant. McCoy bent to give his cock one last loving lick or two before lifting Spock's knees and slipping in slick fingers, readying him.

McCoy lubed up, rolled Spock forward a bit and centered his cock. He drew a breath before gently pressing in. Even though they had worked out the mechanics of inter-species sex, if not raised it to a high art, there was still a moment of hesitation for McCoy, remembering the first, rather painful, time he'd been inside Spock. He was now half way in and feeling more confident. He stopped to rest against Spock's thighs and look down at this lover. Spock's eyes were hooded and he was flushed with pleasure, relaxed and trusting.

McCoy continued to press in, as always marveling at the heat and grip of the Vulcan. He bent to kiss Spock gently, Spock, in turn, wrapped his legs around McCoy's waist and began rocking his hips in encouragement, his cock hard between them. Perceptively, McCoy began gently fucking him, withdrawing and letting Spock press him back in, controlling half the pace with his legs around McCoy's waist. Spock moved his legs a little higher and McCoy increased his thrusts, panting now, lost in the sensation of such intimacy with his Vulcan. 'Spock – my lover.' Spock – his lover, was now panting himself, and thrusting up to meet each hard stroke.

McCoy was intent on their mutual pleasure. He reached between them to stroke the Vulcan's cock as he slammed into him. He could feel Spock's penis start to jerk under his hand and feeling him clenching in incipient climax sent McCoy rushing up to his own orgasm.

"Yes," he gasped, hearing Spock's ravishing moan, "oh, yes, Spock," he cried out and came, stiffening and then collapsing onto the hot body, into warm arms that held his shuddering form tight, comforting him. He kissed Spock's neck, drew back and looked into dark eyes: "Thanks." A smile.

"You are welcome." A nod.

McCoy chuckled breathlessly, withdrew and rolled onto his back beside Spock, still catching his breath. Spock settled his sleek head on McCoy's shoulder and cuddled up. That was unusual but nice so McCoy only held him tight, soothed him and didn't ask any questions. For one thing, he was spent, for another, Spock talked in bed only when Spock wanted to talk in bed and that was a solid fact. So McCoy rested and waited for his lover to tell him what was on his mind, if he would, if not, oh well, he'd get it out of him later, somehow. At the moment McCoy felt perfect contentment and was happy to let it linger in the silence.

Spock rolled away from him and regarded the ceiling.

"What do you know about Maja Talljet," he asked quietly.

"Just what I said to Jim," equally quietly.

"We were lovers."

McCoy suppressed his surprise and propped himself up to look into Spock's eyes: "And what happened?"

"I left him for Star Fleet."

"And what did he do?"

"He disappeared from Vulcan shortly after I left and was never seen again. Hobie went with him." McCoy waited. Spock continued: "I made what inquiries I could but they just disappeared. I think they went into the Autonomous Zones of non-aligned space because that's where Hobie surfaced and where Jir and Ling went after they left Vulcan themselves. They all speak the Patois, they would be able to find their way."

McCoy was thoughtful, the Autonomous Zones were full of renegades, mercenaries, pirates, and all varieties of pariah, psychopath and manic. He did some math, Maja would have been sixteen or so, Hobie, around twenty. It was a hard life to go into especially for ones so young. Hobie had apparently survived, even flourished, but what of Maja?

"Do you think he's alive, Spock?"

"Jir has said so. I hope he can or will tell me more when I see him on Bharselis."

"Are you trying to find him?"

"Yes. "

"Why?"

"To apologize."

"For what?"

"For rejecting him. I did not understand our situation when I left Vulcan. I now see how poorly I terminated our relationship. I would also like to know if he is .. well."

McCoy was silent. Spock looked over at him.

"If I can help you, Spock, please tell me."

"Thank you, Leonard, you have already helped me a great deal."

"How?"

"What I have with you is very similar to what I had with Maja. Since it is a repeatable phenomena, I could classify it and understand it."

"You loved him, Spock, your first love."

Spock was silent. McCoy continued: "And you threw him away, didn't you?" quietly.

"I threw them all away."

* * *

Master Ghet was drinking Relan tea and considering the sculpture in progress before him. It was a series of Klingon warriors in battle, an allegory of Klingon honor, victorious and invincible. It would adorn the Klingon cathedral the Commune was constructing here on Rovirin. The Gozshedrefreingin Commune had completed the Klingon Garrison six months earlier. Master Ghet didn't speculate on the merits of one project over the other. Work is work and it's better to have it than not.

The Hierophant Kroldt had commented to him that the spread of the Klingon faith was a noble endeavor and a great honor for the Commune to be the vehicle for it. Master Ghet had said nothing but wondered if the Klingon faith would be as effective for collecting the vast quantities of dilithium crystals from the locals as the Klingon blasters had been.

He shrugged, sipped and looked out at his work, deciding that such political issues were hardly of interest to a Master Sculptor and simple priest of the most Holy Imperial Klingon Church such as he. Master Gozine Gozshedrefreingin Ghet returned to contemplating the work at hand and admiring the Rovirin marble, remembering that planets with the finest dilithium crystals also possessed other fine mineral wealth, alas. The finest dilithium crystals brought out the worst in most beings.

His eldest son, Tien, stood waiting for his attention, a welcome distraction - TienaFara was always a pleasure to see, even for his parent.

"Uncle Jir's calling for you, Master."

Gozine nodded and carried his cup to the comm unit on the workbench.

"He's on the Imperial advisory channel," Tien commented, obviously impressed.

Master Ghet glanced at him and then at the door. Tien hesitated and then reluctantly left. Like his brothers, Master Ghet wore his ebony ringlets long, however, smoothed over his pointed ears and braided down his back. He'd burned off most of it once casting bronze and never forgotten the lesson. He required his youngest son, Farro, to wear his hair braided when he worked with hot metals, which was all the time. Flipping his long braid over his shoulder, Master Ghet turned to the comm unit and addressed it in Patois: "Hullo, Jir, wherever did you get this channel? You've deeply impressed Tien by having it."

"Oh, some guy. Can't remember his name but he seems to have been sufficiently grateful. I could get straight through to god on this channel."

"Whatever would you have to say to god?"

"My question exactly," Jir commented dryly, "How are you Maja? You look rather thoughtful."

"I'm drinking Relan tea, it makes me thoughtful."

"It's supposed to. Listen, Noli (little brother), I've just been talking to another product of Vulcan, SpockDeVulCheq, he's coming to see me dance in three days."

Maja's heart stopped but he managed to retain his serene mask: "You're dancing _Skolta_; he won't enjoy it."

"He's not coming for the dancing, he wants to talk about you, Maja," Jir said seriously. He was somewhat annoyed by Maja's affected serenity. 'Scream, cry, blink, react, something! We're talking about the Spock,' he thought savagely but said coolly: "What shall I tell him?"

Maja looked at his older brother with love. Jir would agree to see Spock after all these years of politely avoiding the half Vulcan, he was a kind soul.

"Tell him no one dies of love and that I have forgotten him and he should forget me."

Jir's irritation ascended a notch, he knew Maja too well to go for this misty high falutin' tribble shit: "Lovely, Maja, worthy of Ling's poetry. So, no one dies of love but they often wish they could." He made one of the dramatic gestures he was so famous for. "And you have not forgotten him, you can't or you wouldn't be drinking Relan tea for one thing, for another, you see him everyday when you look at ..."

"I drink it to remind me how lucky lucky lucky I am to have escaped that hellhole."

"Really! Maja, remember me? I helped you pack. You fled Vulcan, Spock escaped it. And you're both fools but that's neither here nor there. What shall I tell him when he asks after you?"

Maja sat back, annoyed, he loved Jir but he could be so literal, so demanding, so relentless one could howl. He clenched his tattooed hands in his lap. 'Perhaps this is what having a doctorate in Federation law and a Vulcan Law license does to you over time,' Maja thought, 'makes you an irritating conversationalist.'

"Tell him to go to hell."

"Well, that's more normal but not very helpful." Jir wondered if bad temper was a prerequisite for being a Klingon Master or a result of it, 'Maja gets worse every year.'

Master Ghet sat up straight and looked sternly at his brother. Counselor Talljet gazed, with a deceptively benign and mild mien, at the same.

Maja exhaled and slumped: "Oh, Nolo (elder brother) can't you just say I'm well and refuse to discuss it further?" he pleaded, suddenly in need of reassurance that the past really would stay put.

"I can, Noli, I will, if that's all you want said," Jir said gently, relieved to finally get an honest reaction.

Maja nodded, noticing the light changing and knew he needed to wrap this up. Besides, this conversation was costing somebody a fortune.

"Jir, look, I've got to go, call me after you see him, hey? But, one last thing, why did you agree to see him when you and Ling have avoided him for so long?"

"Something in his voice made me curious enough." Jir said thoughtfully, "That's all."

"Oh," Maja smiled, "Well, good-bye, Jir, all my love."

"Peace and long life, Maja Talljet, and all my love as well."

* * *

end of part 6

This story also lives at http://members.tripod.com/karmen_ghia

Appendices: http://members.tripod.com/karmen_ghia/atrappendices.html