Title: After the Rescue

Part: NEW 43/73

Author: Karmen Ghia, karmen_ghia@yahoo.com

Series: TOS

Romance Code: S/Mc and then some.

Rating: NC-17

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

See part one for disclaimers, etc.

"What happened, Kalzat?" Hobie was asking the stunned Klingon.

"The Hierophant's escort grabbed Master Ghet and was gone."

"And nobody put up a fight?"

"They used a diversion, Hobie. We were waiting for the Hierophant to make his entrance into the hall of the Commune, like usual, and while we were watching that door, the escort teleported down, grabbed Master Ghet and was gone. We still wouldn't know if one of the apprentices hadn't seen it happen." Kalzat felt flooded with shame.

Hobie clapped him on the shoulder. "They knew the Commune would fight if they came straight at you. A brilliant operation if you think about it. You never had a chance. The Hierophant could have been a general." Hobie watched the young Klingon nod sadly. "And then what happened with MajaKhat, Hraja and Amanda?" Hobie knew from Master Ghet that Amanda was with the Commune and why. He was more worried about Amanda with the Klingons than he was about anything else because her mistreatment would be enough to start a full blown war.

"At least two hundred Klingons with blasters beamed into the middle of the Commune and secured it before we had a chance to turn around twice. Master Khat agreed to go with them, he only objected when they went for Hraja."

"Why did they take Amanda?"

"She tried to fight them off when they warriors started to drag Hraja away...."

"Is she stupid?"

"No, she's wonderful! We might have gotten a diversion out of her fight except Master Khat threw himself in front of her so the warrior that was going to blast her couldn't. These Klingons were a very disciplined group, knew exactly what they were about and how to get it with as little struggle as possible. I think they realized Amanda was important to Master Khat and Hraja and they took her as a hostage to hold over them."

Pausing briefly to admire Kalzat's brilliant analysis, Hobie looked away from the Klingon youngster to collect his thoughts and review what a terrible mess he was suddenly faced with. Neither he nor the Commune had any idea why Master Ghet, Master Khat and Hraja were arrested. The only one they did know the why of was Amanda and that was tremendously astute on the Klingons part. That was unnerving in itself as there is nothing more frightening than an astute Klingon.

Hobie had sent the Zoltir and the Tien to quietly follow the Hierophant's flotilla and the Maja and the Yaja after the Yhet's warships. He cursed himself that he had not arrived a week, a day, an hour sooner. He would now inform his brothers of these developments and hope they had some helpful ideas. He would take the commune to Ivishian, where Ling had made living arrangements until a more permanent home could be found. He would follow Maja's trail if he could and hope for the best. At this time, he did not know what else to do.

* * *

"How long has she been missing?" McCoy asked, seated in his quarters with Kirk, Spock and a good bottle of brandy.

"She should have reached Terra five weeks ago," Spock said. "My aunt did not contact anyone because she thought my mother might have wanted to be alone for a while. When she did not make contact after a reasonable amount of time, my aunt became concerned. Apparently, my mother never went to Terra. There is record of her booking a passage to Hozlostra and then she disappears."

"Why would she go there? There's not much out that way." Kirk had listened in silence, puzzling over Lady Amanda's behavior. It had been obvious on Rovirin that she was deeply wounded by Sarek's intention to divorce her (even Spock had reeled at that, quietly) but wandering into the wilds of non-aligned space was incredible.

"Unknown."

"Where's your father in all this?" McCoy asked.

"T'Pau tells me he is on a diplomatic mission."

"Did she say what?" Kirk asked, intrigued.

"She said it was a confidential diplomatic mission."

"Ah."

"So who's looking for her?" McCoy asked.

"A missing person report has been filed with the Federation Police, the family on Vulcan is making inquiries with various friends and has hired a private detective named Ashon to look into the matter."

"I've heard of an Ashon, I thought he was more bounty hunter than detective." Kirk said.

"He was recommended to T'Pau by Admiral Jessup. She tells me he is very talented at finding people and this is what we want. To find my mother and ascertain her condition."

"Has anyone asked the Talljets if they know where she is?" Kirk asked.

"My messages are not returned," Spock said flatly.

McCoy poured Kirk another brandy and Spock more mineral water. They sat drinking in silence for a while.

"Well," Kirk said at length. "I guess I'll go to bed."

"That's a good idea," McCoy commented blandly and added 'door lock' as he rose and stripped off his tunic. "You are staying, aren't you, Spock?"

"Yes." Spock moved into the doctor's sleeping alcove and began to disrobe. He was relieved this was being decided so neatly for him. He had hoped for this sort of distraction but had not had the energy to initiate it himself.

McCoy had sensed this. He was enjoying the telepathy between the three of them more and more. He bent to remove his boots and socks.

Kirk finished his brandy and began to pull his own clothing off. He was pleased to be included, or perhaps he'd simply misread McCoy's mood. It had seemed to him that McCoy wanted to be alone with Spock. And it had been quite a while since the three of them had been in sync enough to go to bed together. He slipped into bed and spooned up behind McCoy, who was kissing Spock, and ran his hand down the doctor's torso to caress his hardening cock. He kissed McCoy's neck and smiled at Spock across the doctor's warm body.

Spock allowed himself to relax for the first time in days and applied himself to kissing McCoy as Kirk brought the doctor to full hardness. He was thoroughly enjoying the sensation of the doctor's lips on his and the back of Kirk's hand on his cock as he stroked McCoy frantic.

McCoy broke Spock's kiss to pant for breath. He reached between them to still Kirk's hand and move it to the Vulcan's erection before the captain brought him off. He felt Kirk smile against his shoulder and press his erection against the doctor's ass. McCoy turned enough to pull Kirk into a kiss. He removed his arms from Spock's neck and rolled on his back, still kissing Kirk. McCoy pulled Kirk on top of him and then rolled back on his side so the captain was now between him and Spock.

Spock lowered his eyes so Kirk would not see the grateful gleam there for the doctor. The Vulcan had been craving Kirk for some time now and was pleased that the doctor had so neatly put the human in his path. He reached around Kirk to caress his chest and cock as he kissed the human's neck and shoulder.

Kirk could not at that moment conceive of a better arrangement than McCoy in his arms and Spock's arms around him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Spock reaching for something above his head but was distracted by McCoy sliding his lips down to caress his hard nipples. And then further down to his hard cock.

McCoy swallowed Kirk to the root and held him there, stroking him with his tongue and lips.

Kirk started slightly and thrust forward at the first touch of Spock's slick fingers on his anus. He was quickly consumed by the twin sensation of his cock down McCoy's throat and Spock's fingers in his ass. He let it overwhelm him enough to surrender to what Spock wanted.

Which was merely to fuck him. Deciding Kirk was ready and willing, Spock lubed up and centered his cock. He pressed inside and stopped when Kirk tensed in discomfort. They did not do this very often so it required a few minutes of patience before the Vulcan could proceed.

Kirk winced at the penetration but could not fully concentrate on it because McCoy was noisily sucking on the head of his cock while stroking the shaft with his hand. It was very distracting and wonderful.

That was exactly why McCoy was doing it. He knew Kirk would love it. He did, however, notice Spock seemed to be waiting for something. McCoy realized Spock could not really get any leverage in this position so he gave Kirk's cock one last luscious lick and moved back into his arms. He kissed Kirk teasingly as Spock gently worked his cock all the way in and rolled Kirk on top of the doctor.

McCoy spread his and Kirk's legs under Spock and he hoped he would not be crushed too badly in all this. He would have liked to have slipped away for more brandy but he was deeply interested in the way Kirk was kissing him so he decided the brandy could wait. He was also enjoying the view of Spock above Kirk lost in complete pleasure. This was always a welcome sight for McCoy.

Once he'd overcome his usual hesitation about Spock penetrating him and surrendered enough to enjoy it, Kirk began to enjoy himself very much. He had his tongue down McCoy's throat and was enjoying the friction between them. He rubbed himself against McCoy's belly and felt the doctor rubbing against him. Their bellies grew slick with moisture as Spock's thrusts became longer and harder.

Realizing the humans weren't completely with him, Spock slowed his strokes a little to give them a chance to catch up. He kissed Kirk's neck and shoulder, admiring the taste and texture of the skin. He lengthened his strokes when he heard McCoy's amorous groan and Kirk's soft gasp of pleasure. Spock held back until he felt Kirk clenching around him. He hoped McCoy had come too but it was not uppermost in his mind at the moment.

Spock propped himself on his arms to catch his breath and let his cock soften enough to pull out. He rolled onto his back and looked over at his lovers trying to pull themselves together as well.

Kirk planted a gentle kiss on McCoy's lips and rolled onto his side, leaning against Spock. He was still breathing hard from his own orgasm and lay back to look at McCoy, also flushed and panting. He reached over and pinched the nearest nipple and watched with amusement the doctor's shudder of pleasure.

McCoy finished his pleasured shudder, stretched and reached under the pillow for a towel. He mopped himself and handed it to Kirk, who did likewise and handed it to Spock.

Spock rose and tossed the towel in the recycler before he stepped into the head.

Not ready to end their evening yet, Kirk and McCoy curled together and this was how Spock found them when he'd finished his shower. He gathered his clothes and began to dress.

"I must leave you," he said quietly. "I want to try to contact the Talljets again and reply to a message from one of my cousins."

"I understand," McCoy said softly, rising and pulling on his black robe. He walked up to Spock and leaned forward to kiss him, rightly judging that Spock would not want McCoy's scent all over his freshly showered body.

Spock leaned forward to return the kiss. He nodded at Kirk still in bed, murmured 'Jim,' and departed feeling considerably more relaxed than he had arrived.

McCoy watched the door slide closed, glanced at the brandy and then at Kirk.

"Come back to bed for a while."

* * *

"Admiral Jessup provided the Havel and Captain Warren Lee to take Sarek to Hzabeda and marry him to Maja in a Federation marriage...."

"Who cares what kind of marriage, Ling?" Hobie snapped at Ling on the viewscreen.

"I do, Hobie," Jir snapped at Hobie from the viewscreen. "It matters because a Vulcan marriage is too insular and would merely signal that the Vulcans approve. A Federation marriage is more political and signals that the Federation has 'taken' Master Ghet out of the Klingon Empire. The fact that the Hierophant is delivering Maja to his future spouse announces to everyone that some kind of deal has been struck and the marriage seals it. Otherwise the Hierophant would have simply sent Maja along to Sarek any old way. That the marriage will take place on a Star Fleet vessel says that StaFlet is getting something out of this as well or at least seriously approves of this marriage for some reason. Something is definitely up with all this, Hobie."

"I'm sure everyone in StaFlet is delighted to have Master Ghet out of action." Hobie commented sourly. "He was one of the most powerful anti-Federation voices in the Empire. But now, alas, that's all gone."

"And who fucking cares?" Ling snapped at them. "What are we going to do, Nolos?"

"I'm going to Hzabeda and see what happens," Hobie said consolingly, he hated to see Ling upset about anything. "I'll get Maja and take him to Ivishian to rejoin the commune."

"What if he wants to stay with Sarek?"

"Then he stays with Sarek and there's nothing I can do about it, Ling." Hobie was patient. "All I know is, his days in the Klingon Empire are over."

"We've learned something else from Hzabeda," Ling said, slightly mollified now that Hobie was going to solve all their problems, as usual. "There's a rumor that Master Ghet will preach in the Charina marketplace and apparently this is going to attract thousands from all over the quadrant."

"That might be useful."

* * *

"Dunno why she wanted to go there, nothing there but a bunch of Klingon monks," the freighter captain finished the third pint Ashon had bought him in the spacers' bar on Hozlostra. "She was a good maid, I'll say, very hardworking. I'd have her on any of my ships anytime." He accepted another. "Too bad they've gone, they were good prompt paying customers."

"Who?"

"The Klingon monks."

"Any idea where they've gone?"

"Dunno, but I heard that another freighter got paid triple to divert to Ivishian to deliver a load of Txavia wood to them," the captain said. "But you never heard that from me."

* * *

Captain Warren Lee was pleased with the mission Admiral Jessup had entrusted to him. He also liked performing marriages and looked forward to marrying Sarek to Master Ghet. Lee was not entirely sure who Master Ghet was but he knew of and respected Sarek of Vulcan.

Lee was not pleased to find the Hzabedian orbit crowded. He noted that there were all kinds of ships form all over the quadrant in orbit.

"Lieutenant Michels," Lee turned to his communications officer. "Contact our hosts and ask if the Hierophant has arrived. And see if you can find out why all these ships are here."

"Yes, sir."

Sarek stepped from the turbolift to the bridge. He stood next to Lee and looked at the busy viewscreen.

"Have they arrived, Captain?" he asked.

"I'm just inquiring, Ambassador."

"Sir," Michels said. "Premier Vrna's office tells me the Hierophant has not arrived but is expected in two Standard hours. The crowd is due to a rumor that Master Ghet will preach in the capital city's marketplace. There is some concern about crowd control but the Premier's assistant assures me they have the situation well under control."

"I certainly hope so, Lieutenant," Lee said, thinking the simple arrangements for the hand over Jessup had made with the Hzabedian High Council did not include a sermon to the masses.

"I have no doubt Premier Vrna has the situation under control," Sarek commented to Lee. "He is a most reliable being. If there were any danger, I am sure he would inform us."

"Have you worked with him before, Ambassador?"

"Yes, long ago. Hzabeda was the site of negotiations to end a stand off in the sector 471 neutral zone. The Klingons had taken a Federation outpost in disputed space hostage. As Hzabeda neutral and equidistant from Klingon and Federation space, it was deemed the best place to conduct the negotiation. It was chosen this time for the same reason."

"Were the negotiations successful?"

"Yes and no. The Klingons returned all the hostages but the outpost was abandoned. We reached an agreement with the Klingons that the Federation would not try to populate any planets in the neutral zone without petitioning their consent and they would do the same. They have only petitioned to create military outposts and we have declined each one. So they have declined our petitions as well. That is why there are uninhabited inhabitable planets in the sector 471 neutral zone."

"I see."

"However, the Hzabedians proved to be excellent facilitators in the crisis and I respect Premier Vrna very much. I will wait in my cabin for your summons to go to the planet, Captain." Sarek turned and left the bridge.

* * *

"Are you well?" Sarek had asked once the introduction formalities were ended.

"Yes, thank you." Maja looked past him at the multitude he was to address on the subject of obedience.

After the initial jolt of seeing Sarek, Maja had tried not to think too far ahead. He could feel Hobie here somewhere and he wanted to simply make his escape without stirring up too many memories or too much regret.

'So this is why I'm here,' he thought coolly. 'Tossed out of religion and into Sarek's lawful bed. And even it I don't stay with him, I've nowhere to go in the Klingon Empire any longer. It would probably be the sacred mission of every Klingon to take me back to him if I stray.'

He further reflected that this turn of events would have been welcome if he wasn't worried about the Commune, his children, relatives and friends. MajaKhat was right, without the Hierophant's protection they were easy pickings for the Klingon warrior class.

'Oh, lord, get me through today and I'll think about that tomorrow.' Maja surveyed the little party in the pavilion from which he was to speak: Premier RNA, the Mayor and Chief of Police of Charina, the Pastor of the Charina Congregation; the Hierophant and his escort of four heavily armed priests; Captain Lee and his officers, and Sarek.

Sarek. The bond was gone but the love was still strong. It required every ounce of discipline Maja possessed not to throw himself into the Vulcan's arms.

'Bad timing, my love, perhaps in the next life...'

"Oh, get on with it!" The Hierophant referred to Master Ghet's sermon. He was impatient with and confused by his ex-lover's lack of enthusiasm.

Master Ghet rose and glanced at the speaking platform at the front of the pavilion. He regarded the floor before Sarek as he silently went over the sermon he was about to give. He was quite famous for his sermons because on Zatichket the Hierophant had required him to preach to the Klingon Garrison as punishment for some transgression. The sermons were well attended and vids of them were made available to all Klingon military personnel. The topics of these sermons, thirty in all, were how to live in and with the contradictions and caprices of the unknowable mind of god -- a sort of metaphysical how-to. The Klingons loved it and Master Ghet became wildly popular with the pragmatic, how-to thinking military. Generals, Admirals and other powerful Klingons made pilgrimages to Zatichket for spiritual guidance. Slim but beautifully bound and illustrated volumes of Master Ghet's sermons (produced by the Commune as gifts for the Pilgrims) were passed from hand to hand like sacred relics.

This had not been the Hierophant's intention. His original intention had been to punish Master Ghet for inattention to his religion (translation: inattention to the Hierophant) in favor of his art. The Master was abruptly ordered to cease his preaching and ordered into the Commune incommunicado. This was fine with Master Ghet; all the sermonizing and counseling were cutting into his art-making time. He was hard at work on the Tossarian Gates. He had cut back to two hours of sleep a night to accommodate his too busy life and was glad to have the burden of public philosophical ruminations and spiritual Klingon herding removed from his plate. It had been fun but he was glad it was over.

His fame had only grown since his removal from public life five years ago. Hence the huge crowds that had flocked to hear him on Hzabeda when rumors of his sermon began to circulate.

The Hzabedian government had done their best to accommodate the crowd now in the Charina marketplace but it was still too large for the space it occupied. The Chief of Police was looking worried and was speaking quietly but intensely into his communicator as he stared at the multitude jostling to get closer to the object of their adoration.

Master Ghet raised his eyes to Sarek and flashed him a quick Maja Talljet smile before he resumed his bland, pious mask and stepped to the speaking platform. He did a quick visual scan for Hobie but did not find him. He could feel him nearby and assumed his elder brother had the situation under control. He cleared his throat, the crowd fell silent and Master Ghet began to speak in elegant Klingonese.

end of part 43

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

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

Request: If I cited something from one of your stories or someone you know, please let me know via email at karmen_ghia@yahoo.com or karmen_ghia@hotmail.com or leave me a note on the guestbook at http://www.oocities.org/Paris/Tower/2547/atr.hmtl Please be specific on the who and the what because I plan to thank all the sources for this (aside from those in my head) but I've read so much slash, fanfic, erotica, and other that it's all just a big melange and I can't remember most of who wrote what or where it came from. It is very possible that I unwittingly have referred to an event or a character from someone else's work and I would very much like to thank them for writing something so terrific that it penetrated so deeply into my subconscious that not even I realized it was there. Until you let me know. So please, help me out if you are so inclined. Thanks.