Title: After the Rescue

Part: NEW 8/73

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.

"I do not intend to force myself on your younger brother, but I do wish to know his whereabouts and his condition."

"Why?" Jir was a little angry at Spock's bullying tone.

"To know that he is well."

"I have told you he is." His blood was up now.

"I seek to verify that for myself."

"Whaddaya think, Spock? He died of loving you?" Jir snarled in Standard because Vulcan had no words for this. "Nobody dies of love. They ache from failure and rejection and berate themselves for loving one who couldn't or wouldn't or simply didn't love them back. Be logical, Spock, why would Maja want to see you? When you decided your future he wasn't even on the B list. Why open a closed wound?"

"I wish to apologize to him."

"I'll tell him you're sorry," Jir said wearily.

"I want to tell him myself."

"No. You can only cause him pain. You are not free. He would only see what he can't have and that is the source of all suffering. Please, Spock, forget it, forget him as he has forgotten you."

"Has he forgotten me?" Spock asked quietly.

"Mostly," Jir lied through his teeth. 'Be happy with McCoy, he's right for you,' he added to himself, hoping Spock would hear it. Jir looked around. He had not noticed it filling up but the the cafe was now teeming with people, among them the Sultan of Orissa. He had a bad feeling behind his knees. "Spock, we gotta get outta here."

Spock had noticed the crowd as well and felt a bestial energy emanating from it. It reminded him of Norselats hunting in a pack, closing in on a kill. And unfortunately Jir was their prey. Kirk and McCoy were feeling it, too, Kirk was scanning the exits, looking for a likely escape route, knowing that as long as Jir and Spock kept dancing in the magic circle they were safe. His eyes lit on the main power switch behind the band, next to an exit.

"Bones. You get Spock and Jir down to this end of the dance floor and head them for the exit when the lights go out."

McCoy nodded and moved through the crowd, down to the floor, thinking of the last time he and Spock made love, hoping that would get his attention, somehow.

Jir heard him first, then Spock, they both grinned mentally and headed up the floor following McCoy's fascinating train of thought.

Kirk had gotten to the switch and threw it when he saw they had a straight shot to the exit. Spock and Jir each grabbed one of McCoy's arms and practically carried him out the door Kirk held open. The crowd exploded into a mob in all directions. Jir reached for Kirk and they hurled themselves full speed down the alleyway, pursued.

They nearly collided with an enormous hoverlimo that glided before them. Jir noted the Orissian royal crest on the door just before it opened to reveal the Sultan himself: "May I offer you and your companions a ride, maestro?"

They dove into the Sultan's lap and were whisked away from the pursuing mob.

"Why, of course, your majesty, it would be an honor to accept a ride from you," Jir drawled breathlessly as soon as he could.

The Sultan was charmed, of course.

* * *

They returned to the Enterprise and after seeing a sleepy Kirk to his quarters Spock guided a sleepy McCoy into his own.

He looked calmly into McCoy's blue eyes.

"Spock, now that you've got me in your overheated lair don't you think the hospitable thing would be to get some of these clothes off me?" McCoy was sleepy but not crazy.

Spock unfastened McCoy's collar and worked open the rest of the tunic. They tugged each other's clothes off and moved to the shower.

Very hot for McCoy and bracing for Spock, they soaped as much of each other as they could reach in the confined space. Spock had worked two soapy fingers into McCoy and felt they had both waited long enough. He turned the doctor around in his arms and braced him against the shower wall. Out of habit, he paused the spray, one did not overindulge in water on a starship even in a water rich port like Bharselis. He ran his slippery fingers over McCoy's chest and pressed his cock gently inside, murmuring softly in Vulcan next to the delicate round ear.

McCoy arched his ass to give his lover a better angle and was glad they were nearly the same height. He braced his hands against the wall and bent forward a bit to better meet Spock's thrusts. He wondered at Spock's intensity, perhaps it was a delayed reaction to the very sexy play or a rush from their flight from the mob in the cafe. Whatever. McCoy was enflamed himself, Spock's soapy hands were stroking him higher, his hard cock moving maddeningly across his prostate made him jump with every thrust. Jump with pleasure and meet Spock's thrusts with increasing urgency.

Spock had given up murmuring and taken up moaning, he was very close to climax and he wanted McCoy with him. He stroked the doctor harder and was gratified to feel a response under his hands and around his cock. When he felt McCoy at his own threshold, Spock slammed into the ecstatic, writhing form in his arms and let release crash over him.

After several moments of pure bliss, after they'd settled back into their bodies, after the human's body had released the Vulcan's cock, Spock turned the water on again to rinse them off. He turned McCoy to face him and kissed him, long and deep, both realizing that it was the first time they had kissed since starting to make love. Unusual for them, they both enjoyed kissing, lips and elsewhere, must be the effect of their odd evening together.

After toweling off, McCoy reached for his dress uniform but Spock intercepted his hand and pulled him to his bed. "Stay with me tonight, Leonard."

"All right."

They curled up together. McCoy felt like talking. "What did you and Jir talk about while you were dancing?"

"Maja."

"And...?"

"He says Maja is well and to forget him as he has forgotten me," 'and be happy with you because you are right for me,' Spock added to himself.

McCoy ran his fingers through Spock's chest hair.

"I don't think anyone can forget his first love, Spock," he murmured

"One can if one applies Vulcan discipline and wants to badly enough."

"Do you?"

Spock looked down at the man he held, brushed a lock of hair from McCoy's forehead and considered his good fortune. "Yes. I do."

McCoy was too sleepy to pursue this train of thought. "What did you think of _Skolta_?" he asked changing the subject.

"The play, the performance or the man?"

"The play."

"I think Ling has blown a minor incident of dubious authenticity completely out of proportion for trivial reasons."

"Which are?"

"Homosexuality is frowned upon in Vulcan society; it is illogical and also an affront to the Matriarchy. The Talljets are all homosexual and chafed under Vulcan social structure."

"And yet you and Maja were lovers," McCoy woke up a little.

"It is frowned upon but not forbidden. Vulcan has many same sex couples but they are very discreet. Ostracism is an unpleasant form of punishment for transgressions of Surakian law."

"Is that why they don't live there, then?"

"Partly. They also discovered they had limited access to the larger Federation society due to their status as dangerous aliens. The most serious discrimination was against Hobie: he was denied entrance to Star Fleet Academy even though he scored perfectly on all the entrance exams."

"Why was he denied?"

"Telepathy. Did you not notice Jir reading you this evening? How would that fit on a starship?"

"Might be nice once you got used to it." Like many things he could, but chose not, to name.

"Your opinion was in the minority."

"Why did he want to go to Star Fleet? It's a big Federation, plenty to do in it otherwise."

"He wanted to build starships. He thought he had some new ideas for them. It was his main interest when I met him and continued to be through school. Starships and music." Spock was remembering how beautiful Hobie looked when he thought of his future in Star Fleet and how well he'd hidden his disappointment. It was Maja who'd thrown himself weeping into Spock's arms and told him of Hobie's despair. He pushed it away. 'Forget them, they are beyond you,' he scolded himself.

"Perhaps he did have some new ideas. Jim says the Autonomous Zones' pirate fleets rival the Star Fleet. They lack, however, its cohesion, thank god for small mercies." McCoy gracefully sank into peaceful sleep.

Spock held him, thinking about small mercies and how few of those were bestowed upon the Talljets. And what might have been. He vowed that this would be the last space of time he would wonder what might have been. It was illogical and a pointless waste of time. He would devote himself to what is and what might be. And if a future could be arranged with Dr. Leonard McCoy, he would bring his formidable faculties to bear on that.

He looked at McCoy, sleeping peacefully beside him, and let himself drift off to sleep in the peace and security that there was now another being in the universe to commune with. Now that Maja Talljet was lost to him forever.

* * *

"Captain Kirk, can you explain this?"

James T. Kirk was faced with an enraged Ambassador Martin, gesturing at a huge split vid screen. On one half was the Bharselisian National Theater in flames, rioters and police in pitched battle around it. On the other were Jir and Spock, dancing the night away.

"Explain what, exactly?"

"Why a Star Fleet officer is dancing with that obscene Jira Krinat creature? What in god's name does Commander Spock think he's doing?" Ambassador Martin was dangerously red in the face.

"It is a Western Vulcan Imman as they dance them in Shirkar but Commander Spock appears to have made some innovations in it," came from Ambassador Sdiz, entering, regarding the vid screen with interest. Spock had just pulled Jir close. The Vulcan continued: "In my day we never danced that close to our partner but Spock is rather young and I have never danced with Jira Krinat. Perhaps I would have the same impulse, difficult to know." To the untrained eye, Ambassador Sdiz was deadpan but Kirk detected a current of amusement. "I, too, would like to know why Jir is dancing with Spock."

"He invited us out on the town after the performance." Kirk was becoming concerned for Ambassador Martin's health.

"I KNOW!" Martin exploded. "You were at that pornographic exhibition! Can you tell me, Captain, why Star Fleet officers, involved in a crucial diplomatic mission would have anything to do with that ... that ...." Ambassador Martin was reduced to helpless stuttering, staggered into a nearby chair.

Kirk hailed the ship: "Send Dr. McCoy down here with his black bag. And have Spock join us as well."

They watched the vid screen in silence until McCoy and Spock arrived. McCoy went straight to the distressed Martin, Spock greeted Kirk and turned to Sdiz: "Live long and prosper, Ambassador Sdiz," accompanied Spock's Vulcan salute.

"Peace and long life, Commander." Sdiz returned the salute. "Something new in the Imman, Spock?" He waved at the vid screen. Everybody looked at it.

"The Bharselisian National Theater burned to the ground, sixty dead in the riots which, somehow, became anti-Federation in nature due to Jir's anti-Federation position and your First Officer is dancing with the monster responsible!" Ambassador Martin was practically shrieking. McCoy hyposprayed him with a sedative, whatever Martin had to do today was going to have to wait.

"You saw the performance, Spock." Sdiz stated conversationally, watching the vid screen loop Spock and Jir.

"Yes."

"I was unable to obtain tickets. How did you get yours?"

"Jir offered us the use of his box."

"And the 25 members of the Enterprise in the Orchestra section?"

"Jir is quite generous, sir." Ambassador Sdiz was very well informed, so Spock asked: "What now for Jir, Ambassador?"

"He and his company are being deported."

"I wonder if they'll need transport?" Kirk put in.

"I believe the Sultan of Orissa's fleet has undertaken their transport."

Spock arched an eyebrow but quickly got himself back under control: "And the riots have been quelled?"

"Which one? The one Jir's performance started at the Theater or the one you and Jir started at the cafe? Both are still raging but the Bharselisian Police project, optimistically, to have order restored by nightfall." The Ambassador paused, "Until then, negotiations are at a stop. Until then the Talljet, Inc.'s mining and cargo ships will continue to load dilithium crystals by the tonne by the hour, round the clock, and there isn't a thing to be done about it."

"Talljet, Inc.?" Kirk looked at the Ambassador.

"Ling Talljet's import export business, very successful, huge merchant fleet, private army when needed, ships as sophisticated as the latest Star Fleet vessel, perhaps more so."

"Why are the riots anti-Federation? I thought membership for Bharselis was a foregone conclusion." McCoy asked.

"They are not so much anti-Federation as anti-Star Fleet in nature. The Bharselisians are not used to receiving peaceful visits by starships due to their previously close association with the Autonomous Zone pirates."

Kirk nodded. Star Fleet gunboats chasing pirate clippers were not welcome anywhere, including Federation space.

His communicator chirped.

"Admiral Jessup, sir."

"Put him through, Uhura."

"Kirk?" Jessup rasped.

"Sir."

"The Enterprise is to leave Bharselisian space within the hour and proceed to sector 72564.32-B." 'Merely the other end of the sector,' Kirk thought coolly. "Your orders are being transmitted as we speak."

"Yes, sir."

"Sorry, Jim, this comes from the very top of the Interplanetary Ministry." Kirk looked at Ambassador Sdiz, who gazed mildly back at him. "A shame for your crew; Bharselis sounds like a good place to let off a little steam on shore leave. I also hear Jir the Dancer's in town. I saw him dance years ago, on Azorieas 4, puts on quite a show, caused a complete riot. Very enjoyable." Kirk glanced at McCoy, who smiled at him. "'Fraid you'll have to miss all that. Jessup out."

"Well. Gentlemen, shall we?" Kirk looked at Ambassador Martin, asleep, and at Ambassador Sdiz, awake, "Ambassador," he nodded, "I trust all will be well in your very capable hands."

"I shall endeavor to reward your trust, Captain," Sdiz remarked dryly, raising his right hand. "Live long and prosper."

"Peace and long life, Ambassador."

* * *

Hobie Talljet stretched in his captain's chair, watching the viewscreen on the bridge of the Tien. Tien means victory in old Klingon. Hobie thought it a good name for his flag ship, a lucky ship and as beautiful as his nephew.

Hobie himself had had and continued to enjoy quite a bit of luck and beauty in this life. He, a classical vulcanoid beauty, and Jir, more in the modern style, were much admired everywhere. Hobie perhaps a little more so.

"How's the Sultan?" he asked in Patois of Jir's image occupying one quarter of the screen.

"Lively for his age."

"Well done, Jir, bravo," Ling opined from another quarter. "Lots and lots of loot in the Orissian system."

"How much longer, Ling?" Hobie asked, looking at the quarter of the screen showing the Bharselisian riots, live and in progress.

"Fifty to seventy-two more Standard hours. The Enterprise has gone, thank god, and the riots are fading away ..."

"We spent good money on agents to whip up those riots and keep them going."

"And we've got our money's worth. Hell, Nolo (elder brother), those riots have lasted 2.65 times longer than projected and nearly got the negotiations called off, not just delayed. The transports are almost at capacity now and will proceed to our processing centers on Rovirin. It's a good haul, Hobie, takes the edge off losing the planet."

Nothing would take the edge off losing the Bharselisian mines but Hobie didn't want to ruin Ling's good mood and was, at the very least, pleased that the Enterprise had gone without a fight. Jir was silent.

They all regarded the fourth image.

"His dancing has improved a bit, dontcha think?" Ling ventured

"Have you shown this to Maja?" Hobie asked.

"No." Jir sighed, "don't plan to. I'll just tell him Spock wants to see him."

"And?"

"I didn't tell Spock where he was."

"And?"

"I told Spock to give it up."

"And?"

"I think he might."

Hobie and Ling exchanged glances.

"Why?" Hobie asked. In general, the brothers deferred to each other based on age, Ling was happy to let Hobie do the talking on this one.

"He's in love with Dr. Leonard McCoy."

Ling's eyebrows went up. Hobie's went down.

"Spock has all the fidelity of a Klingon barracks's whore," he said coldly.

"I disagree, Nolo, I believe he feels as strongly as ever for Maja. He has, however, through contact with Humans or the grace of god developed the capacity to feel a collection of emotional response similar to he what he felt for Maja, for another being. I find it a more appropriate and successful relationship and have encouraged Spock to make the most of it." A Vulcan JD made you nothing if not clear.

Hobie focused on Ling: "You've had sex with Dr. McCoy. What's your opinion?"

"He's made to order for Spock. Godspeed."

Hobie returned to Jir: "You don't think Spock's being used as a cat's paw by the Federation Police and Star Fleet?"

"No, not with his knowledge. Unless he's become a profound liar, which I very much doubt, he was sincere."

"And without his knowledge."

"FedPol and Staflet aren't smart enough to run Spock without his knowledge." Ling shook his head. "The day they get that smart, we'd better find a good place to hide."

"Have you spoken to Maja yet?" Hobie asked.

"No, he's got his shields up, I suspect he's working or working on the Hierophant Kroldt."

The brothers nodded their approval. Maja's relationship with the Hierophant Kroldt afforded a great deal of emotional and material security for them all and their extended families. What it did for Maja was known only to Maja himself.

Jir looked over his shoulder. "Bedtime in the harem, Nolo, do you need me anymore?"

"Well, I always need you, Noli (younger brother)," Hobie smiled at him, "but the Sultan probably needs you more right now. Off with you. Godspeed." He watched fondly as Jir faded and Ling's gentle features filled the screen.

They regarded each other neutrally. Hobie spoke first.

"It's not that I don't believe Jir ..."

"Of course not."

"But I feel his sentimental attachment to that VulCheq colors his discrimination ..."

"Perhaps."

"Perhaps." Hobie paused. "Perhaps someone more neutral should go find out what the fuck he's really up to."

"Since it can't be you, I suppose it's me."

"Or one of your empath whores."

"Not likely. My whores and joyhouses are offlimits to Star Fleet personnel. Besides I'd like to see the happy couple myself." Ling looked down at the viewer on his desk. "The Enterprise is bound for Omega 11 in sector 72564.32-B."

"Whatever for?"

"Personnel and equipment check. There's a Federation research team trying to figure out the local culture."

"How very Federation to send non-telepaths to try to figure out a telepathic non-culture that only bothers with language and bodies just to be polite. That'd make the Vulcan's laugh."

"It will if anyone ever figures it out. Let's hope the Omegans don't decide to join the Federation just to be polite. They're a good source of water in that neighborhood."

"Then be off. Godspeed, Noli."

"Godspeed to you, Nolo."

* * *

end of part 8

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

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