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WARNING!!!!This story is extremly explicit in sexual content. If you are under 18 or do not wish to read this kind of material, click this jewel for the Pg-13 version. Click here to see more of Salatrel's site. Part One of Fourteen
Po' Asal: The Morning After
Vorik?s eyes slowly opened as the dawning lights in his quarters gently roused him from his slumber. The young Vulcan man awoke this morning, peaceful and without the burning hunger. He drew in a deep breath through his nose and slowly expelled it through his lips. Relieved, he looked up at the lights and thought, << Finally, it is over >> .
He turned his gaze from the lights above him to the woman at his side. With a single shapely leg exposed, the sheets still entangled about her small voluptuous form, she slightly shifted in her sleep. Her long dark hair fanned out over their pillows and partially obscured her face, revealing only her long-lashed eyes. He had experienced twelve glorious days of intensive and exhaustive love making with this woman, Lt. Raven Zans.
<> Vorik still could not sense her
mind, her being.
He held himself responsible for this. His limited telepathic abilities
combined with her humanity continually thwarted their attempts. Their
failure to bond was certainly not due to lack of trying. The connection
would just not fuse solid. During the fever they could touch each
other's minds and share the passions. But it took that frenzy to
connect them. He knew with great certainty that he, a Vulcan, could
not sanely live in that perpetual state.
To Vorik, the lack of the connection caused him grief. They were
not bonded. He knew that proper Vulcan couples shared a bond, a permanent
and ever present mental touching. Without that connection, there
will always be something lacking. This caused him to despair for
he really wished Raven to be his cherished one, his Aduna.
< As he reached out to tenderly brush aside her tresses from her
face, she opened her sleepy eyes and gave him a smile. Startled,
he flinched his hand back.
"And how are we this morning?" She scooted closer to him to snuggle.
At her encroaching body, Vorik suddenly realized they were both naked.
His modesty reasserted itself and he impulsively rolled out of bed.
With his back to her, he quickly pulled on his robe. Once covered,
he turned back to face her. He adopted his most serious face and
declared in an even tone, "The Pon Farr has past."
A slight grin played upon her face as she became amused by his seriousness.
"OK? so now what happens?" she asked while in a catlike stretch.
The covers slipped from her body revealing her full breasts.
Vorik felt a stirring by the sight of her nakedness. Ashamed
at his lack of control, he headed to the bathroom, sighing softly.
"What's the matter?" He heard her calling to him from the bed.
He didn't answer. The young Vulcan man simply closed the door
then slumped against it. Without the bond to sustain their relationship,
he regretted what they now must do. But he believed that he must
follow his family?s tradition.
Vorik had been taught that at the resolution of Pon Farr, Vulcan couples
were to immediately initiate the Dahshaya or Celibacy Ritual. A formal
leave-taking and expression of gratitude to their mate. Taking on
many degrees, the Ritual Celibacy meant refraining from further physical
intimacies or emotional exchanges with your mate. For some couples,
this meant until the next Pon Farr. It was a custom his parents gratefully
and stringently observed within their marriage. Vorik was brought
up to believe that this custom was a crucial necessity, if one was to successfully
adhere to the Vulcan practice of arie'mnu, emotional mastery.
This particular speech his father had him and his twin brother memorize,
to be shared with their mates at the conclusions of their own Pon Farrs.
He closed his eyes tightly and softly incanted these terse phrases.
"The Pon Farr has past. We can now resume our lives as logical
beings. We willfully distance ourselves physically and emotionally
in order to pursue c'thia to the best of our abilities. I will be
forever grateful for the part you played in my relief, in my time of need."
Somehow, to Vorik it did not seem a suitable custom to observe with
someone you have a strong regard for. But he was certain that he
must follow tradition and resume a normal semblance of life as soon as
possible. He took in few breathes and searched for his center of
calm. It was something that had eluded him since the onset of the
Pon Farr.
He smoothed down his short dark hair and arranged it in its usual impeccable
fashion. Cool water invigorated him as he splashed it on his slightly
green face. He wished to procrastinate his duty and took his time
attending to his toiletries.
While patting his face dry with his hand towel, he caught a glimpse
of himself in the mirror. He set aside his towel and took a moment
to examine his reflection in the mirror. He noticed that he required
a hair trim. His bangs began to cover the tips of his arched brows.
As he ran his tongue over his teeth, he noted their stickiness. He
took a moment to clean them with his sonic toothbrush. Once satisfied
with their degree of cleanliness, he cupped his hand beneath the running
water and drank a mouthful. He wiped the last drops of trickling
water from his lips and took a last look in the mirror.
< He felt his training begin to fall back into place. That sense
of inner calm which he was accustomed to after a lifetime of habit and
practice. He took satisfaction in that fact.
The bathroom door slid open and he returned to the bedroom. After
those few moments of solitude, he was confident in his ability to follow
through with his intention, despite his inner reluctance.
He saw that she was still in bed. This time she had the sheets
pulled back up over her naked body, her face filled with questioning concern.
"Vorikam, what is it?" she asked as she patted his side of the bed inviting
him to return to her.
He was certain that he would lose his determination if he even
touched her. Instead he drew himself up and uttered the words that
he had rehearsed in the mirror .
At his words, her jaw dropped opened and a ribbon of anxiety rippled
through her stomach.
"What did you say?" She uttered quietly.
Having to repeat these hateful words, Vorik felt everything begin to
unravel within himself. He took in a breath to steady himself and
his resolve.
In his hesitation, she continued. Her voice tightened and raised
in volume. "We NEVER discussed this!"
Gathering his calm, Vorik haltingly elaborated: "Being human....I did
not want you to be?confused and mistakenly think that our physical relationship
would continue now that the Pon Farr has past." He paused again
to gather his thoughts. "If you were a Vulcan women, you too, would
accept this distance as being?necessary."
At this statement, she started to tremble in growing anger.
"If I were a Vulcan woman! Are you blaming me?"
By her reaction, it was becoming evident that she was not fully understanding
him or accepting the reality of the situation. He desperately wanted
her to. And though he said the words dispassionately, his heart was
filled with regret and frustration. He could not even bear to look
at her as he continued.
"It is most unfortunate that our bonding was unsuccessful.
If we had been able to solidify the bond, this turn of events would be
more understandable, acceptable, even welcome, to you."
He didn't even see her coming. He only felt a sudden, stinging
slap across his face, jarring him into silence. He looked up in shock
and saw her face filled with fury.
"Don't give me any of that BONDING CRAP, Vorik cha Doshik!" She
stood naked before him, shaking in rage.
Feeling the hot welt creep onto his face, he stood shock still,
unwilling to say anything further. The only other person in his life
to invoke his full name was his Mother, and only then when he had committed
a serious offense.
"I cannot believe you are doing this to me, to us." She stormed away
from him and into the living room. She furiously collected her clothing
from off the floor, having been strewn all over during
She continued to rant at him as she pulled on her undergarments and
boots. "After everything we have been through, that's it? Thanks
for the memories. See you around?"
His feet were still frozen to that same spot on the floor, when she
returned into the bedroom.
The next words she said very quietly as if trying to hold back her own
tears. "How can you treat me....so coldly? Like nothing ever mattered.
Did it, Vorik?"
He was overwhelmed by her onslaught of emotion. Plus he was torn
between his own desires: to follow Vulcan custom or to follow his heart.
He decided to let his mastery rule. He looked at her stoically and
said nothing more.
"I thought so. You made it quite clear time and time again that
the only thing that ever really mattered to you was The Bond!" Her breathing
became ragged as she choked out those last words.
She took his silence as agreement to her assertions. Unable to
read his heart or gauge his reactions, she assumed that her words were
not touching him. Unable to bear to look into his unemotional face,
she looked at her hands and continued. "I came into this not expecting
anything more than these few days together. But you really convinced
me into committing to ....us." Sobs began to escape from her lips as she
spoke these last words. She braved a glance upward to take note of
his expression. She grew furious at his lack of compassion and shouted
the only thing her frustrated mind could think of, " Well, then fine, have
it your way!"
Then she was desperate to escape. Escape this humiliation.
She turned on her heel and rushed out of the room. He heard her feet
stomp across the floor, the swoosh of the doors first opening then closing,
then silence.
< As she stormed down the corridor, she whipped her jacket over
her head and stabbed her arms through the sleeves. With a flourish,
she yanked her long hair out from beneath the jacket. Her mocha-colored
face was dark and contorted in anger and despair. Each ragged breath
she drew threatened to release her tears. She bumped into walls and
people, uncaring if she knocked anyone down in her desperation to return
to her own quarters.
Once inside, she stripped furiously, flinging her garments at
the walls in rage. Her flying boots crashed into her bureau smashing
the delicate contents on top.
< Her lips were quivering and her body ached in the effort to hold back
the tears. Her hands shook as she punched in the shower controls,
manic to wash herself of the humiliation. As she reached in with
one hand to test the water, the other settled on her stomach. Then
the memories of last night flooded through her. The water continued
to pelt against the shower walls as her body and mind recalled their passion.
***************************************************************
In his soft baritone, he asked permission to initiate the meld.
She silently nodded her assent and kissed him quickly and eagerly knowing
what was in store for them both. She closed her eyes and felt his
fingertips on her face. She sensed his familiar presence enter her
mind. Then in a sudden rush, the flame flashed through her body and
mind, scorching her nerves in its wake. In unison they let out a
small cry. She arched her neck and he threw his head back.
As they began to recover from the initial searing, the underlying pulse
of the urge could be heard and felt. It drove them both to the instinctual
drive of the rhythmic thrust.
In her mind, she sensed his request. Not expressed in standard,
or Vulcan, or her dialect, just a sentiment shared between two melded minds.
< Her essence released a single sigh as her answer and she surrendered.
His searing lips scorched her nipples. His hungry tongue lapped her
lips raw. Her toes ached from being suck so strenuously and vigorously.
She just laid back and surrendered to all he could give.
Then he did something new. Instead of climaxing inside her, he
spent his passion on her belly. Practically unaware of anything,
they moaned and clung to each other after their climax and he rubbed his
body and thus his scent on her, marking her. She thoroughly relished
in being marked, made his.
******************************************************************
Even now, she could still feel the stickiness, and smell this sensuous
musky smell. It lingered and leaked into every pore of her skin.
She didn't want to wash that off. She never wanted to wash again.
She wanted to have the memory of him linger for as long as possible.
Her humiliation was nothing in comparison to the loss she felt. The
loss of everything that had come to matter to her, her Vulcan, Vorik.
End Part One
The Morning After
A week after the conclusion of his Pon Farr and the disturbing incident
with Raven, Vorik still experienced discomfort. Again his meditations
eluded him. With a hint of frustration, he blew out his meditation
candle. He could not find his center. Instead, this sense of
dread persisted. It pervaded him, interfered with his peaceful calm.
During the challenge with Torres in his first Pon Farr, he had experienced
relief and release from the rage of the fire. Afterwards, his inner
calm had returned swiftly and automatically. Logically, he should
be experiencing that same sense of peace, but it would not come.
He sat up and absently stared at the wafting smoke from the extinguished
candle. Vorik wondered,< Their parents were overly dedicated to their duties on the colony.
Their father's responsibilities required him to frequently travel around
the planet. He was a leader in baked goods. Their mother was
home more often. She was the chief engineer for the water consumption
projects immediately surrounding their town. Thus many of the household
duties fell to the older sisters. This included monitoring the behavior
of "the boys".
Life seemed normal by Vulcan standards, rituals, customs, mediations,
duties, studies, personal times shared in an open but, hierarchical fashion.
The children of Doshik and T'Prake experienced life from a satisfactory
standpoint, never wanting or needing for much, on this affluent colony
world. The parents' expectations were always to be fulfilled and in turn
the children were encouraged to be independent thinkers and do-ers.
**********************************************************
As was usual in most rooms of the house, a small fire blazed in the
fireplace, an attempt to keep the temperature level comfortable in this
chilly autumnal season. Their father was comfortably seated behind his
desk, his easy calm evident in his relaxed sitting posture.
"You are familiar with your classmate, T'Chal?"
Vorik had overheard this information from his human friends. He
hoped it was true.
While waiting in the front hall, Vorik examined his sister T'Ves' fish
tank. The soothing gurgle of the rising bubbles calmed the youth's
anxious anticipation. After what seemed a long while, Taurik emerged
from their father's office.
T'Chal. A small girl, emerging into womanhood, with large expressive
dark eyes, and long gleaming black hair. A strong intelligence and
a halo of joy seemed to radiate from within her. For a moment, Taurik
transmitted to his brother a pleasant sensation the thought of her provoked
in him.
After the moment had passed, Vorik admitted that he had never thought
of her that way. He thought of none of the females in his class in
that manner. They headed to the front door to go outside and meet
their Klingon neighbor, Rolag for chess.
The Morning After
The memories trailed off as the adult Vorik considered his present predicament.
He was fortunate to have experienced a bond for much of his life.
He had taken the intimacy and ease of his childhood bond for granted.
Their sudden thrust into the Delta quadrant had changed all that for
***********************************************
Somehow it seemed familiar. But how can that be? He knew that
he had never thought of a women in this manner. Then it suddenly
occurred to him: T'Chal. This was the same sensation his brother,
Taurik had shared with him that day. He had never before appreciated
the sensation Taurik experienced surrounding the thought and being of T'Chal.
Now he believed he knew what had happened. Relieved to have an explanation,
he absently admitted it to himself: shon'ha-lok, the engulfment.
End Part Three
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Morning After
The next morning, when he awoke, he seemed back to his usual self again.
Nothing unusual happened during the course of the day or during the next
week. He began to forget about Lt. Raven Zans and the unexpected
pleasurable sensation she seemed to have provoked in him. Vorik began
to believe that it had been nothing more than a momentary lapse in mastery.
He refused to give it more thought.
Until....
Vorik slowly reached down to gingerly touch this throbbing appendage,
a sight he was not very familiar with. He hardly believed what he
saw and felt. With a soft gentle fingertip, he stroked the tip of
his male member. The skin was velvety soft as usual. But the
firmness gave it a different quality.
When he touched his stiff member, he got a jolt like an electric shock.
This was a truly interesting experience. He continued to gently move
the tips of his fingers over his penis. His fingertips
*********************************************************************
< End part four
**Wuh'Shok:First Kiss**
This morning, Raven worked on repairs to the space suits in the airlock.
It had been a week, since that morning after. Raven was still grieving
over her loss. She didn't tell anyone what had transpired between
Vorik and her, but many of her friends guessed. The crew must have
known what they had been doing in his quarters for those twelve days of
The Seclusion. Perhaps, they had expected a formal announcement once
they had emerged. Mercifully, no one asked her what had happened.
They were clever enough to figure it out and polite enough not to ask.
"I've been doing a little research about Vulcan customs. You know,
damn right well, that I should not have talk to him about that. He's
your friend, Tabor. Why would you set him up like that? Set me up
like that?" She was staring directly at him. Waiting for him
to stifle his last laugh. The chief reason she had approached the
subject of Vorik with Tabor was because Bethany and Sal had been joking
about approaching Vorik themselves. Raven Zans had wanted to beat
them to the punch.
Through gasps of breath he continued, " What must the wildlife think
of all these people coupling in the woods in the night."
A heavy longing came over her and she leaned her head forward, coming
closer to his. He looked surprised, but pleased by her intrusion
into his personal space. Her soft lips lightly brushed his.
The jolt was as intensive as their finger touch. They both let out
a breathy moan. He put his hands on either side of her face and drew
her closer, not letting her escape him. She discovered that she loved
having him hold her face while they kissed.
It was a gentle kiss, but they both felt the growing force of promised
passion. They kissed harder and more fervently. She watched
his face express a range of previously unwitnessed emotions. His
hooded eyes would meet hers, then reverentially close, then open again,
glazed over in passion. Her little warm wet tongue pushed past his lips.
She grinned against his mouth as he opened his eyes wide, startled by this
new sensation. He allowed her tongue to enter his mouth. She
flicked his tongue with hers exploring his mouth and encouraging him to
do as well.
Her mouth now covered his entirely. Her eyes closed in the passionate
ecstasy that a first kiss usually created. She just wanted to push
him down to the floor and do this to him for hours. Kiss his lips,
his ears, and his neck. But then he pulled away.
A lovely grin broke out across her face. She bit her bottom lip
in anticipation. And eagerly nodded in silent agreement.
"Is this YOU?!!" she asked excitedly.
She instantly sensed all he was, what he felt, who he was. She
saw him as the essence of mirthful serenity. It was pure joy to know
him. She wanted to share all of herself with him too, but she didn't
know how.
< < < << A time for joyful discovery,>> she reminded him.
For a brief moment Raven felt disorientated, as if she were unsure of
her own body, her surroundings. The meld had been a deep, all-encompassing
experience, a reality of its own. Now she was thrust back into the
world of Voyager and of her own self. Alone. The mirthful serenity
of
"And when will that be?" She returned his intense gaze, rather pleased
with his admissions.
With a long cleansing breath, he slowly began to regain his composure.
"By my calculations, within Forteen months."
She was feeling confident that she had him. Now, she was certain
that she need not worry about another woman stepping into her place.
She pursed her lips, clasped her hands behind her back and began to back
away towards the door.
"All right then, until the Pon Farr," she countered with a mischievous
smile. She knew what was in store for them both. "I've been
patient. Granted, I haven't had any in 10 years, so a week solid
of......will do just fine for me."
"Try two weeks," he corrected her and allowed a little smile to play
across his lips.
While he was momentarily distracted, she rushed up to him and planted
a quick kiss on his cheek. His head turned to her and she noticed
the return of his earnest expression.
< Raven collapsed into the work chair, then tossed her padd across the
console. Her head sank into her hands. Her body shook with
her sobs as she succumbed to her despair once more.
End Part Five
**Koot-ut Kali Fee: Marriage or Challenge**
At the end of his shift, Vorik was on his way to meet with Tuvok.
The
The two men had played a morning distraction game of Parreses Squares
in the holodeck. Vorik won two out of three, as usual. After
they had cleaned themselves up in Tabors' quarters, the formally-attired
men were now striding to Vorik's quarters where Tuvok, B'Elanna and his
betrothed awaited them.
Tabor was chatting away at him, trying to relieve the tension and stress
Vorik had been displaying since the onset of his Pon Farr early last evening.
He had never seen his friend so agitated and lovelorn. Tabor was
very amused by all of Vorik's Vulcan vulnerabilities brought out at this
time of the mating.
"What?" Tabor was astonished at this sudden and violent transformation.
*********************************************************************
He waited for the younger man to continue. When he didn't, he
prodded, "and now?"
"You invoked Dahshayu (the Separation)?" Tuvok replied solemnly but
inside he was hiding his astonishment.
Vorik remembered the stinging slap to his face. But he was more
hurt by her angry and crushed look.
Tuvok looked at Vorik to notice if there was any understanding.
Tuvok realized that he may have to be more straightforward. "It may
not be possible for you and your chosen to live in the Vulcan traditions
that you expect yourselves to."
A silent Vorik looked down at his hands hiding his profound disappointment.
In the ensuing silence, Tuvok continued, " You have asked me to be your
pyllora. What is it you are asking of me?"
Vorik began to truly absorb Tuvok's words. A sense of hope and
resolution welled within the young man. It suddenly occurred to him
that he had been seeking a partnership based on a model he had been taught
to uphold. If what Tuvok was saying was indeed true and there are
other degrees of the bond, then perhaps he and Raven could find their own
bond.
Assuming a formal stance, with his hands folded and his fingers steepled
beneath his chin, Tuvok intoned his last bit of advice, "These are not
topics for usual discussion. One would not know of this fact unless
one were exposed to the truth. You were not made aware, and as such,
acted upon the information you did have at your disposal. Your logic
was not flawed, Mr. Vorik. Just formed upon incomplete facts.
I would offer my assistance in fusing the bond between you, if the need
arises."
Vorik took in a deep breath to calm himself. He thought how all
this shame and rampant emotionalism had been experienced needlessly.
Or was it? Again Raven Zans had affected him like no other. He wondered
if perhaps this trial had only strengthened his resolve, made him more
worthy for her.
Tuvok's baritone broke Vorik's silent reverie, "and, it would be most
unfortunate, if you pass up this opportunity, Mr. Vorik." Tuvok gave him
a knowing glance.
< End Part Six
Presently, she was on duty, the computer informed him. He purposefully
closed his eyes to contain his growing anticipation. His hands slightly
gripped the edge of the console as he absorbed this information.
Now he would have to wait. He wanted to see her now. But he
did not wish to cause a scene while she was on duty.
< Those words rang through his mind and brought him back to their
bonding. The most joyous day of his life. The day they gave
themselves into each other's keeping.
Vorik and Tabor arrived at his quarters. As the doors slid open,
strong musky incense overwhelmed their senses and the men were welcomed
to a most pleasant sight. Vorik had personally arranged all the details:
the orange dawning lights, at the far corner of the room was the multi-angled
gong, in each corner the traditional burning firepots. Even the temperature
was reminiscent of Vulcan. He was only doing this once. He
wanted it to be right. Right for himself and for Raven.
B'Elanna came up to her and whispered," he's here."
At her touch, he blurted out, " I am here at the appointed time."
Vorik suddenly grasped her hand and seethed through his teeth, "
My blood burns for thee, my heart is a flame, my eyes are flame."
His gaze sought hers for acceptance. She smiled, " Yes and 10 months
early as well. I wonder why." Her gaze shot down to their joined
hands, her voice quivered in pained whisper, " Vorik, that
is too tight ."
With a shocked look on his face he released her hand and began to murmur
his apologizes.
Vorik recited, " As it was in the dawn of our days." He approached the
gong on its stand and wondered, would she allow him to strike? As
he stood before the gong, he continued, " As it will be for all our tomorrows."
He raised the mallet, then looked to her. Would she block his
approach and choose a challenger? By the warm light of the candles, her
face was radiant with pride and joy. She smiled, then with a brief nod
she urged him to conclude. Infused with confidence, he intoned, " This
is our way." The deep rumble of the gong reverberated through each chest.
Vorik quickly returned to her side, claiming her hands once again within
his own. Her hands felt cooler than his own. He admired her
calm. It would serve them well. They would need her icy cool
to stem his searing heat. In this fashion they would resolve the
Pon Farr together.
Tuvok experienced discomfort at the overt emotional display and knew
that the ceremony must proceed before matters came to a point beyond Vulcan
propriety.
His warm soft fingertips brushed along her face. Again Vorik was
jolted at touching her flesh. It had been four weeks, since they
had first and last touched. Besides increasingly fervent love letters,
they had no contact at all since their agreement to bond. He saw
the startled look in her eyes as she felt this shock too. His fingertips
then settled along the points on her skull, which contained essential nerves,
bringing him to her mind.
With her gaze locked onto his intense stare, her fingers pressed to
his face. Tuvok readjusted her placement. Certain that their
contact was firm, Vorik initiated the meld. Using skills learned
through direct melds from his own father, the young Vulcan began the most
basic of all touch telepathy skills: the ability of the nerves to speak
to an outside nervous system. He intoned in a throaty whisper, "
My mind to your mind...... my thoughts to your thoughts."
As the couple once again faced each other and pressed their fingertips
to each other's meld points, Tuvok intoned, " Clear your minds and relax.
Your minds are merging, becoming one."
Tuvok noticed that the pair were not going to end the physical joining
on their own. Neither his training not his station had prepared Tuvok for
this experience. Priestesses and Matriarchs were ones who attended to these
sacred duties. This was no place for a male. But these were unusual circumstances.
Taking care not to touch the young Vulcan man in Pon Farr, Tuvok instructed
Tabor to remove Vorik's hand from Raven's face, thereby breaking their
link.
As if in pain and unfullfillment, the couple moaned in unison, " No,
not yet."
They were suddenly conscious of their physical surroundings. In
unison, they looked at Tuvok, sorely disappointed.
**********************************************************************
<
His mouth was drawn into a tight grim line and his dull eyes gazed
into the mirror, as he recalled what he needed to say to her: Po?Asal:
The traditional 'Morning After Speech'.
the rush of passion the night before.
She pulled her gown down over her head, stepped up to him and glared
in his face. He wavered a moment, expecting another slap
With his hair in disarray, Vorik's green-flushed face hovered over
hers. Both of them were gasping and shuddering as the overwhelming
arousal consumed them. She pulled him to her and his weight settled
on her body, pinning her to the mattress. Raven took in a deeper
breath as his body squeezed the air from her lungs. He readjusted
himself to accommodate her.
She slid down the bathroom wall, hot tears streamed from her
eyes and sobs wracked her body as she finally succumbed to the overwhelming
anguish consuming her. Her heart broke as she wept in agony and despair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part Two of Forteen
**Kun-ut So'lik: Marriage Proposal**
Lt. Raven Zans. That what was different. He sighed and
steepled his fingers beneath his chin. This mating time had been
more than a physical relief for him. He knew that she had touched
him, changed him. He had not wanted to admit this possibility, but
it seemed he could not longer deny it. He missed her.
As he walked into his bedroom, he drew his robe from around his shoulders.
With a wistful nostalgia, he draped it on the form in it usual place.
His fingers lingered along the folds, appreciating the soft silkiness of
the fabric. This robe was a gift, hand-fashioned by his mother .
She presented it to him on his last visit home, before he reported for
duty on board Voyager. She made a private but significant comment
to him: "A mate should be the one to assemble your traditional garb.
Not your Mother."
He mused about what his family's possible response to Raven Zans would
be. Not on the fact she was human, since many Vulcans on his home
colony world of Nisus had spouses who were not Vulcan. That was a
fact of life living on a multicultural, multi-species colony world.
No, his family would be surprised by the fact that he had an interest in
a mate.
Raven was the only woman, ever in his life he had a consideration for.
Starting in childhood, his entire life had been dedicated to the pursuit
of duty, knowledge, and logic. If a Vulcan boy could have a hero,
Spock would have been Vorik's. Vorik had intended his life to follow
the path of Spock's: science, Starfleet, logic, and the adventure beyond
the stars, seeking out new life and civilizations, relying on your wits
and your crewmates. He had no intention of living an ordinary life
on his homeworld, the Nisus Colony.
His twin brother, Taurik, who presently had the dubious honor of serving
on board the Enterprise, shared in his dreams. Together, as boys,
they would wander off into the wilderness to test their strength and resolve
against the unknown and the elements. They talked and dreamed of
exploring the stars. They were inspired by the stories Starfleet
visitors would share with the colonists.
The brothers found each other indispensable. They relied on one
another for companionship, and safety. Being twins, they shared a
special and intimate bond. A bond closer than the others in their
family did. Vorik had let this bond be the core of his life,
never speculating that one day any other could be more prominent in his
life. They were also the babies of the family. Their older sisters
would indulge them frequently.
Nothing made Vorik's belief in his own independence and self-reliance
more apparent than a significant event that took place when he was thirteen
years old. It occurred the day after the children had returned from
an unexpected 12-day visit with their grandparents.
Their father had an announcement for the brothers. He called
them into his office. As their father closed the door the boys stole
a looked around this haven their father had built for himself. It
was only on rare occasions that any of the children entered this inner
sanctum. Family treasures, holopics and traditional Vulcan family
heirlooms lined the walls and the shelves of this office. Vorik noted with
approval the orchid he had presented to his father last month. He was not
aware that his father revered the living plant enough to keep it on his
desk.
"I have neglected this duty for far too long. My sons, you are
well past the ages for this. Fortunately, I have found families who
will agree to you. I have selected your bondmates." Their father,
Doshik, let that information hang in the air for a moment before he continued.
Both boys nodded in silent assent.
"Taurik, her family and I have agreed that the two of you are suitable.
We will be arranging a betrothal ceremony for you after their crops are
harvested next month. Vorik," and his father turned his attention
to him.
Vorik stared hard at the floor, gathering his strength and courage.
"No!" Vorik blurted out, before his father could continue.
"No?" his father quietly repeated. "Vorik, you are refusing to be bonded?"
The elder Vulcan's handsome face was unreadable.
"I am refusing." Vorik finally stole a look into his father's face.
"It is not logical to refuse to be bonded. I am looking to your
future and to your life." The only indication of his father's reaction
to Vorik's refusal was the steepling of fingers beneath his chin.
"When it comes your time, you will need a mate. The choices I have
made are most suitable...."
"No!" Vorik interrupted in a firm voice, surprising for his age.
He took a slight step towards his father's desk. "I do not wish to
marry. Ever. I do not need a bond mate. I do not wish
to live on the colony for the rest of my life. A mate from this world
will tie me here. I will be traveling the stars and there will not
be room in my life for family considerations." Finished with his explanation,
a nervous Vorik slowed his breathing and attempted to slow his heartbeat.
"I see...... You seem to have thought this out thoroughly." Their
father stood up from his desk, clasped his hands behind his back and made
way over to his sons.
"I am your father. I do believe that I know what is best for
you. It is best that you make your own decisions. Informed
decisions," he emphasized, "and live with the consequences. You are
aware of the consequences an unbonded male faces throughout his life? This
time of the Vulcan is unpredictable. You will be first affected between
your thirtieth and fortieth year."
Again Vorik interrupted his father. "Yes, I am father. When it
is my time, I will do what is necessary, the situation permitting.
If need be, I will return to Vulcan and apply for a temporary mate in the
interplanetary list. I have knowledge that many Vulcan Starfleet
officers recourse to this method."
Despite their entrance into adolescence, their father still towered
over the boys. He peered down at the twin brothers as he seemed to
consider his words. His face and voice were, as usual, unreadable.
"I am satisfied that you seem to have worked out a logical solution.
In deference to your logic and personal desires, I will respect your wishes
and not compel you to be bonded."
<
He took in a breath to steady his voice. Still astonished, he
bowed slightly. Now gratitude and relief were added to his growing
emotional repertoire. He hastily used a phrase his human friends
reverted to, " Thank you father."
"One does not thank logic, Vorik." Their father clasped his hands behind
his back and continued in his patronly tone. "You have proved to
me and yourself, that you are willing and able to take the events of your
life into your own hands. The two of you have been treated like children
for far too long." Then their father turned to Taurik. "Do
you share your brother's reluctance to accept our bonding custom, Taurik?"
Vorik's twin brother stole a glance at him. He proudly stood
tall and formally pronounced,
"Father, I am honored to have been chosen as bondmate to T'Chal."
Their father gave him a slight nod of acceptance. "Very well,
then. You and I have many details to discuss. Vorik, you may
leave us now, "and with a slight nod, Vorik was dismissed.
Just as Vorik had gotten himself under control, his astonishment was
again provoked. He was being dismissed! He was curious about what
the ceremony entailed. Also, he wished to be involved with everything
that concerned his brother. But he had made his desires clear.
There was no logical reason for him to remain in the room while his father
and brother discussed the bonding ceremony details.
<
<< You know why, Vorik. Unlike you, I wish to have a mate.
We can not be together forever, brother. Besides, I find T'Chal most....
agreeable.>>
Vorik transmitted a sensation of surprise and curiosity. Taurik
shared through their bond his perception of their classmate.
<
<
<
***************************************************************
End Part Two
Part Three of Fourteen
him. It snapped the bond he had with his twin brother.
For the first time in his life, he was truly alone, bereft of the telepathic
sense of his brother. During much of the first year of their exodus
through the Delta quadrant, Vorik spent alone and in a mild depression.
Unable to cope, he had finally sought out Tuvok, who performed a healing
meld in order to seal the wound. Even now, he still was not a very capable
telepath nor extremely adept in the Vulcan mind disciplines.
He walked over to the tall glass table by the view port. The
tabletop surface contained his family's momentos: holopics, ritual objects
and such. The arrangement also included the personal items Raven
had left behind. Everyday, he found more of her belongings in his
quarters. He had no intention of returning them to her, unless she
came to fetch them herself.
He picked up the pin she had worn in her hair the day of their bonding.
As he caressed the cool, smooth, precious aqua metal, he admired the delicate,
ornate, freeflowing design she had smithed herself. The design remind
him too much of his own mental impressions of her.
He drew in a deep breath as his anguish threatened to consume him.
He wondered if he would be able to survive this loss too. During
the times in between lovemaking, they talked. They had even gotten
in half a game of chess before the passions overtook them. He admitted
to her that he wanted a bond with her more than anything. Not just
the fact of sharing a bond, or having a wife, but experiencing her.
He could tell that she was quite pleased with those sentiments. And
it just gave them further incentive to continue attempting to fuse their
mental bond. But it never fused.
As he gently set the pin down on the glass, it gave a delicate "ting"
. He hung his head in profound disappointed. During both their
physical and mental touches, he found her very strong, sensuous, loving,
beautiful and more. Her essence infused him with hope and....
dare he think it......love. He had looked forward to a life of experiencing
her. If only they had bonded, they could always know each other's
thoughts and feelings. And never be alone again. He sighed
softly leaving the table of family momentoes and got ready for duty.
On his way to the day's duty, Vorik fondly recalled how Raven had proposed
to him. She had no idea what a social faux pas she had committed.
What had transpired between them in the mess hall leading up to her proposal
was equally remarkable. She had affected him like no other being
had ever in his life.
Vorik sat in his customary seat in the mess hall. He sipped at
his bowl of Turil soup, while engrossed with the engineering report displayed
on his Padd. An unfamiliar feminine voice interrupted his study.
"Mr. Vorik, may I join you?"
He momentarily looked up from his Padd and absently gestured to the
remaining seat at the table across from him. "As you wish."
She placed her drink and plate on the table, then sat down. The
unfamiliar officer gave Vorik a nervous look. He had already returned
his attention to the Padd. "We don't know each other. I'm Lt.
Raven Zans," she offered in embarrassment.
He curiously peered into her face. "Yes Lieutenant. I do
know your name." Vorik replied matter of factly.
"I wasn't sure if you did." The junior officer fell silent, then took
a quick sip of her drink.
Vorik's curiosity was piqued. There were very few times he could
recall that he and this particular officer had occasion to work together.
In fact, there had been no occasions at all for the past two
years, by Vorik's reckoning. They had engaged in conversation
only once during the entire time in the Delta quadrant. They worked
on opposite shifts and moved in different social circles. Their quarters
were not even situated near each other. There were no factors on
the ship which
would allow these two individuals to meet accidentally. "There
is something I can help you with, Lieutenant?" he inquired. Vorik
assumed she was here about something duty related.
"No," she quickly answered. "Well, maybe....yes" She hesitated,
seeming to collect her thoughts.
She looked down at the table and hurried her words, anxious to get
them out. "You see, I don't believe that we have ever spoken to each
other."
He regarded her curiously as he stated, " We have spoken. Once.
During the first week the Maquis came onboard. I was the officer
who escorted you to your quarters."
She raised her face to his and arched her eyebrows in amazement.
"That was almost ten years ago. Are you certain? How could you remember
that?"
"Vulcans remember nearly everything," he replied nonchalantly.
"That is very interesting." Her nervousness seemed to be dissipating
with each statement they exchanged. "Well, on a ship this size, and
for a voyage this long, I have taken it as a personal mission to be familiar
with everyone." She rested her elbows on the table, clasped her hands together,
steepled her fingers and gestured them in his direction. "So, I thought
it was time we became aquainted." She finally gained enough confidence
to meet his face with her eyes.
He nodded his head in silent agreement at what seemed a logical endeavor.
Feeling easier about her course, she further ventured into conversation.
"Is that Plomeek soup? It looks good."
"No. It is Turil soup with groot and beans." Vorik stirred
his now-cold soup with his spoon.
"Does Neelix have anymore?" The young human woman turned in her
seat to look in the direction of the food counter.
"I replicated this," he replied. "It's a family recipe."
"Oh," she didn't hide the disappointment in her voice. "Well,
I might as well get started on my tuna fish sandwich. I only have
an hour for lunch." A little smile tugged at the right corner of her mouth.
As she picked up her napkin, Vorik returned his attention to his now-cold
soup. She held her napkin out, let it fall open and with a flourish,
she snapped it in the air. That small sound drew Vorik's attention.
Then he felt something hit him. It was like his insides were
shot cold with a phaser. For the moment, his mind, body and breath
were paralyzed by her presence. Only his eyes seemed capable
of movement. They were riveted to her hand which held the napkin.
He watched as the tiny hand darted beneath the table to lay her napkin
on her lap. He waited for its return. His eye caught her hand
as it returned to view. This brought his attention to her chest.
His eyes traveled up her form, amazed in the contrast where her grey turtleneck
met her mocha toned skin. His eyes continued their upwards journey
taking in the smallness of her chin, the fullness of her smooth, brown
lips, the symmetry of her aquiline nose. His gaze finally reached
her dark, sparkling, elfin eyes framed beneath slightly arched brows.
Inside of him, this was all a momentary shock. Outwardly, he only
gave an extra blink in his usual blinking rhythm. His lifetime of
training caused him to automatically master this sensation and reference
it for later reflection and categorization.
After this moment, just in the blink of an eye, her low voice brought
him back to reality. "If my readings were accurate, Mr. Vorik, your
people are vegetarians?"
"Yes," he answered easily. He welcomed her subsequent inquiries,
as well. Vorik usually allowed himself friendly interactions with
others and was always eager to make new acquaintances.
After they finished their respective meals, they left the mess hall
together. They continued to make small talk as they strolled along
the corridor. He was careful to keep his expression neutral while
she animatedly related a humorous tale about her recent Captain Proton
holovisit with Lieutenants Kim and Paris.
Vorik activated the turbolift door and allowed Raven to enter
first. He was beginning to regard her with questioning interest and
was not yet willing to leave her company. Though he was sociable
with many of the crew, he was not well disposed to personal interaction
with the females. He noticed that many avoided making genial contact
with him as well. He believed that it was due to his dreadful behavior
surrounding the disastrous events of his Pon Farr six years ago.
While in the turbolift, he was silently formulating a phrase to request
her presence in the hydroponics bay. It was time for him to monitor
the progress of his orchids.
They stood facing each other on opposite sides of the lift when she
broke the momentary lapse in conversation. "Mr. Vorik, you seem like
a straightforward person," she paused for a response.
"Vulcans do not usually dissemble," he replied routinely. During
her pause, he wondered slightly at what she would say next.
She took in a deep brave breath. "Well, in that case, let me
be candid and direct with you." She raised her chin, straightened
her posture and clasped her hands behind her back. With evident pride
in her face and voice, she formally declared, " I would like share in the
resolution of your Pon Farr."
He was in shock!! He blinked twice and composed himself.
Then she softened. Her hands came together in front of her as
she took a gliding step towards him. In a quiet, deep, throaty voice
she carefully added, " Your next time does not have to end in a death match
with Lieutenant Torres." From beneath long dark lashes, her eyes
shyly peered at his face.
At that moment, the doors opened and mercifully no one was there.
He turned from her gaze, took a step to leave, then stopped. He evenly
stated without even turning to look at her, "That is a private matter."
He stepped across the threshold and strode down the corridor. He
heard the swoosh of the doors closing, leaving a very confused and dishearten
Lt. Zans in the turbolift.
He was confused and disheartened himself. As he attended to his
orchids in the hydroponics bay, they did not hold his interest or instill
the usual enthusiasm. The events surrounding his time with Lt. Zans
were demanding to be reviewed. With a last misting spray and a final
pruning, he cut his orchid visit short.
He proceeded to his quarters, despite the early hour. He was
aware of the social events he would be missing. There was the chess
game going on in Ensign Chobrysl's quarters. Neelix sent an open
invitation to all for drinks and conversation in the mess hall to commemorate
a human holiday: Christmas. Despite the temptation for socializing,
he was determined now not to be further distracted from his course.
Too much had happened in the past hour for him and he must meditate.
He had been propositioned before during his academy days. Stockholm
Syndrome. One little dark Tellerite male had said practically the
same thing to him during his first week at the academy. Back then,
he was much younger, more naive and had not yet reached his sexual maturity.
Vorik had never entertained thoughts or experienced sensations associated
with "that" matter. He especially had not been intrigued about that
Tellerite male. He had been totally unaffected by that conversation
13 years ago.
The doors to his quarters automatically parted at his arrival.
He dropped his Padd on the sofa and quickly lit his meditation candle.
The tiny flicker of flame lent a gentle warm glow to the darkness.
He fell to his knees, pressed his fingertips together and began the deep
relaxing breathing exercises to initiate tal t'li, his meditations.
He expelled this disquieting sense through each exhale. It only took
five breaths until he felt at peace.
He let his mind drift past the events in the turbolift. He focused
instead on the unique moment of the snap of her napkin. He replayed
the events in his mind and the fascinating abrupt jolting sensation returned.
First, the cold shock in his stomach, then the irresistible urge of gazing
upon her. He recalled her form perfectly, the memory of which provoked
a most pleasurable sensation, akin to a warm bath.
As this realization hit him, he rolled off his knees and sat on the
floor. A parade of familiar emotions marched across him. He
was absolutely astonished that this could happen to him,
Then dread crept in and he thought,<
Part Four of Fourteen
He saw her for the first time in two weeks. Vorik walked into
engineering and heard laughter and the whir of the mini-lift by the warp
core. As it descended, he noticed Lt. Kim was speaking with someone
on his far side. Not interested in the personal affairs of Lt. Kim,
Vorik proceeded to his station.
"Hi, Vorik," he heard Kim call to him. Vorik turned to acknowledge
his greeting and he saw her! She was walking very close to Lt. Kim.
Raven averted her eyes as she walked by him. As he recognized her,
a cold jolt rippled through his entire body. Then a swirl of quivering
hardness beat inside of him, as he realized that hers had been the laughter
and it had been for Kim.
For the duration of his duty, he had some difficulty with his equations.
His replies to his crewmates were a little clipped. His behavior
was not overt enough for anyone to notice. But he noticed.
By the end of his shift, the discomfort had subsided. But he still
skipped dinner in favor of meditation in his quarters.
After the initial breathing exercises and attempts at centering, he
once again replayed the day's events in his memory. A less intense
version of the discomforting physical sensations returned. He had
no idea why her presence next to Kim provoked such a visceral response
in him. But he knew what the look on her face was: shame.
But for what? Being with Kim or for having initiated "that" conversation
in the turbolift. Shame was something he was familiar with.
It displeased him that she would be experiencing it because of him.
He needed to cease speculation on this, he decided. <
Later that night, in the middle of his sleep, he bolted up in
bed. Her face lingered on the fringes on his subconscious.
Then her image and the feelings began to slowly dissolve into the place
where dreams go. It was rare for Vulcans to dream. Especially
to be awakened in the night by
them. The last time dreams disturbed his slumber was during....he
whipped back the sheets.
He raised a single eyebrow in astonishment as he witnessed his erection.
His naked body shivered as it was suddenly exposed to the night air in
his quarters. He jumped out of his bed, and rushed over to the view
window. There by the light of the stars, he saw his male member fully
elongated. He also heard himself panting like a sehlat. Waves
of hot air escaped through his open mouth. His entire body was an
inferno. The tips of his ears were even burning hot.
<>, he thought to himself.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Vorik, a 14-year-old boy, living with his family on the Nisus colony,
had his first erection. He had no idea what just happen to his body.
He just knew that his normally floppy penis suddenly and unexpectedly became
stiff. It was uncomfortably pushing against his trousers. Vorik
was alone in his bedroom. His sisters and twin brother were at school.
Today, he stayed home sick. He could hear his mother downstairs,
preparing soup for him.
<> He undid his
pajama pants to examine this curiosity. <
traced the double ridges and the defined parts of himself that were
never there before. A growing sensation was beginning to fill him.
It centered in the pit of his belly and traveled to his groin area.
This pleasant, warm feeling flooded him as he slowly stroked himself.
<
Suddenly, he heard his mother coming up the stairs. He ceased
his delicious exploration and quickly drew his trousers closed. He
raced toward his desk and hide his hands beneath the surface. His
mother softly knocked at his door.
"Vorikam, time for lunch"
Vorik was hastily and quietly tying up his pants "Coming, Mother"
"What are you reading?" T'Prake, his mother came up behind him and
peered over his shoulder.
"Just something for school. What kind of soup are we having for
lunch?" Vorik asked, desperate to change the subject
"Turil soup with groot and beans. Your preference. Grandmother
T'Vage considers it to be a healing remedy. I am uncertain how true
her assertions is. I have never personally experienced its supposed
attributes."
Vorik could recognize his mother's attempt at humor. She frequently
made light of his maternal grandmother's beliefs and practices. But
the teasing was done with affection and not malice.
Thankfully his male member had shrunk down to its usual size. He was
now able to leave his seat.
Later that night, Vorik's father called him into the study.
"Vorik, be seated." His father gestured to a seat across from his
desk. Whenever his father asked him to seat down for a talk, it usually
meant that Vorik had done something inappropriate, and his father believed
it was time for correction or instruction.
"One of the basic principles of our people, is the abstention of excessive
emotions. Vulcans do not seek out experiences for the sake of sensations.
To do so would be tempting fate. We have extremely intense emotions,
son, which need to be mastered. They cannot master us."
Vorik's father peered at him from beneath steepled fingers.
Vorik was staring at the floor. "I know Surak's quote, Father:
"Wide experience increases wisdom, provided the experience is not sought
purely for the stimulating sensation.""
"It is understood, Vorik?" His father arched an eyebrow and inclined
his head toward his son.
Vorik felt a sudden spasm of horror. His mother had seen!! Waves
of anxiety and guilt and disgust swept over him. He tasted bile in
the back of his throat as his hands began to shake.
<
Vorik put up his mental shields, to prevent his father from gaining
further knowledge of his present turmoil. Calling upon all his childhood
training, he breathed deeply once, lifted his eyes and evenly replied,
"Yes Father. I do understand."
>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
With that memory flooding through his mind, Vorik's fingers flinched
away from his member. He recalled the remedy that males of other
species utilized in this situation.
He was hit with a jolting shock and his body spasmed as the stinging
freezing water hit him full force.
Vorik was once again at the end of his duty shift. Having passed
on socialization with his crewmates, he sat in his quarters, alone gazing
into the flickers of his meditation candle. He was amazed at how
she had affected him. How she still affected him. He was in
turmoil. He had no idea on how to proceed in this matter. He
wanted nothing more than to be with her. But he was uncertain if
the customs of his people would permit the type of interaction he believed
she would require from him.
He dropped his head into his hands. His father's words suddenly
played in his head, << You are aware of the consequences an unbonded
male faces throughout his life?>>
As he continued to consider their mutual loss of each other, the despair
rolled over him in waves. He drew himself up, took in a cleansing
breath, attempting to banish the grief which threatened to break through.
"This must stop!" He commanded to himself alone in the faint light of his
quarters.
He tapped his badge to page Commander Tuvok
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Morning After
Part Five of Fourteen
The last time she had to see to repairs on these suits, was almost
seven weeks ago, when she and Vorik first touched. But that day had
first begun with Tabor assisting her, actually harassing her about the
Vulcan Ensign.
*****************************************************
"So, did you talk to him?" Tabor asked Raven off handedly while working
his tricorder.
They both knew whom he meant.
"Yea, about that .... I have a bone to pick with you!"
Raven ceased her reading and turned to a now chuckling Tabor. "Don't
you laugh, you little......" and Raven couldn't help but chuckle herself.
Tabor turned to the small dark-haired, female officer. They had
just begun their acquaintance and he found her interest in Vorik fascinating.
He had taken it upon himself to help this situation in anyway he could.
"So what did you do? Hand him your wooden name tag and request his presence
in the hydroponics bay?" He snickered at her.
She groaned inwardly and grimaced to herself and thought, <
"Well, " Tabor's was holding back barely controlled guffaws.
"I do have to say that your customs are interesting and most......
logical." A snicker escaped from him at that word.
She was shaking her head in feigned irritation, " Well, if you lived
in an isolated, remote, mountain village with only women around you, you
might get a little excited about the Kreshek."
At the mention of that word, Tabor could no longer control himself.
He broke out in loud laughter. "I'm sorry......I'm just imagining
a bunch of painted, half-naked men dancing crazily around a huge bonfire.
And ?" Tabor was now doubled over in laughter. His sides hurt in
the effort."?and then you women passing out these sticks."
"T'dakoos, " Raven shook her head at the laughing Bajoran.
"?to . to your 'husband' of the night." Tabor's earring
rang in the airlock as he threw his head back in laughter.
Raven hide her bemused expression. "Well, when you only see the
opposite sex for a short period of time, the sight of them is highly erotic
and you are very motivated, "and she grinned.
Tabor's laughter began to slow down and his breathing was labored as
he apologized. "I'm sorry." He had finally stopped laughing.
"So, what did he say?" A smiled still played at his lips and little laughs
still escaped from him.
"Out of respect for Ensign Vorik, I'm not saying whether I talked to
him or not, " Raven stated quite self satisfactorily.
"Ah, c'mon. Just tell me. How did he react?"
"All I will say is this. I would not blame him if he never spoke
to me again. Not like we communicate much now anyway." She spoke
that last line with a tinge of regret.
"Well, if you did say something to him, that would explain a lot."
Tabor slyly offered.
"What do you mean?" Raven replied hopeful, taking the bait.
"I mean, " Tabor teased," he has been acting a little distracted these
past few weeks."
"You're just saying that to get me to admit to you whether we
had a conversation or not," Raven shot back.
"Well, we'll just never know now will we?" Tabor gave a grin and turned
back to his tricorder.
Raven began to wonder to herself as she pursed her lips, then
let out a sigh. Her attention returned to her task when Tabor asked
her a questions about the suit specs.
Later, after Tabor had left, towards the end of her duty shift, Vorik
arrived, to relieve her of duty. When the doors to the airlock room
parted and he walked through, Raven's stomach had butterflies. She
caught her breath and thought to herself, <
"Good afternoon. I'm here to relieve you of duty," Vorik said
in his usual perfunctory tone seemingly unaware of her knowing smile.
She made out as if she was ready to leave. She was almost at
the doors when she turned around. "Ensign, I wanted to apologize
for making you feel uncomfortable last month in the turbolift. I
was unaware that discussions of that nature are a strict cultural taboo
for your people. No offense was meant."
"I accept your apology, " was all he replied then set about to his
work. He stepped toward the last space suit slated for repairs.
Motivated by Tabor's words she decide to press further and take the
chance. What did she have to lose? She sauntered back towards him.
"But," she started quietly, "my offer was genuine." She let that phrase
hang between them. She waited for a reaction from him. When
it seemed none was forthcoming, she turned away from him and began to head
back to the doors
In his soft baritone, she heard from his position a quick and quiet,
" I accept."
She whirled around to him in surprised astonishment. She could
hardly believe her ears! He said it so quietly that she asked him to repeat
himself. He put his tricorder down, turned and slowly approached
her. This time he spoke with confidence. "I accept your proposal."
A smile broke across her face and the words tumbled out. "That
is welcome news. I was certain that you were offended or not interested
in me or just didn?t want to talk about it." She looked boldly and
expectantly into his eyes. Then she teased, " Well then, how does
this proceed?"
She thought his eyes looked so beautiful and luminous as he looked
meaningfully into hers. Then he lifted his fingers and gently, almost
fearfully reached out to touch her fingers. She stopped all smiling
and teasing. She knew that this was a very meaningful gesture.
For him as well as her.
She raised her fingers and permitted him to touch her. She slightly
jumped when she felt a surge of electrical current pass through his fingertips
to hers. Neither had expected such a sensation.
He began to caress her fingers slowly, lovingly. She didn?t move,
grounded to the spot by his touch. His touch which promised tenderness
and passion. Raven's breath quickened in excited pleasure.
Goosebumps raised on her forearms and pleasure shivered up and down her
spine.
When she opened her eyes, she gazed into the burning intensity of his.
This was so unlike the quiet, remote man she had admired for ten years.
"Let us mind touch," he breathlessly pleaded.
With an intensity not since his first Pon Farr, he attempted the meld.
She shivered as he laid his fingertip on the neural points on her face.
<< If his fingertips can do this much to me, just imagine,>>
Her thoughts trailed off as she heard him speak.
"My mind to your mind. My thoughts to your thoughts," he invoked
with a breathy whisper. By this intimate touch she felt a warm flow
enter her mind .
In her mind, she heard his gentle voice <
She let out a long breath and relaxed her body. As he descended
into her mind, he ignited her nerves in his wake. She sucked in her
breath as the rapid sparks wracked her brain and body. He
tightened his mental grip on her, unwilling to let her slip away from
him. Then he revealed himself to her.
<
<
He brushed past a closed door in her mind and felt an unpleasant quivering
current. She assured him that now was not the time for that discovery.
She would rather speak to him about it. It was too strong an experience
for the present moment.
For a half an hour they remained locked in the meld. Rejoicing
in the discovery of each other. Their bodies and minds became accustomed
to the other's presence. Something deep inside Vorik synchronized
with Raven. The young Vulcan's hunger for the intimacy of the mind
caused him to form a fledgling betrothal bond. Not one which would
allow him to sense her, but strong and intense enough to reset his own
biological clock to hers. This was unknown to them both being an
autonomic biological process. But it manifested itself as a total
blending of their individualities. For a few delicious moments, they breathed
as one, felt as one, thought as one, lived as one.
He now knew of her attraction to him. How it always existed,
since the beginning of the voyage. But he always seemed so unobtainable
to her. And that just fueled the mystery and desire, which surrounded
him for her.
<
He apologized that he had never before regarded her in that fashion.
But since her proposal in the turbo lift, he had thought of little else,
despite his repeated attempts at putting aside the
thoughts. Then he revealed to her his moment of realization of
his love for her. And how by accepting her proposal, his hopes for
their future.
<
Well, that did it for her. Any fears or concerns she may have
had about the Pon Farr were washed away in this revelation. She gave
herself up, entrusted her essence to this lovely being. Burning desire
began to well up within them. It enveloped them. Once the heat
grew in intensity, he broke the meld.
Vorik's' essence no longer touched her and began to fade from a tangible
soul to a memory.
They fell from each other panting. She was soaked in perspiration
He drew in deep lungfulls of air attempting to cool himself. She
wiped her face with her uniform sleeve. Looking down, she noticed
that her uniform between her breasts was soaked. "You do realize
that I have to walk through the halls like this?"
With that comment, he glanced her way and nodded approvingly in between
breaths.
"You are the biggest tease, Vorik!" she said as she crawled closer
to him.
"Wait!" he commanded and put up a hand. "We cannot do this again,
"and he continued breathing hard.
"The hell we can't!" The small human woman was becoming visibly frustrated.
She was just gearing up and he had broken their connection. And now
he wouldn't continue. What kind of a man was he anyway?
Then it dawned on her. He was Vulcan. From her few recent
readings about his people she was gaining a beginning understanding of
their customs and sensibilities. For him to suffer the slings and
arrows of love would be to court danger to his psyche. She remembered
how ruthless he had been in his pursuit of B'Elanna. Nothing had
mattered except his need. She would not make him tear down the walls
of his emotional discipline to satisfy her human needs. She already
loved him too much. She would not make him suffer that.
"Forgive me. I'm just a little frustrated. That's all.
You are so overwhelming and delicious, "and she felt herself inexplicably
being drawn again to him. Hungry for him, despite her resolve to
let him alone to his Vulcan discipline.
He got up from the floor and backed away. "I believe it would
be wise if we remained apart until the Pon Farr. Being in each other's
presence could be detrimental to our self control. I know that I
have been having ......um ....difficulty," he admitted to her with an intense
look.
Her breath caught in her throat at his admission. Then she remembered
to breathe and offered, " Perhaps, we could exchange letters. I believe
there is much you need to explain about all this. And I have some
explaining to do myself." The memory of his brush against that closed
door in her mind released a shiver.
"Agreed. An exchange of letters would be most ....satisfactory.
But please, no personal contact until?the appointed time?" Vorik
was attempting to reassert his calm and control.
She quickly bit her bottom lip to keep from giggling. "Yes,"
she agreed, then raised her hand in the Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper,
master of my heart."
Her answer amused and excited him. He was astonished and aroused
at this highly erotic Vulcan term of endearment. Despite his attempts,
his control failed momentarily and his eyes glittered in amusement.
To answer his unspoken question, " Yes, I have been doing research."
She arched her eyebrows in a Vulcan imitation.
Then his combadge chirped.
"Saved by the bell," she quipped.
He took a moment to re-compose himself. He slapped his badge,
" Vorik here."
Surprised at his sudden mood change, she decided it would be best to
leave him alone, before they did something they shouldn?t be doing.
She silently mouthed the words, " I'll go now, "and backed away from him.
*******************************************************************
With the memories of that first touch, she now wondered was it just
the Pon Farr or did they feel more for each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Morning After
Part Six of Fourteen
last time he had spoken with Tuvok, had been the day of
his and Raven's Kali-farr, the Bonding Ceremony.
**********************************************************************
This morning, Vorik had asked his best friend, Lt. Tabor Fasiel to
witness their bonding ceremony. Over the past few years, Vorik had
found an amiable companion in this man. Tabor always seemed to know
where the amusement was and Vorik appreciated how the Bajoran security
officer always kept him in mind for those times.
"What if she will not come? What if she changed her mind? What if she....has
chosen another?" This possibility filled Vorik with dread and fear.
"Don't worry, " Tabor easily said, stifling a snicker. He almost
put his hand on Vorik's shoulder to comfort him, but thought better of
it and drew back. "I saw Raven this morning. Your girl is just
as nervous as you are, "and Tabor laughed. "After I gave her a hug,
she seemed to feel much better."
At these words, Vorik stopped and glared at Tabor. "You did what?"
his voice was low and menacing.
Tabor didn't notice the change and continued. "Yeah, a hug is
all she seemed to...."
Then Tabor realized Vorik had stopped. He looked at his friend
and saw incredible hate in Vorik's face. Even Vorik's fists were
clenched tight.
"It was not appropriate to touch my bond mate!" Vorik seethed
as he got into the Bajoran's face.
"No!....now whoa, just calm down." Tabor slowly backed away from this
creature that now only slightly resembled his usually calm friend.
"It wasn't anything more than a friendly gesture. That is all it
was." Tabor gave an understanding and reassuring look as his friend visibly
relaxed.
Vorik drew in a breath and shook his head. "I am having difficulty
thinking straight. Forgive me."
Tabor looked to his friend with understanding, " As you are fond of
saying: the cause was sufficient. C'mon, " Tabor motioned to his
friend, " We have a bonding to get you to."
They continued their walk to Vorik's quarters.
Vorik now thought to himself as he approached Tuvok's doors, had their
bonding been only less than three weeks ago? It seemed like only yesterday
and a lifetime ago.
<
Through the doors, Vorik heard Tuvok reply, " Enter."
The doors swooshed open and Vorik stepped across the threshold.
As the doors closed behind him, he noticed Tuvok at the replicator.
"Ha'meth tea?" Tuvok asked.
"That is acceptable, " Vorik replied solemnly.
"Be seated, " Tuvok requested as he gestured to the sofa.
Vorik heard the replicator assembling their drinks, as he attempted
to settle himself in the sofa. He was beginning to think that this
was a mistake. Perhaps he should just solve this on his own.
He didn't want to burden Tuvok with his problems, but he was at a loss.
His human friends could not possibly understand his predicament.
This was a matter of Vulcan tradition. Thus logically, only a fellow
Vulcan could advise him.
Tuvok placed the tray on the table between them and began to pour.
He offered a cup to Vorik. He took it, but could barely keep the
revulsion from his lips as he caught its scent. Like all food this
week, the very smell made him sick to his stomach. He quickly put
it aside.
Tuvok peered up over his own cup and took notice of Vorik's actions.
Tuvok let the quiet between them fall for a few moments. Then his
baritone voice sliced the silence. "May I inquire as to the health
of your bondmate?"
Inside, Vorik seethed. That was the third time today someone
has asked about her! On the way to Tuvok's, Lt. Paris had come up
from behind, clasped him on the shoulder and asked grandly, " So, how's
married life treating ya?"
No. He told himself. This is not the same thing.
Tuvok is not prodding into his privacy just to satisfy curiosity.
Tuvok's inquiry was merely a genuine point of Vulcan manners. For
him not to have asked would have been a social oversight. Perhaps
Tuvok is unaware of his present predicament. Tuvok was not one to
concern himself with others' personal business. Everyone else seemed
to be unaware that he and Raven had not spoken since that dreadful morning
after.
"Mr. Vorik?" Tuvok interrupted Vorik's silent musings.
"I am currently unaware of Lt. Zans' present state of health." Vorik
replied reluctantly.
"I see, " Tuvok replied, noting the use of Vorik's bondmate's rank
and surname.
Tuvok reclined in his easy chair. Vorik was perched on the edge
of the sofa cushion. In shared silence, Tuvok sipped at his tea again
while Vorik looked down to his clasped hands.
"You requested a meeting? Might I ask the nature of the inquiry?" Tuvok
formally requested
"Tuvok, " Vorik, still staring down at his hands, breathed in deeply
to steady himself. "I request that you act as pyllora, my counselor."
Tuvok had been expecting this request. Crewmembers had begun
to notice that the newly bonded couple were not speaking to one another.
He had waited for Vorik to approach him about this, thus leaving Vorik
his dignity and the chance to handle this on his own. He held out
long than Tuvok had expected him to, by two days.
"I will act as pyllora. What do you ask of me?" Tuvok announced
formally.
Vorik was still not able to meet Tuvok's inquiring stare. "I
would like to speak to you concerning a personal matter. May I ask
your advice on how best to proceed...... with Lt. Zans." Vorik wistfully
whispered her name.
Tuvok raised an eyebrow at Vorik referring to her by this name again.
"Your aduna (wife)?"
He decided to just come out and say it, speak the truth. "She
is not my Aduna . We are not bonded." He admitted it and had to hold back
the anguish in his voice.
Tuvok stiffened slightly at Vorik's words. "You resolved your
Pon Far with her. By Vulcan tradition, you are bonded. You
are her Adun (husband). She is your aduna."
Vorik leapt off the sofa and began to pace the room. His frustration
threatened to push through his tentative control. "I don't feel bonded."
Tuvok carefully placed his tea down on the tray, " What did you expect?"
As he gazed out the window, Vorik wrapped his arms around himself .
He lowered his voice and attempted to stem the tide of anguish, which this
speech was provoking within him.
"I expected to have a bondmate. To feel at peace after the rage
of the Pon Farr, but instead, I am still in turmoil."
Tuvok rose to meet Vorik at the window. The men's stoic Vulcan
features deepened in the dim streaking starlight twinkling through the
glass.
Now that he had opened the door to the truth and Tuvok was willing
to listen, Vorik decided to proceed. "The bond would not fuse and
now...." Though his voice and visage were steady and calm, his heart grew
heavy with emotion. He fell silent.
"That is most unfortunate, " offered Tuvok matter-of-factly.
"And now I believe she is very angry with me." Vorik quickly continued,
eager to have this out in the open, the revelation over and done with.
"We have not spoken since I offered her my gratitude."
"Yes. It seemed the logical course to take following the
conclusion of the Pon Farr." Vorik remembered how quickly and firmly his
control snapped back into place once the fire of mating had passed.
"It may have been the traditional course to take, but not the prudent
or logical one." Tuvok firmly corrected.
Vorik covered his surprise at Tuvok's unexpected statement.
"Mr. Vorik, did you take Lt. Zans' human needs into consideration before
you discussed the tradition of The Separation with her.
"I did not discuss it with her. I merely began the Po' Asal ritual
with the traditional Starun t' Itaren (speech of gratitude). She did not
remain in order for us to come to an agreement."
"Mr. Vorik, " Tuvok began in his usual calm voice, " it is customary
for Vulcan couples to observe times of ritual celibacy, during their life
long bond. The degree and frequency of the observance depends on
the couple's mutual regard and their own personal inclinations of passion's
mastery."
Vorik looked into Tuvok's face and calmly stated, " I wish to know
how to end this turmoil." Again outwardly he was the picture of calm and
control, but inwardly he was pleading.
Tuvok offered, " If you wish to relieve your turmoil, then I suggest
that you resolve this matter with your chosen."
Vorik drew in a deep breath. He was about to reveal his feelings
to Tuvok. Something a Vulcan avoids at all costs. "I regret invoking
dashaya. I never wished to cause her harm. If we had only bonded,
none of this would be happening. She would be secure in the knowledge
of my regard for her without physical reassurance."
Tuvok was slightly discomforted at this emotional revelation.
But he had agreed to be the younger officer's pyllora and, by tradition,
he had to listen to and do all Vorik asked of him.
"Mr. Vorik, I would assume that you have not spoken to Lt. Zans about
further bonding attempts?" Tuvok asked flatly.
Vorik weakly shook his head no.
"Then I suggest that the logical course of action would be to either
assert total control over your emotional condition or to attempt another
bonding with Lt. Zans."
Vorik looked up into Tuvok's face with barely contained astonishment.
Tuvok continued, " Speak to her of this matter until the two of you
can reach an amicable solution. Voyager can not afford to have two
officers emotionally crippled."
Tuvok punctuated this admonishment with an arching eyebrow.
Suddenly seized, first with hope, then fear, Vorik blurted out, " What
if she will not ever speak to me? What if we are never able to fuse our
bond? What if she wishes to engage in a human style relationship where
I am required...."
Vorik inwardly shuddered at the thought of having to put aside his
remoteness and emotional control while exchanging physical intimacies on
a regular basis. A touch of anxiety began to well inside him.
He was torn between his desire to fulfill his obligation to her, to them,
and his duty to
uphold Vulcan tradition.
Tuvok interrupted Vorik's anxious tirade. "You must do what is
necessary to resolve this conflict between the two of you. It is
my belief that if the bond between you never fuses, it should not be due
to lack of continued attempts. You may have to be more flexible in
your adherence of our traditions in order to accommodate her humanity."
Suddenly, Vorik could think clearly. The solution now seemed
so simple. Outwardly he suppressed the smile that was threatening
to break through.
"I understand fully." Vorik sensed as if Tuvok was giving him permission
to break with the traditions his father and mother had tried so earnestly
to instill into him. Since they had not shared a strong regard for
each other, they had believed their children would never be consumed with
passion for their mates either. Their family tradition had been one
of total lack of contact. Vorik grew up believing that all Vulcan
couples distanced themselves so. But Tuvok's encouragement revealed
to Vorik that the facts were otherwise.
Vorik slightly inclined his head and recited the Pyllora's formal concluding
and releasing statement with firm control. "I express my extreme
gratitude for your assistance in this matter."
"I am honored to have served, " Tuvok replied with equal formality.
Vorik purposefully strode over to the table. He picked up his
tea, now ice cold and drank it back quickly. As he replaced the delicate
cup on the tray, he nodded to Tuvok and strode to the door. He was
now certain of his course and he would not take no for an answer.
Vorik was infused with motivation. He was on his way to his beloved.
He would meld with her and she would know all that was in his heart.
Pride had interfered with what should be. The c'thia of the situation
was that he cherished her and was incomplete without her. He would
let nothing stand in his way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Morning After
Part Seven of Fourteen
**********************
They wanted the ceremony to be in private. Raven did not wish
the crew to see him in this shaky condition in a public ceremony on the
holodeck. His appearance was unnerving to say the least. They
had also wanted to keep everything quiet. No one knew of their intentions
to each other. It was only last night, that they had asked Tuvok
to officiate at the ceremony and requested that these friends witness their
declarations.
Captain Janeway was not asked to conduct a Federation marriage ceremony.
But there were legalities to observe, nevertheless. Tuvok had assembled
and brought to their ceremony the required "paperwork" to insure the legitimacy
of their union, both in the Vulcan and Federation courts. He stood
at the table, PADD in hand, awaiting them both to affix their marks to
the legal documents, documents which would bind them together in the eyes
of the law. Since he was performing an official ship's duty, Tuvok
was attired in his formal dress uniform: his long tunic over his best trousers.
Vorik's gaze panned around the room, he finally landed at the sight
of his intended. Once he spied her, he halted his approach.
His pale green robe fluttered around him as he stopped in his tracks.
Visibly relieved, he whispered to Tabor," she's here."
"I told you, " Tabor returned.
The Bajoran security officer watched with amusement as his normally
reserved Vulcan friend stared at the silhouette of a small, full form at
the lighted window. Tabor had to hold back a snicker as he watched
Vorik's eyes roam up and down her features.
Raven gave a slight nod and a heavy sigh of relief. Through the
throb of pulsing blood in his ears, Vorik still heard the rest of B'Elanna's
whispered offering. "You don't have to do this, you know. It
is going to be so difficult for you. I could barely handle it."
Raven turned to B'Elanna. "You don't understand. I want
to do this. I ...."
"All right, "The lovely Klingon gave a half smile. "Just remember
those moves I showed you this morning, if he gets too carried away."
They both shared a sisterly grin.
Tuvok announced formally, " Let us proceed." He stood beside
the traditional summoning gong and awaited the marriage party.
Raven seemed to glide over to where Vorik awaited her. Tabor
and B'Elanna took up their positions on either side of the couple.
Vorik stared at her intently. He drank her in, memorizing the
way she looked. She had swept her long hair up with an elaborate
pin and let a few tendrils droop at the nape of her neck. Her sheer
purple gown was layered over a form-fitting black suit. His pulse
quickened as he caught the scent of patchouli, a pungent but intoxicating
fragrance.
She looked approvingly at him as well. She tugged on his robe,
as if complimenting him on his choice.
He barely heard Tuvok's words, the incantations, which had remained
unchanged over millennia."From the time of the beginning. This is
the Vulcan heart, the Vulcan soul...."
Tuvok handed the quivering man the mallet. This was the moment
of truth.
"Apart but never parted." Vorik vowed as he brought her hand to his
lips and sensuously kissed each short finger.
In their fine raiment, the betrothed pair faced each other. The
crackle and sputtering of the flicking flames filled the quiet of the warm
dim room. With determination, Vorik lifted his other hand and reached
for her face. The excited young woman understood the invitation and
raised her shaky hand mirroring his gestures.
Vorik did not say anymore. The room disappeared as their eyes
closed at the joining. His mind was hit with a wave of her, in all
her love for him. He was overjoyed at his good fortune. They
shared these discoveries. Then she attempted to come closer to him,
but faltered. Vorik waited patiently and calmly for her. When
she didn't return, he sought her out.
Suddenly they were back in Vorik's quarters. Their minds were
no longer touching. The couple looked to each other in concern then
sought a possible explanation from Tuvok. In a concerned voice, Raven
asked both men, " I don't understand. We had no difficulty touching
minds last month."
Tuvok explained, " Mr. Vorik informed me of your successful melding.
But the bonding is different, more complex, and much deeper. You
are attempting to fuse your minds. Creating a telepathic connection
which is ever present and cannot be broken, except by death."
Raven was surprised by this differentiation. "Oh, I see." For
a moment her resolve wavered. The extent of the commitment she was
making with this man before her was becoming clear to her. Then in
a flash she made her decision. Yes, she would agree and welcome this.
She placed her other hand over Vorik's which was still clinging to hers
and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Tuvok noticed her gesture and encouraged, " Try again."
This time Vorik eagerly sought her out and found her. As he grasped
her, he felt her mental gasp. He held onto her tightly, resolving
not to let her slip away. He attempted to fuse their minds together.
Raven mentally smirked. <
<< Now is the time for this.>> Vorik invoked and her body let
out a sigh.
For nearly ten minutes, the pair remained telepathically linked.
Vorik utilized all his skills to form and complete the connection with
her mind, as well as enjoying the pleasures that only linked minds are
able to.
He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, " You should be feeling a fleeting
connection of some sort. Concentrate on it."
In anguish, Vorik asserted, "There is nothing."
Tuvok took in their disappointment. "At this time, there is nothing
I can do for you. I believe you should continue to meld frequently.
Perhaps together you can build some sort of bridge. A frequent merging
of your minds might result in a bond."
Raven looked up into Vorik's face and gently touched his cheek.
"We will keep trying."
Reassured by her touch, he turned from his anguish and disappointment
at the failure to bond. Instead, he concentrated on what they would
share this day and for subsequent nights.
Now Vorik realized how foolish he had been to solely concentrate on
the bond to sustain them. Now, it did not matter if they would never
truly be bonded as most of his people were to their mates. His parents
were bonded, but did not possess this?shan ha'lok.
He just wanted to be with her, to share their lives together.
If that meant he had to engage in physical intimacies with her at a frequency
level comfortable for humans, so be it. To quote
his human friends: That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.
He will just have to learn to endure.
End Part Seven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
