#Kollos x Reader

[deepspacedukat]

Compromise

This is it! The final installment of the SoC Challenge! 🥳 I know it's been a wild ride, but thank you so much to everyone who stuck with me through all this chaos! All of your encouragement and kind words have really been so uplifting, and I couldn't have made it through without you, my gentle readers!

So, a little context: this is an AU version of my OC, Kollos, when he was still a Minister of the High Command. This is not connected to any other story about him that I have written/will write. This is set in the ST:ENT part of the timeline prior to the incident with the Kir'Shara, and from what I gathered, there are somewhere between five and seven members of the High Command (four to six Ministers, plus one Administrator). That number could be incorrect, but from watching the show/scrolling through Memory Alpha casting info, this was the impression given. Anyway, enjoy this final installment of the 2023 SoC! Thanks for dropping by!

Day 31: Free Choice - Multiple Orgasms, Creampie, Facial, Come Swallowing

SoC prompt list here. SoC Masterlist here. Cross-posted to AO3 here.

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Entire Vulcan High Command (ENT Era) x Reader, Administrator V'Las (ST:ENT) x Reader, Minister Kuvak (ST:ENT) x Reader, Minister Kollos (OC) x Reader, Other Unnamed High Command Ministers x Reader

[A/N: This is smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Everything is consensual!!!! Interspecies sex, Human/Vulcan sex, oral sex (male receiving), voyeurism, masturbation, spit-roasting, multiple orgasms, creampie, come swallowing, facial, Vulcans becoming aroused in a completely logical manner.

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Apprenticeships like this were practically unheard of. A Human student being allowed to train under a Vulcan scientist at the most prestigious academy on all of Vulcan was a first. I could hardly believe that out of all the applicants for the position, I'd been one of the three selected for this honor.

For two years, I lived and worked at the Vulcan Science Academy. T'Van, the Professor with whom I'd been studying and working, had been reluctant to participate in the program when he found out that he'd be paired with a Human student. As time passed, however, I'd proven myself to be intelligent and dedicated to my work.

T'Van pulled me aside a couple of months before I was scheduled to return to Earth to express his concerns.

"I cannot offer you an extension myself. However, I will encourage you wholeheartedly to request one from the Academy's Board of Directors. It would be...inconvenient to train a new apprentice," T'Van murmured, and I couldn't stop a small smile from stretching my lips.

"You can admit that you'd miss me, y'know. There's no harm in finding the absence of another being displeasing, especially one you've come to think of as a friend." He lifted an eyebrow at my insinuation, and to my surprise, he nodded his head.

"It would be...logical...to assume that your absence would be disconcerting. I have become accustomed to you," he admitted as he practically shoved a data PADD under my nose. "This is the correct set of forms required to request an extension. I have already affixed my signature in the appropriate places and taken the liberty of setting an appointment for you with the Board tomorrow morning."

"T'Van–"

"As you are only scheduled to be here for another two months, I trust I needn't remind you that time is of the essence." With that, he swept from his office, leaving me to ponder what exactly I needed to say to persuade the Academy's Directors that I deserved to stay.

--

The next morning came both too quickly and not quickly enough for my tastes. I said my piece with as much eloquence as I could muster, hoping that I'd done well enough to avoid an immediate rejection.

"You have some interesting theories, t'sai, and your accomplishments are not in question. However," the Vulcan in the middle of the group steepled his fingers as he spoke, "we do not have the authority to grant you an extension in this instance. Our receptionist will provide you with the correct set of forms that you will require to present your request to those whose authority exceeds our own. Should you be successful, the Vulcan Science Academy will be agreeable to your continued presence. Live long and prosper, t'sai."

The next group of officials I spoke with responded in nearly the exact same way, acknowledging my accomplishments, giving their apologies, and shunting me off to the department above theirs to become someone else's problem. After three more such instances, I was quite used to the placating words and abrupt dismissals that punctuated each of these meetings.

As my quest for an extension continued, I found more and more people looking at me in the hallways of the Academy. I had been an interesting sight to the Vulcan students and professors before given that I was a different species, but the day before my final meeting nearly two weeks later, I caught a phrase that made my eyes widen.

"...believe her next appeal will be to the High Command," a Vulcan woman said to her companion as T'Van and I walked through the hall to his office.

As soon as the door was closed behind us, I blurted my thoughts in a panic.

"What did that woman mean about the High Command?"

T'Van looked up from his desk with a raised eyebrow.

"You have exhausted all other bodies of authority. Your next appointment to request an extension is with the council of the High Command tomorrow. Were you unaware?"

After the professor's casual statement, the rest of the day was a blur. Right up until I got into the elevator in the building that housed the High Command's office, I felt a sort of detached calm as though it wasn't really me who was going to be speaking with the heads of the Vulcan government.

"You're the woman who's requesting an extension, right?" I turned to find a perky, blond woman standing next to me in the elevator. She was clearly Human, like me, and I felt a dim sort of comfort.

"Yes, but how did you...?"

"I work as a secretary to Ministers Kuvak and Kollos. My own assignment was supposed to be temporary, but here we are," she said waving a hand airily. "May I make a suggestion?"

I nodded my head, and she pulled a small bottle from the pocket of her robe.

"None of the Ministers are in happy marriages. They were all arranged for political gain or social status by their parents. Your best bet for getting that extension would be an appeal to their pride...and a little flirtation. A spritz or two of this pheromone enhancer wouldn't hurt, either," she said. "They're a tough room, but the few times I've seen them interacting with women who aren't their wives...well, let's just say they were much more agreeable with a little ego-stroking."

I accepted the spritz of seemingly-odorless liquid, and as the door opened to our floor, I couldn't help but let my curiosity rule my tongue.

"Thank you. I'm grateful, really, but why are you doing this?" I asked quietly as we walked down the long hallway toward a pair of thick double doors.

"Because, I know what it's like to deal with this planet's bureaucracy. It's a pain in the ass, and when we spoke to set up your appointment, I couldn't help but notice that you sounded a bit frazzled," she murmured as the doors hissed open.

There were a few desks in this space, two of which were currently occupied. A third stood empty to one side of the room, and it seemed to be my companion's destination. Not exactly knowing where to go, I opted to follow her. Setting my stack of PADDs down on an empty corner, I allowed myself a short pause to gather my thoughts and my courage.

Admittedly, the thought of flirting with the Ministers to better my chances had crossed my mind - Vulcans were quite attractive - but before Jana suggested it, I had dismissed that as a possible solution. Surely people in such important positions would be even more stoic and disgusted by such blatant attention?

"Alright, the Ministers are ready for you now. Good luck." How long had I been standing there lost in thought? Mentally shaking away my nerves, I strode to the door leading to the council chamber and watched as it slid open before me.

"Come in, t'sai," a surprisingly warm voice called from the center of the large room that lay before me. A tall, broad Vulcan man with graying hair stood behind a long, highly-polished desk. I recognized him as Minister Kollos from the rather hurried research I'd done the night before.

He took his seat along with the other four Vulcans, only two of whom I recognized. Administrator V'Las, a harsh-looking Vulcan sat dead center, and to his other side was Minister Kuvak. The two younger Vulcans flanking the two ends of the desk were a mystery, though. I remembered their faces, but I couldn't quite put names to those faces.

"We have convened to hear your appeal for an extension of the duration of your apprenticeship with Osu T'Van at the Vulcan Science Academy," Administrator V'Las called as he folded his hands in front of him. "You may begin when ready."

Taking a deep breath as I walked farther into the room, I launched into the speech I'd given repeatedly over the past two weeks. handing each of them a data PADD with the relevant information as I spoke, I made my statement as quickly and concisely as possible.

"Your accomplishments cannot be denied, but forgive me...it sounds as though you have rehearsed this several times," Kuvak said with a hint of amusement sparkling in his eyes.

"Ah, that would be the result of having given that speech to five groups before you. Administrator, Ministers, I was hoping that, given your combined wisdom and logic, this little request of mine could be sorted out rather easily," I said giving the most attentive of them all, Kollos, a small, hopeful smile. "You are my last hope. Surely there's a way we can resolve this situation today...?"

Truthfully, I was probably being a little too obvious with my praise, but in my social encounters with Vulcans, I found that it was sometimes necessary to lay it on a bit thicker than normal. I could have been imagining things, but I could have sworn that a faint, green blush was rising in his cheeks and the tips of his ears.

"T'sai, we have already heard and denied the appeals of both the other candidates from your selection pool," Administrator V'Las intoned from his seat at the center of the long table. His cold, steely blue eyes watched dispassionately as I took a steadying breath. "What makes you believe that we should rule differently in regards to your case?"

Okay. Okay, not all hope was lost. The other two apprentices were men. I was familiar with them and their unfortunate personalities. They likely came in here brimming with arrogance and puffed-up theories which had no logical basis. They likely assumed that they would be granted the extension they sought once the Ministers recognized their brilliance. I needed to use a different tactic.

"I have no logical reason to believe that I deserve to stay more than the others. I do, however, believe that this council is wise enough to distinguish between a theory concocted of assumptions and one based on solid research. Each of you gentlemen has an achievement-filled career prior to your current appointment. To accomplish everything that you have and also serve your people in so selfless a manner...I must admit that I admire your dedication," I stated, allowing my eyes to skim over each in turn. Minister Kuvak looked practically stunned. "I only hope that one day, I will be able to say that I attained even a fraction of your success, and I firmly believe that my continued apprenticeship with Osu T'Van will be instrumental in giving me the best chance at accomplishing that lofty goal."

There was silence for a long, tense moment, then came the rustling of fabric. Minister Kollos stood and made his way around the polished wooden table, pausing only a few feet in front of me. How was one man that broad? His robes were clearly tailored to hug his figure closely, but really, the further reminder of how much he towered over me made my breath hitch.

"You present a convincing argument, t'sai," he said in a voice as deep and smooth as top-shelf whiskey. "We will deliberate and inform you tomorrow of our decision."

Wait, it was over already? Throwing caution to the wind, I took a few slow steps closer to him and bit my lower lip.

"Thank you for your consideration, osu, but...is there anything more that I could do to convince you to decide in my favor?" I asked looking up at him and batting my eyelashes as my fingertips brushed lightly over the back of one of his hands. Kollos's eyes widened, but he didn't protest or move away. His jaw clenched, and his gaze darkened significantly. "Anything at all...?"

"T'sai...you needn't feel pressured to take such actions," Kollos stated, but he didn't move away. The other Ministers likely had a good view of how scandalously I was touching a member of the Vulcan government.

"We would likely rule in your favor regardless of your personal persuasion," Kuvak called, but despite the concern on his face, there was hunger lingering in his gaze, as well.

"If she feels the need to seduce us to make certain of our decision, who are we to stop her? Proceed, if you wish." Administrator V'Las posited as he leaned back in his chair. Minister Kollos's free hand turned my head back toward him and he looked somberly into my eyes.

"You don't have to do this." His voice was barely above a whisper, but the vehemence in his voice made up my mind for me. The two younger Ministers who sat at either end of the long table seemed to have no opinion on the matter, choosing instead to defer to the wisdom of the three more experienced members of the High Command.

"I want to, osu," I replied firmly, and in a flash, Kollos had spun me around, pressed my back against his front, and curled his fingers with mine.

"Are you quite certain that you know what you are doing?" Kuvak called as he shifted in his seat. "Humans are fragile–"

Kollos's warm breath caressed my neck, and a quiet moan escaped me. Any further protests Kuvak might have had were silenced and replaced with slow, hungry exhales.

I vaguely noted one of the younger Ministers ordering the whole council's schedule cleared for the next two hours.

"Is this what you originally planned to do when you made this appointment with us, girl?" V'Las called as he stood and made his way over to us. I couldn't bring myself to answer. Kollos's hands had already begun to wander, divesting me of my robes and exploring my curves as his colleagues watched. "Look at me."

Opening my eyes - I hadn't even realized that I'd closed them - I found the head of Vulcan High Command breathing heavily and palming the growing bulge in the front of his robes. Once I was fully nude between them, V'Las freed his erection and guided one of my hands to grasp him.

"Make yourself useful, then," he growled, and I looked up at him as innocently as I could.

"Wouldn't you prefer my mouth?" Both men let out a groan, and soon I was speared between them. The broad-shouldered Minister Kollos thrust into me from behind, grasping my hips tightly so I wouldn't fall, and Administrator V'Las grasped my hair, pushing himself farther and farther into my throat.

Moaning around the lok in my mouth, I fell apart when Minister Kollos rubbed my clit in quick, deliberate circles. V'Las practically shouted his release moments later, shoving himself deeper in my throat as he came.

When he finally pulled away, Kuvak appeared before me looking both concerned and aroused.

"Are you alright?" He murmured, but instead of answering, I pressed a soft kiss over his own clothed erection. After a split second's indecision, he began fumbling to free himself. Grasping his hand as I took him into my mouth, I relished the skill in Minister Kollos's fingers.

He brought me to orgasm twice more before he spilled himself. Kuvak came a moment after him, and I swallowed his pleasure. The sound of hurried footsteps made me open my eyes. The two youngest Ministers, who had until a moment before been stroking their lengths to the show before them, now stood in Kuvak's place and groaned as erupted.

Hot ropes of their come splattered across my cheeks, and after a few quiet murmurs of gratitude, it was over. Kollos helped me to my feet, handing me a cloth to clean my face. I was attempting to replace my clothing in some semblance of the order it had been in prior to our tryst when V'Las spoke.

"T'sai, I think I speak for all of us when I say that should you need any other requests granted in future, you need only come to us and we shall ensure that you are not refused," he paused, "assuming that we have more sessions like today's, of course."

Kollos laid his hand lightly on my shoulder.

"You are not obligated to agree to that. We would grant your requests whether or not we repeat today's activities," he said with a glance of reproach at the Administrator.

"And you will receive your official extension notice this evening," one of the two younger Ministers called.

"I appreciate your concern, Ministers, but I'd be more than happy to come back do this again," I replied. They all seemed rather pleased to hear that.

As I made my way back toward the elevator, a familiar head of blond hair appeared next to me. Jana looked like the cat who got the canary. Clearly she'd guessed what happened.

"I'm just going to assume you're getting that extension. So...knowing how much the Ministers appreciate a steady routine, should I set up an appointment for the same time next week?"

~*~*~

Vulcan Words:

t'sai = lady (title)

osu = sir (title)

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Taglist:

@akamitrani @android-boyfriends @attention-bajoranworkers @bigblissandlove1 @darkmattervibes @emilie786 @horta-in-charge @live-logs-and-proper @slutty-slutty-vulcans @starrynightgardens @toebeans-mcgee

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 3) Chapter One

Spock x Empath! Reader

Chapter One: Sublime Sight

Summary: Ambassador Kollos arrives on the Enterprise and brings an unusual woman with him.

Mouse Note: Welcome to Logos and Pathos Book 3! I'm happy to have everyone from the past two books back, and welcome to anyone new to the series! I'm really excited to share with you all since we actually have Spock and MC together and dating! So, comment your thoughts down below (it makes my day and I love responding), and have a great time!

            Captain’s Log: We have been assigned to convey the Medusans’ Ambassador to the Federation back to their home planet. While the thoughts of the Medusans are the most sublime in the galaxy, their physical appearance is the exact opposite. They have evolved into a race of beings who are formless, so utterly hideous that the sight of a Medusan brings total madness to any humanoid who sees one.

            (Y/N) stood beside Spock, Scotty, and Kirk as they activated the transporter. They stood straight, eager to work with the Ambassador of Medusa since they were known for their minds, so hopefully, communication would be easy and the trip would go well.

            Sensing their thoughts, Spock reached out and brushed his fingers along the back of their hand affectionately. (Y/N) glanced up at the light Vulcan kiss and smiled at him.

            A man appeared in the transporter beam and stepped out. Kirk smiled and held out his hand.

            “Mr. Larry Marvick,” he greeted. “I’m James Kirk, the Captain.”

            “Captain, what are you doing here?” asked Marvick. “You’ll have to leave before the Medusan Ambassador arrives.”

            “We were simply ensuring everything was ready for the Ambassador,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            Kirk nodded and gestured to his team. “This is (L/N), my Negotiations and Communications officer. Then that’s Spock, my First Officer.”

            “Oh, the Celian and the Vulcan,” acknowledged Marvick. “I know your psychic blocks should be fine, especially with the visor, but Captain Kirk and the transport officer….”

            Scotty smiled. “Montgomery Scott, Chief Engineer. Call me Scotty.”

            Marvick nodded before looking back at (Y/N) and Spock. “Do you have the visors? You must be sure to wear them. Humanoids who get even a glimpse of the Medusans have gone insane.”

            “Thank you, Mr. Marvick. I shall be wearing the visor,” said Spock.

            “As will I,” said (Y/N).

            Kirk smiled. “Well, we shouldn’t keep the Ambassador waiting. If you’ll go with Mr. Scott, Mr. Marvick, I’m sure the two of you will have a great deal in common.”

            “Aye, indeed,” said Scotty, escorting Marvick out.

            “Lieutenant Uhura, open a communication channel to the Transporter Control Center on the planet,” said Kirk across the comms.

            “Aye, sir,” said Uhura.

            “This is Captain Kirk. Inform the Ambassador and Dr. Jones we’re ready to beam them aboard. Kirk out.” He switched off the comms and held up one of the visors. “Are you sure these things will work?”

            “It has proved effective for Vulcans and Celians,” confirmed Spock, taking it from Kirk as (Y/N) picked up the other. He had been very careful to check the studies before agreeing to use the visor as he refused to put (Y/N) (and himself, but mostly them) in any dangerous situations that could be avoided.

            “It’s your human half we’re worried about,” said (Y/N), frowning and glancing worriedly at Spock.

            “I shall endeavor to keep it under control,” said Spock.

            (Y/N) smiled at him and hugged his arm affectionately. “If you have any troubles, I can use my empathy to cast a mental shield around you. That should be enough.”

            Spock looked at them with warmth in his eyes. “That should be helpful, yes.”

            Kirk smiled to himself at the finally open affection between the pair (especially by Vulcan standards). “Let me know when transport is complete.”

            “Yes, Captain,” said (Y/N), putting on the visor beside Spock.

            Alone in the transporter room, they nodded to one another. Spock fiddled with the controls before activating the transporter. Through the visor’s film, (Y/N) watched as two forms appeared on the Enterprise. A woman in a visor and a dress covered by a star-jeweled cloak stood beside a box. Both the woman, Dr. Jones, and the box, Ambassador Kollos, radiated strong emotions. The ambassador in particular, containing Kollos to avoid being seen, had intricate emotions that reached out kindly to (Y/N). They understood at once—Dr. Jones was telepathic, so Kollos knew how to communicate with psychics.

            “Welcome aboard, Ambassador Kollos, Dr. Jones,” greeted (Y/N), smiling. “I am Lieutenant (L/N), and this is Commander Spock.”

            Dr. Jones smiled. “The Ambassador is most honored to meet you, Mr. Spock, Mr. (L/N).”

            Kollos’s aura of emotions hummed in a clear agreement. (Y/N) glanced between Jones and Kollos’s container and smiled. Hopefully, that would ease the transport process since there would be an easy way to communicate both with words and (Y/N)’s own empathy.

            “We must properly close the container with advanced locks so no incidents occur,” said Spock, picking up a locking device.

            “Very well, he understands,” said Jones evenly.

            Spock and (Y/N) locked up the container of Kollos in order to make sure there could be no accidents with it opening before reporting to Kirk the Transporter Room was secure.

            “Captain, we’re ready,” said (Y/N), leaning across Spock to speak.

            Spock’s hand rested on them to keep them from toppling over as they straightened. He would never be into PDA in the human sense, but being able to freely touch or acknowledge to (Y/N) privately that he loved them was very important to him. After so long believing they’d never care for him in the same way, Spock adored being able to show his devotion to them.

            (Y/N) smiled at his and touched his hand before going back to their job. They, too, liked being able to show their affection. Celians were physically affectionate, so to finally be able to touch Spock without fearing it would be stepping over his boundaries was perfect for them. (Y/N) was still careful to allow Spock to remain professional to the degree he preferred, but the couple had communicated plenty of times to ensure neither stepped over any boundaries and they both had their emotional needs met, so both were happy with where they were.

            “This is Captain Kirk to all ship’s personnel,” said Kirk across the ship’s channel. “Clearance plans now in effect. Clear passageways immediately. The Ambassador will be escorted to his quarters at once.”

            After a moment, Spock and (Y/N) lifted up the container as Jones walked beside them through the halls.

            “Dr. Jones, may I congratulate you on your assignment with Ambassador Kollos,” said Spock.

            A light smile appeared on Jones’s face. “Thank you. But the assignment’s not yet definite. It will depend upon my ability to achieve a true mind-link with the Ambassador.”

            “I am sure you will find it a fascinating experience,” said Spock.

            “I was not aware than anyone has performed a successful mind-link with the Medusans,” said Jones.

            “No one ever has,” said Spock. “I was referring to mind-links I had attempted with members of other species.” His eyes drifted to (Y/N) for a moment.

            Neither had brought up bonding psychically as it was many psychic species’ equivalent of human marriage, but Spock would be lying if he hadn’t contemplated it. Whether it be during the unfortunate incident of the extreme emotions epidemic through the Enterprise, the creatures on Deneva that had pained Spock, or his Pon Farr, (Y/N) had saved him from pain and emotions by connecting to his mind multiple times.

            And Spock liked it. (Y/N)’s psychic aura was warm and comforting, always gentle and respectful with him. So Spock had thought about a proper bonding multiple times, but he was unsure of how they felt, so he hadn’t brought it up. Hopefully, one day…

            “I have heard, Mr. Spock,” continued Jones, breaking off his thoughts. “That you turned down the assignment with the Ambassador.”

            “You did?” asked (Y/N) in surprise.

            “I was unable to accept. My life is here,” said Spock, staring intently at (Y/N) in a promise that he wouldn’t leave them. They turned pink and smiled back.

            The pair walked Kollos in his container into his room, and Jones entered behind them.

            (Y/N) pressed the radio button and spoke. “(L/N) to Bridge. We have arrived at the Ambassador’s quarters.”

            “Thank you, (L/N),” replied Kirk.

            Spock turned to Jones. “I would appreciate an opportunity to exchange greetings with the Ambassador.”

            (Y/N) blinked before shrugging. That was their boyfriend, jumping into danger for “research” and “knowledge.” “I would, as well.” At least we’d be insane together if anything goes wrong with our visors.

            “I’m sure the Ambassador would be charmed,” said Jones.

            Spock and (Y/N) stood before the container, and it opened to reveal a green light and the Medusan within. With their glasses it was bearable, but the actual sight was indescribable. Vulcan stoicism protected Spock, and (Y/N)’s empathy allowed them to see the positive emotions flying from Kollos to counteract the hideous appearance. Still, it was quite something.

            Jones didn’t react at all, simply standing still beside them until the container closed once more.

            “I almost envy you your assignment,” said Spock.

            “Your mind says you are tempted to take my place,” said Jones.

            Spock raised an eyebrow. “Not correct, Doctor. There is far too much for me here. But I am aware of your mind attempting to contact mine.”

            “Were you born a telepath?” asked (Y/N). They frowned slightly as they sensed the envy crawl across their skin from Jones as Jones failed to read their and Spock’s mind after looking at Kollos. It was odd.

            “Yes,” said Jones. “That is why I studied on Vulcan. The Celians attempted to instruct me, but the many voices…I handle the information better focused, carefully protected like the Vulcans.”

            (Y/N) nodded in understanding. They, too, had experienced overstimulation due to their abilities on many occasions. It had taken years of practice to learn to adapt and work around wild emotions running around them.

            “May we show you to your quarters?” asked (Y/N).

            “I think I’ll stay here a bit,” said Jones. “Ambassador Kollos often finds the process of transport somewhat unsettling.”

            “I understand,” said (Y/N).

            “Our ship’s surgeon often makes the same complaint,” added Spock.

            (Y/N) smothered a chuckle. Bones was infamous for hating transport. “Call when you’re ready,” said (Y/N) before they and Spock left the room.

            “So,” they began as they walked, “You were offered the job to accompany Ambassador Kollos?”

            Spock nodded. “Yes. Due to my self-control as a Vulcan and experience with varied life forms after my time on the Enterprise, I was considered a candidate. But I never considering acquiescing.”

            “Really?” asked (Y/N).

            Spock reached out and touched two fingers to (Y/N)’s. “I told Dr. Jones the truth. There are things I am unwilling to leave.”

            “Spock…” (Y/N)’s voice was soft as they smiled at him. They leaned up and kissed him for a moment. “I love you, too.”

            Spock let a small smile appear on his face. He would never leave (Y/N). He would never even consider it.

l

            “Tell me, Dr. Jones, why isn’t it dangerous for you to be with Kollos?” asked Kirk as he, various officers, and Jones sat at dinner together in honor of the Ambassador’s arrival. “Spock, I can understand.”

            “Why, thank you, Captain,” said Spock.

            “Only one person I know leaves an impression on him,” continued Kirk, teasing Spock, “and they can see emotions that counteract people’s outward appearances.”

            (Y/N) shrugged. “I can see more than just looks.”

            “But as I understand it, no human can look at Kollos, even with a visor, without going mad,” said Kirk. “How do you manage?”

            “I spent four years on Vulcan, studying their mental discipline,” said Jones.

            (Y/N) tilted their head. Something else lay in her emotions. There was more to it, but as there was nothing nefarious, (Y/N) let it go. People had privacy they respected.

            “You poor girl,” said Bones.

            “On the contrary, Doctor,” said Spock. “I would say that Dr. Jones was, indeed, fortunate.”

            “Vulcan is not my idea of fun,” said Bones.

            “Joy can be many things, Doctor. I learned to do things impossible to learn anywhere else,” said Jones.

            “To read mines?” asked Kirk playfully.

            “How not to read them,” said Jones.

            “I don’t understand,” said Kirk.

            “Psychics can experience information overloads when they’re still learning to control their abilities, Captain,” said (Y/N). They smiled at Jones. “I myself had many moments of sensing too many emotions are once. It takes training to control your abilities.”

            Jones nodded, and a warmth of emotion radiated from her, grateful that someone else understood. “Vulcan was necessary to my sanity.”

            Spock nodded. “What many people generally find impossible to understand is the need to shut out the bedlam of other people’s thoughts or emotions.”

            “Or of their own thoughts and emotions…” murmured Jones.

            Smoky grey floated around her dejectedly, and (Y/N)’s eyes softened.

            Jones cleared her throats and nodded at Spock. “You know, I was just noticing your Vulcan IDIC, Mr. Spock. Is it a reminder that as a Vulcan you can mind-link with the Medusans fare better than I could?”

            (Y/N) blinked at the envy crawling over their skin from Jones once more. It was strange, but Jones clearly had some deep insecurities surrounding her abilities and position with the Ambassador.

            “I doubt that Spock would wear the most revered Vulcan symbol just to be showy,” said (Y/N), keeping their voice light and friendly.

            “As a matter of fact, I wear it to honor your achievements, Doctor,” said Spock.

            “Indeed,” said Jones, unconvinced.

            “Yes, very interesting. I might even say ‘fascinating,’ ” teased Kirk. “But back to your mission. Doctor, do you feel any way may be found to employ Medusan navigators on starships?”

            “It would certainly solve many of our navigational problems,” said Jones. “Well, the key is the mind-link I learn on Vulcan and also studied on Celia. Now once we have learned the technique of forming corporate intelligence with the Medusans, the designers—that’s where Larry comes in—can work on adapting instruments.”

            “I don’t care how benevolent the Medusans are supposed to be,” said Bones. “Isn’t it suicidal to deal with something ugly enough to drive a man mad? Why do you do it?”

            “I see, Dr. McCoy, that you still subscribe to the outmoded notion, promulgated by your ancient Greeks, that what is good must also be beautiful,” said Spock.

            “And the reverse, of course, that what is beautiful is automatically expected to be good,” said Marvick, somewhat bitterly.

            (Y/N) narrowed their eyes as pinpricks of aggression and envy started at their skin.

            “Yes, I think some of us are attracted by beauty and repelled by ugliness—one of the last of our prejudices,” said Kirk. “At the risk of sounding prejudiced, gentlemen, here’s to beauty.” He raised a toast.

            “Here, here,” said the table, with Spock looking right at (Y/N) as they smiled at him.

            Jones gazed at them, and the pinpricks of envy started up again. All of a sudden, Jones’s emotions turned to chilling fear, and at the same moment, dark anger radiated over (Y/N) as well. The two froze, and Kirk, Bones, and Spock were instantly on edge. Kirk reached out to Jones, and Spock put a hand on (Y/N)’s waist to support them.

            “What is it?” he asked.

            “Anger. So much of it,” murmured (Y/N), shaking their head as the heat cleared.

            “There’s somebody nearby thinking of murder,” said Jones.

            “In this room?” asked Kirk.

            “It’s gone now,” said (Y/N), and Jones nodded in confirmation.

            “Who is it? Can you tell?” asked Kirk.

            “It isn’t there anymore. It was just a moment,” said Jones.

            Spock’s grip on (Y/N) tightened protectively, and their hand covered his to comfort him.

            “I’m alright,” they murmured. “It was just surprising.”

            Spock nodded, but he didn’t let go of them.

            “Captain, would you mind if I said goodnight?” asked Jones, getting to her feet as she composed herself.

            “Of course,” said Kirk.

            “Please stay and enjoy yourselves,” said Jones. “It was a delightful dinner.” She nodded to everywhere before leaving.

            “Are you sure you’re alright on your own?” asked (Y/N), familiar with the shock of sudden psychic readings.

            “I am,” said Jones, swishing out the door in her gown.

            “Now, where I come from, that’s what we call a lady,” said Bones.

            “I suggest you treat her accordingly,” said Marvick coldly.

            His envy grew on (Y/N)’s skin. Someone’s insecure and wants Jones’s attention.

            “I’ve known Dr. Jones long enough to be aware of her remarkable gifts. Well, it’s been a long day for me.” He walked to the door before anyone could say more.

            “Larry, would you like to stop off in Engineering with me?” asked Scotty jovially. “I have a few things to check and a bottle of scotch.”

            “Some other time,” said Marvick, declining the offer and leaving the room, leaving just the Enterprise officers.

            “I think I’ll head to rest, too. I’ll let you know if I sense anything else, Captain,” said (Y/N).

            “Thank you, (L/N),” said Kirk.

            “I’ll escort you,” said Spock, remaining close as they stood.

            Bones snorted and looked pointedly at Spock’s hands on (Y/N). “Yeah, I bet you will.”

            Spock didn’t dignify the insinuation with a response, though the tips of his ears did turn green.

Taglist:

@a-ofzest

@grippleback-galaxy

@genderfluid-anime-goth

@groovy-lady

@im-making-an-effort

@unending-screaming

@h-l-vlovesvintage

@neenieweenie

@keylimeconstellation

@wormwig

[deepspacedukat]

Icing

I’m actually really nervous about this one! I didn’t intend for a challenge fic to be the way I debuted Kollos on his own, but here we are! I did the same thing with Jorik, and that turned out alright. ANYWAY. This is the first time Kollos has taken center stage, so I hope you’ll all enjoy my mature Pointy Boi’s debut! 💖 It should be stated up front that this is an AU of his multi-chapter fic (that I haven’t posted yet 😅) which will be Kollos x OFC. This was just an experiment, albeit a fun one! Anyway, enjoy!

Day 11: Cinnamon Bun (coming on a pregnant belly)

SoC prompt list here. SoC Masterlist here. Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Kollos (OC) x Reader

[A/N: This is smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Interspecies sex, Human/Vulcan sex, dirty talk, breeding kink, pregnancy kink, possessive language, cinnamon bun, coming on a pregnant belly, oral sex (female receiving).

~*~

“Adun, please, I need you.” The plea came from far above his seeking lips, but he wouldn’t be swayed. Not just yet.

“You’ll have me, ashaya. Be patient just a few moments more,” Kollos replied as his unrelentingly slow kisses up her thighs stirred his wife into a desperate fog.

Through their bond, he could feel her affection for him mingling seamlessly with her desire. He was fortunate enough to have a mate with a sex drive that was a match for his own, and she was even more amorous now that she was carrying his child. It was his responsibility and honor to attend to her pleasure, especially during this time.

Reaching up, Kollos carefully caressed his wife’s swollen belly, moaning hungrily against the soft skin of her upper thigh. She’d already come twice while riding his face, but he intended to give her much more than that.

The former minister slid out from beneath her and helped her lay on her back, making sure she was properly supported and comfortable. She was a vision spread open for him like this. Surrounded and luxuriating in a veritable pile of pillows atop their bed, Kollos’s heavily pregnant wife reached her arms out for her husband. He grasped one of her hands as he knelt between her spread legs, looking down at her in awe.

He would never get used to this. When his ex-wife was pregnant, he hadn’t been allowed to explore the primal urges that swirled within him. Their marriage was no more than a political alliance between their families. The intimacy they had shared was no more than perfunctory performance of a perceived duty - to have a productive union and appear to be a true family. Despite their marriage, they had never completely confided in one another. Outside of Kollos’s instances of pon farr and the conception of their child, there was almost no intimate contact between them. Such an exploration of what it meant to have a pregnant mate would not have been welcome.

He could indulge those particular urges now, though. The desire to hold his lover, to feel the life they had created together growing within her, to prove that he was a worthy mate by tending to her pleasure throughout her pregnancy and beyond...she had made it clear that she was open to all of that and more. This second marriage was a love match. Kollos and his new wife were undeniably compatible, both physically and mentally. The necessary attraction had been there from the beginning, and now he could truly experience what a marriage should be.

“Look at you. You are already full of me, yet still you beg for me to fuck you,” he crooned. A fierce possessiveness roared within him as the tip of his lok brushed through her soaked folds, prompting him to lift her legs carefully in his grasp. He probed their bond to check that she wasn’t in any discomfort, and when none could be found, he began pushing relentlessly forward, splitting her open on his length. “My beautiful, accommodating wife. You take me so well.”

“Kollos, p-please,” she called out, covering his hands with hers where they gripped her thighs. “Please...Please, I need you!”

“You have me.” His promise was accompanied by his lips on her one of her calves. The soft, tight warmth of his mate around him made Kollos groan as he began moving in slow, deliberate thrusts. Bracing her legs on his broad chest, he reached between her legs and gradually began stirring her passion further with swirling circles over her clit. “You will always have me.”

Her fingernails dug into his skin as she clung to him, and Kollos let out a deep, rumbling growl as he began to lose his composure. Leaning into this sort of savage desire meant that he’d have to spend a little longer meditating tonight, but that was a sacrifice he was more than willing to make if this lovemaking brought his spouse pleasure. It was the least he could do to make sure that she was comfortable and satisfied while she was carrying their child.

He’d promised when they were married that she would want for nothing, and to date, he was proud to be able to say that he had kept that promise. He had demonstrated himself to be a capable provider, and he was happy to continue to do so for her. She deserved the best, after all, and although he was no longer a member of the Vulcan High Command, he still wished to give his mate the best life possible - that included as many orgasms as she could ever desire.

As she cried out for the third and fourth times that night, Kollos felt his own end approaching. Close to completely unhinged with desire, he coaxed her through a fifth peak and pulled out. Standing quickly on the bed, he fisted his lok, roaring as his pleasure gushed through his fingers and splattered on his wife’s stomach. His seed dripped down the sides of her rounded belly while he moaned above her.

Mine. Mine, mine, mine! The word repeated over and over like a drumbeat in his head, his heart, and even in the core of his katra. Easing himself back down onto the bed beside his wife, he found his lips immediately claimed by hers.

He still had to clean his spend off of her, and soon a desire that began somewhere in the post-orgasmic haze thrummed between them until they were both ravenous with desire yet again: his tongue would make a suitable and efficient tool to do the job.

Kollos was more than happy to fulfill that desire.

~*~*~

Vulcan Words:

Adun = husband

ashaya = beloved

~*~

Taglist:

@android-boyfriends @attention-bajoranworkers @bigblissandlove1 @darkmattervibes @emilie786 @horta-in-charge @live-logs-and-proper @slutty-slutty-vulcans @starrynightgardens @toebeans-mcgee

[deepspacedukat]

From Never To Always

Welcome to the second installment of the Dark!Tales Halloween Series in collaboration with @bigblissandlove1!

This nearly 10k word oneshot is centered around a dark version of my Vulcan OC, Kollos. It's set in the Mirror Universe (but this isn't necessarily how I see the actual Mirror!Kollos behaving - it's complicated), so the usual warnings for mirror universe bigotry and violence apply. The Mirror Universe is a warning in itself, so do be aware and keep that in mind as the story progresses. This version of Kollos has had it rough. He's angry, he has killed, and he will do so again, but he's sexy, so it's fine...because fiction. 🤷‍♀️ Anyway, enjoy!

Cross-posted to AO3 here. Find the rest of the Halloween Dark!Tales Halloween Series on AO3 here.

~*~

Dark!Kollos (OC) x Reader

[A/N: This is smut adjacent and includes mature themes, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Implied interspecies sex, implied Human/Vulcan sex, sexual fantasizing, brief masturbation, hungry gazes, canon-typical violence, enemies to lovers, pining, mutual pining (even if Kollos doesn't realize it in any universe), angst, threats, Kollos denying his own feelings, mild bigotry, the mirror universe and all its horrors, agony booth is mentioned but not used, Kollos is a vengeful freedom fighter in this AU so take that how you will, mentions of blood, injuries, decapitation, all smut/implied smut is consensual.

~*~

Staring at the viewscreen of their stolen Terran warship, Kollos polished the blade end of his lirpa. The arced metal had several scratches and marks down its length, but it had served him faithfully for many decades. He had longed to go down to the surface of this remote planet for today's attack, but he owed his second in command a turn on a landing team.

Besides, there would be nobody left to fight. Their orbital bombardment would've left little more than ashes and ruins in their wake. Muroc enjoyed looting more than he did hand-to-hand combat, anyway, so the choice to send him was a logical one. They'd expended a small number of their stolen ship's torpedoes in today's impressive display of efficient annihilation. No doubt, this would send yet another message to the Terran Empire that Vulcans could and would have their freedom. It was simply a matter of time...and blood.

"Osu, we have captured a survivor," a voice called over the comms. He recognized it immediately as Muroc's. The younger man sounded as confused as he felt.

"...Repeat your previous statement."

"A Terran woman survived the attack," Muroc reiterated, and Kollos set down his lirpa and cloth.

"That isn't possible. We confirmed that there were no life signs after the bombardment. You should be locating only usable supplies–"

"I am aware of that, but even now she is struggling to escape from my grip - a futile effort, obviously."

Kollos thought silently for a moment before reaching a decision.

"Have one of your guards bring her to the ship. I wish to interrogate her," he ordered, and when the channel closed, a small smirk stretched his lips. Perhaps he would be able to satiate his bloodlust today after all.

He knew the impulse was a savage one, but then, how better to defeat savage beings than by beating them at their own game? Vulcans had attempted a logical, passive approach to resistance. It had failed. Thus, Kollos had met up with others of his species who shared his desire to topple the oppressive Terran Empire and formed a small rebel army.

Logic alone could not prevail in their struggle for freedom. They needed to use force. Violence was all Terrans understood, and who better to outdo them than the people whose past had made a desert run green with their own blood? If the Humans believed they were savages before, they had seen nothing yet. Kollos had vowed to make them see the error of their ways, to continue until the Terrans were kneeling beaten and bloody at their feet, pleading for the mercy that they themselves had not bothered to show to any species but their own.

Kollos stood and ran a hand through his scruffy graying hair, picking up his weapon. With a deep breath, he rolled his scarred, muscled shoulders and looked to the Vulcan at the Operations station.

"I shall await the arrival of our latest prisoner. You have the Bridge."

--

Most Terrans protested their capture, tossing out threats and swearing vengeance, but this one was strangely silent. Curiosity was painted plainly across her face from the moment Kollos laid eyes on her. Sitting on the bench in the brig, she tilted her head like an inquisitive sehlat when he entered the space.

Muroc paused beside his makeshift commander and spoke in a low voice.

"I realize you wanted me to send someone else, but given the circumstances, I believed it would be prudent for me to bring her here myself. After her initial struggle, she seemed to recognize me and ceased her resistance," he stated sounding slightly disconcerted. "She seemed confused about many things: her location, my appearance...she even seemed not to understand the hostilities between her people and ours."

"How did she survive the bombardment?" Muroc merely shook his head and looked at her as if she was some scientific experiment gone wrong.

"I do not know."

The two Vulcans were silent for a moment, observing the woman they'd discovered. She wasn't dressed like the rest of the Terrans they'd encountered, nor did she seem arrogant and prejudiced. However, Kollos knew from experience that appearances could be deceiving.

"She recognized your voice, as well, osu," Muroc murmured, and Kollos looked sharply over at him. "When you responded to me over the comms, she waited until the channel was closed and said that she wished to speak with you. She knew you by name. By that point, she was behaving quite obediently."

Looking back at the Human, Kollos found her smiling softly at him. Anger stirred deep within him, and he took a slow, even breath.

"Leave us. I wish to speak with her alone." He waited until Muroc and the guards had all exited before opening the door to her cell. "If you attempt to resist or escape, I will kill you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, osu." She spoke quietly, but her words still struck him as hard as a punch to the jaw. He blinked and tamped down his emotions.

"Do you know who I am?" He asked lingering in the doorway. His broad shoulders effectively blocked the way as he crossed his arms, so he wasn't concerned about her being able to slip past him. She didn't even seem bothered about being kept in the brig.

"Yes, osu. You're Minister Kollos of the Vulcan High Command." With a stunned blink, his arms dropped to his sides once more. "You're the first person I met when I reached the Vulcan Embassy...the first Vulcan who honored me with his friendship."

'Friendship'? Kollos would sooner eat his own liver than befriend a Terran. A subconscious sneer curled his upper lip, and he saw her smile droop.

"You...? You don't remember me, do you? Sub-commander Muroc didn't either." She sounded genuinely disappointed, but Kollos couldn't bring himself to care. This little wretch had the audacity, not only to survive, but to come aboard his ship, claim to know him personally, and speak the language of his own people - one that had been made illegal by her Empire.

He knew several Vulcans who had been punished for breathing a single word of their own language around a Terran, himself included. The hours he'd spent locked in an agony booth were certainly enough to cut away any remaining neutrality he'd held for Humans. Hatred had filled that void and now bubbled hot and lethal in his veins.

If his composure was any more fractured, he'd have removed the burden of her head from her shoulders the moment a syllable of Vuhlkansu touched her unworthy, arrogant tongue.

"We are not acquainted, nor would I wish to befriend a single member of your monstrous species." His voice had dropped into a quiet, dangerous register, but she didn't seem frightened. Damn her, why wasn't she intimidated? "You are incorrect on other points, as well. There is no Vulcan High Command - the Terran Empire would never allow their slaves to hold such authority. Muroc is not a Sub-commander - again, your people would never allow us in such high positions. There is no Vulcan embassy, but there are prisons...work camps...slaves. Do you wish to retract your statement?"

She looked up at him with her lips parted in surprise.

"But...but that can't be. Starfleet's mission was to seek out new life...to make friends while we explore the galaxy. The ship we're aboard is the Enterprise, isn't it?"

Kollos shook his head.

"This ship was an Imperial Starfleet ship, but it is now under new ownership and has been renamed. You are currently aboard the Retribution, a ship owned by the Vulcan Resistance Movement," he said straightening up and looking at her with as much defiance as he could muster. "I am the commanding officer."

She looked utterly flabbergasted.

"Osu–"

"You will not speak our language! You have no right, Terran!" He roared, and she flinched. "You will be silent and cause no trouble, or I will use you to test just how much pain one member of your species can endure. We have not had the opportunity to test one of the Terran Empire's Agony Booths on one of their creators yet. If you behave yourself, there will be no reason for you to become the first. Am I understood?"

She nodded her head quietly, but he couldn't deny the pain and sadness in her expression. As he strode from the cell, he tamped down the shard of guilt he felt over losing his temper at her. She'd caused no trouble yet, but who knows? She might be trying to infiltrate his organization and topple them from the inside. Kollos could not risk the future of his people on the chance that this Human was different from the rest of her people.

The sting of the life they'd stolen from him still gripped his heart and twisted his insides with agony every time he dwelled for too long upon what could have been. If the Empire didn't exist, would he have been fortunate enough to have a mate? A permanent home? Perhaps even a child? The stories of how life used to be before the Terrans took over always sounded so idyllic. If he'd lived during that time, would he have a pet sehlat? Could he have immersed himself in more academic pursuits, like science?

Pausing as the lift door closed behind him, Kollos forced himself to take a deep breath. As always, those scenarios that had been snatched away before they had a chance to come into being gnawed incessantly at his brain. He needed to focus on the mission, instead. That was how he was going to survive this war for Vulcan's freedom.

He would gladly spill the blood of every living Terran if it meant future generations of Vulcans would not have to suffer as he had.

It was too bad, though, that he would not be contributing to the gene pool for that future generation. He would've liked to have a family. A mate, a child or two...yes, and a sehlat to protect them all.

When the lift door opened again, Kollos had forced his control back into place, shoved away his pain, and come back to himself. He couldn't afford to waste time with wishful thinking. He had a mission to complete.

--

This was clearly not the Kollos with whom I'd become so familiar. From the moment he raged at me in the brig of his ship, it was obvious that this was an entirely different man. His hair was slightly longer and grayer, and it looked unkempt compared to the Minister's usual appearance. However shaggy it looked, though, it did at least appear soft and clean.

As for the man himself, this Kollos was tough and scarred - obviously battleworn and teeming with bitterness. His physical strength wasn't what startled me, though. His barely-tethered anger did that well enough on its own.

The Kollos I had spoken to barely hours before had been in complete control of his emotions. This one, however...he'd seemed to be on the cusp of losing control and becoming savage like the ancient Vulcans about whom I'd been told so much. He'd been through a lot, this remade Kollos, and from what I could gather, his bitterness was justified.

There were several questions prodding at me insistently, though, the chief of which was whether I'd be able to get home to the universe I knew, because, clearly, this was somewhere entirely different. The second most prominent inquiry was what the hell had happened?

While viewing a scientific experiment as a member of a cultural exchange program on a planet at the edge of Vulcan space, there had been an explosion, a flash of pinkish light, and I'd been knocked to the ground by some unseen force. My vision swam so severely that I'd no choice but to close my eyes.

When I opened them again, my skin tingled, and everything was burning. I'd looked around, squinting through the flames, but there was nobody else in sight. Maybe they'd all gotten out, already? Stumbling toward the exit while trying to stay low, I managed to make it out of the crumbling ruin of a building, but where I expected to see a small, well-maintained city there was only rubble and flame.

Shocked at what I'd found, a small scream worked its way out of my throat. Had a single failed experiment caused all of this? Surely not! This appeared to be planet-wide devastation. The scale of the experiment wouldn't have been capable of destroying much more than a building or two if it went wrong. Besides, the Vulcan scientists conducting it had been so careful. They'd made sure that every precaution was in place.

So how the hell was this region of the planet basically destroyed?

And how was I still alive?

A familiar hum sounded from a few feet away, and several Vulcans in odd outfits materialized. Relief had rushed through me like a great wave, and before I could think better of my actions, before I even noticed that they were all armed and slightly ragged looking, my feet propelled me toward them.

"Oh, thank goodness! Help! Please, I don't know if there's anyone trapped in the–" Four phaser rifles were aimed at me in a fraction of a second. I froze in place, confused more than ever. "W-What are you–?"

"Silence!" One of them ordered, and I broke off my attempts to speak. The same man stepped forward. "Are there others? Did anyone else survive the bombardment?"

What?

"I don't know what you're talking about. I-I was in the lab, and there was an explosion, and when I got up I was here," I stammered, but he seemed not to believe me. "Nothing looks the same. Where am I? Aren't you here to help the injured?"

One of the others scoffed.

"You must have sustained cranial trauma. Why would a Vulcan help Terran scum like you?"

Startled, I could do no more than blink.

"I-I don't understand...? Our people are allies–"

"Allies?" The man closest to me - the familiar one - scowled down at me. "Is that how your species assuages your guilt? By calling your slaves your allies?"

I gaped up at him, but before I could protest, he grabbed my upper arm. I struggled, and when he called his ship, I heard a voice that was so out of place that it barely registered at first. That's when I recognized my captor.

Muroc hadn't believed me when I said I knew him, but I had gotten to see Kollos in the end. Before he raged at me, I thought I saw...well, a glimpse of the man I'd known. Maybe that was just wishful thinking, though.

The lights dimmed a couple of hours after he left. With a sigh, I resigned myself to my current imprisonment and resolved to prove to Kollos that I wasn't going to try to oppress him the way he claimed Humanity had already done to his people. The first step, though, needed to be finding out more about this place. What had my people truly done? Were he and the others justified in their hatred? Somehow, I already knew I wouldn't like the answer.

--

Over the course of the next few days, all I saw was the inside of my cell. Each afternoon - or at least, I assumed it was during the afternoon - a different Vulcan brought me a ration pack and a small glass of water to wash it down. Apparently, these officers weren't able to get their hands on a more stable food supply. That didn't bode well.

Occasionally, just before lights out, Kollos came by and asked me a series of seemingly innocuous questions.

"Are you from Earth or a Terran planetary annex?"

"Have you encountered many of my kind?"

"Do you have a family?"

"How has the quality of your sleep been since you took up residence in this cell?"

Finally, though, when he tired of those, his queries became a bit more pointed. Repeatedly he asked me how I survived the blast, but he simply didn't believe that I was just as puzzled as he was. One night, after something like two weeks in captivity, I'd become irritated enough to snap at him.

"Again, I ask you: how did you survive the assault?" He'd already asked the question three times, and after two weeks of awful sleep on the cramped little bench that passed as a bed in my cell, my back ached, I was tired, and I'd just plain had enough. "Your non-compliance will cease. You will tell me how you–"

"I don't know, alright?! Just mind-meld with me if you want the answer that badly! You won't even have to force me. I'll submit to one right now, if it'll stop you asking the same damned questions over and over like a broken fucking record," I ground out, and he raised his eyebrows.

"You...would willingly submit yourself to such a procedure?" The disbelief in his voice was understandable if he'd been telling the truth about Humans being so awful.

"Yes, but only if you're the one performing it."

Taken aback by my willingness, he opened the cell door and gestured for me to stand.

"We will go to the briefing room, and your meld will be witnessed by my most trusted officers," he said. "Out of respect for your good behavior since your capture, I will warn you in advance. If I sense any intentional resistance during the meld, I will cease being gentle and tear the information I require from your synapses. I would prefer to avoid such an action, as it can lead to permanent brain damage, but if you purposefully resist me, I will not hesitate to do so. Do you understand?"

"Yes, os–I mean, sir. Yes, sir," I murmured, hoping he wouldn't be offended that my old habit had nearly made me slip up again. I'd been conversing with Vulcans for so long that small usages of their language, like titles, were simply automatic. It was so hard to turn it off, but I was trying my best for Kollos's sake. After all, even if this wasn't the Kollos I'd come to know so well, I owed it to my memories of our friendship and my feelings for him to at least try to be kind.

We were nearly to the conference room when I realized that I hadn't been cuffed or restrained in any way. Obviously, Kollos either trusted me not to run off, or - more likely - he knew he could catch me with relatively little effort if I did try to escape. Not that there was anywhere I could go. The layout of this universe's Earth starships was different enough to make it seem like an unsolvable maze.

Taking a seat in one of a pair of chairs, I tried very hard to block out the dozen or so sets of eyes watching us. I needed to be relaxed for this meld so that Kollos wouldn't have any need to be rougher than necessary. Even a meld with the most gentle of telepaths could be severely disorienting.

"Have you participated in a mind-meld before?" He asked loudly enough for the others to hear.

"Yes, but not recently."

"Have you any mental training regarding telepathy, mind-melds, or mental defense?" He inquired as he took his own seat directly in front of me.

"No, I don't."

"Very well. I will treat you as all untrained minds are treated. As you will know from your previous melds, anxiety can throw up resistance, whether intentional or not," he said raising his hands but not touching me just yet. "Obey my instructions during the meld, and I will have no need to harm you. Now, take a deep breath."

I did so, and his fingertips met my face: two on my chin, one on either side of my nose, and one on each temple.

The effect was familiar and instantaneous as he began to chant in that low, smooth voice of his.

"My mind to your mind...your thoughts to my thoughts..." His voice faded as our minds merged, and suddenly I found the pair of us standing in front of each other. It was as disconcerting as my previous meld with his counterpart, but I did my best to remain calm. "Recall the day in which my men found you."

All at once, our surroundings changed, and I was in the lab again. The group of Vulcan scientists conducting their experiments were only a few feet away, and I walked slowly toward them.

Kollos blocked my path with a stern expression on his face.

"I said, the day we captured you–"

"This is that day," I said emphatically, and, with the absolute certainty that he'd be able to tell that I was answering truthfully, I stepped around him and moved over to stand beside the machine. Just as it had happened that day, within moments, there was an explosion, and I watched as the pink light engulfed me again.

Disoriented yet again, I felt a small bit of panic creeping into me as acrid smoke filled my lungs once more. Struggling for breath despite the fact that this was just a memory, I knew Kollos would follow, so I did the same thing I did that day, taking the same turns I had until I was outside the smoldering building.

The sight of the devastated landscape was still shocking. All the destruction and the flames licking up amongst the rubble still made me feel a pang of sympathy for whoever might have been trapped.

A large hand met my shoulder in the midst of the meld, and I turned to find Kollos looking at me suspiciously.

"There were no Vulcan life signs on the planet's surface before our attack."

"Neither was there a Terran Empire that morning before the machine exploded," I countered, and before he could ask, I called forth the memories of my own time studying under Vulcan teachers and living alongside them as I walked through life. Image after image, memory after memory floated in. I showed him every instance I could think of regarding Starfleet's mission and Human interactions with other species including Vulcans. Ambassador Soval and Admiral Forrest chatting, Captain Archer and T'Pol walking together, on and on, example after example, until–

"What is this?" His hoarse voice called, and I knew immediately why he suspected that I was somehow manipulating him. The Kollos I knew, the Minister of the High Command, my friend, and the man I'd grown rather...attached to over the years, was standing mere feet from his rougher counterpart.

This was the last time I'd seen him. This was the day I'd left Vulcan. The suns beat down upon us both, but we were in our own little world, as usual, and took no notice of it. Kollos had taken that day quite seriously and had donned a set of his ceremonial robes, the deep green fabric with embroidered flowers and vines twining up the sleeves hugged his torso with an elegance that left me breathless. I could never tell him that, though. It would be highly inappropriate, and I didn't want to risk ruining our friendship with my feelings.

Watching from this odd, outsider's perspective, I saw Kollos take a slow step toward me as we reached the transport station. It was quite deserted that day, mainly because at that time of day the majority of the population would have been busy with their occupations or their education. Given how empty the station was, we didn't bother to keep our voices down - an oddity for my friend, but I'd been glad of it.

"Ashal-veh, there is something which we should discuss when you return from your scientific exchange," he said with the same inflection he'd used that day. Soft and somewhat tender in retrospect, my Kollos's voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket, affording me a small measure of comfort that I hadn't experienced in weeks. I'd turned the memory over and over in my mind as I sat uselessly in the brig, wondering what he could've possibly wanted to discuss...and trying to determine the meaning of that damned word. He'd said it before - it seemed to be some sort of a title - but he'd never told me what it meant, and he never used it with anyone else.

I thought I'd have all the time in the world to ask him what it meant.

"As soon as I get back to Vulcan, we'll go to that tea shop you enjoy so much and talk about anything you want for as long as you like," the version of me from my memory responded, and I noticed something I hadn't, in the moment. The Former Minister was blushing. A rare occurrence, indeed!

"That is kind of you, but a private conversation would be more advantageous, in this instance," he murmured, and I watched as the other me cupped his cheeks and smiled up at him. How had I managed to be so bold when I was so sad about leaving him?

"Of course, osu. If that's what you like, then when I get back, you and Koss can come over to my place, we can crack open a bottle of that port you favor, and the three of us can talk all night."

"I...believe this is a topic I should discuss with you alone, first. Depending upon the outcome, my son can be informed later..."

Confused, but wanting to make him happy, I agreed.

"Sure, if that's what you'd like to do. I'd never say 'no' to spending time alone with you, osu. I promise you and I can have a private evening with just the two of us when I'm home again." He nodded his head in approval, and I watched as I kissed his cheek and drew him into a tight hug.

"Six weeks is quite a sizable duration of time for us to be parted, ashal-veh. Are you certain you will be alright?"

A light laugh had poured from my throat as I savored the feeling of his arms wrapped around me, holding me close. I'd never had the courage to hug him before, let alone to dare hope that he'd return the gesture.

"I'll be perfectly fine, you worrywart. If anything, it sounds as if you'll be the one pining over the absence of a friend. I'll miss you too, of course, but it's only a few weeks. You watch, time will fly by and we'll be together again before you know it."

He sighed just as he had that day, brushing the tips of two of his fingers down one of my cheeks, sending a bolt of warmth across my skin. He'd never done that before. Not knowing if it was a gesture with some sort of meaning behind it, I'd taken a chance and copied his movements.

"Be safe." His husky murmur coupled with his light grip on my waist flustered me more than I'd thought possible, and when I watched myself board the transport shuttle, the image of the Minister froze.

I became acutely aware of the other Kollos by my side. As I'd watched the memory of our last interaction together, all at once, the realization that I may never get the chance to ask him what he meant slammed into me, and I felt the corners of my eyes burning with tears. I hadn't meant for my captor to see this reaction or feel how such a private memory was affecting me, but if it proved to him that I was telling the truth and showed him how I knew him, then it was worth it.

"You show me this freely?" He asked, and because of the meld, I heard him as if he was both in front of and beside me. Mild disorientation prodded at me, but I managed a quiet 'yes' in spite of it. "The light you saw in the laboratory...what do you believe it was?"

"To tell you the truth, I don't know. I have several theories, but each is as unlikely as the next," I muttered, trying desperately to ignore how much I could hear the evidence of my tears in my voice. "It could've been some sort of odd radiation surge, or...or a portal through spacetime, for all I know. I'm not a physicist. My area of study is in biochemistry. I will say, though, this is not the universe I left behind. Our people are at peace where I come from."

Gradually, safely, he withdrew from my mind, ending the meld in the same way his counterpart had in a wholly different universe.

"You have not lied to me. You did not try to stop me from viewing the information I required. I do not know how, but you have told me the truth." Kollos sounded as surprised as he looked. "What am I supposed to do with you?"

When he cocked his head curiously, I realized he was truly seeking an answer from me, not just asking a rhetorical question.

"I may not know everything that was done to your people, but I want to help if I can. Who knows if I'll ever be able to get home? In the meantime, I may as well do what I can to right the wrongs committed by my species," I reasoned, and Kollos raised a single eyebrow.

"You expect us to trust a Terran?"

"I don't expect you to after all that you've been through, but I do hope to prove to you that you can, should the need arise."

Kollos glanced at his officers, and nodded his head once.

"You will be given the chance to prove yourself, but be forewarned: if you so much as attempt to betray us, you will regret being conceived."

Oh. Lovely. Death threats seemed to be as common as greetings in this universe. No doubt I'd get used to them as time wore on. They didn't startle me anymore, at least.

"I promise I won't give you any reason to doubt me, sir."

--

As Kollos escorted her to a guarded set of quarters, he couldn't help but feel guilt and self-hatred rising slowly in his chest.

Illogical feelings, of course. Kollos himself had done nothing to warrant such intensity in his own frustrations.

And yet...

'Ashal-veh' the image of himself had called her. Kollos hated that it hadn't been a manipulated memory. Somehow, a well-groomed, happier version of himself had dared to call a Terran woman a Vulcan term of endearment.

After all that those monsters had done! After all that his people had suffered at their hands! How could a Vulcan ever love a Human?! He'd even initiated a partial ozh'esta with her!

The name he'd heard during the meld, Koss, stuck in his head. It was one that he'd considered to be a serious contender if he'd had a son. According to her, this other version of himself did have a son.

All his years of regrets and wishful thinking grated within him at the realization that one of his alternate selves had a family. Clearly in that universe his mate was no longer in the picture, but he'd fallen in love a second time...with a Human.

How could this have happened? He felt betrayed by himself, by his own feelings. He knew already that if he didn't keep his heart turned firmly against her, there was a very good chance that he would end up exactly the way that 'Minister' Kollos had: in love with his worst enemy...worshiping the ground upon which she walked...craving her touch in the dark, solitude of his quarters when he should instead be sleeping...

The strain of walking beside her was quite suddenly too much to bear.

His emotions punched a hole in his tenuous, carefully-regulated control. The rage that he normally held so tightly on its leash curled his lips into a feral snarl. Slamming the Human girl against a bulkhead in the corridor, Kollos gripped her shoulder and her throat with equal ferocity.

"The man you knew is no longer here. Nothing in this galaxy will ever make me care for a Terran!" To her credit, she didn't cry out or struggle. She tilted her head back to lean against the wall, and her eyes...oh, her eyes! She didn't look frightened or defiant. She seemed curious, as if he was a sehlat who'd responded to a command in an unexpected way. "Your people have murdered and enslaved my people, oppressing them and outlawing nearly everything to do with our culture. Until the day your people kneel before Vulcans in obedient supplication, all I am capable of feeling for you is disgust and contempt."

He had to convince her, but most importantly, he had to reinforce that notion in his own mind. He hated her. He had killed many of her kind and would continue to do so in the future, so...

Why wasn't she frightened of him?

Even worse, why was a small part of him proud that she wasn't?

Without further ado, Kollos opened the door to her quarters and practically shoved her inside.

"You are not to leave without authorization. If you require anything, your guards will attend to it," he said shoving his emotions back into place. "If you keep to your word and assist us, you will be rewarded. If not, you will die. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," she murmured straightening her posture. He didn't even acknowledge her answer. He just turned on his heel and beat a hasty retreat to his quarters.

As he did every night, Kollos removed his shirt and attempted to meditate, but this time all he got for his efforts was a single word echoing through his mind on repeat: 'ashal-veh.'

Eventually, he fetched his lirpa from its place on the wall, and, with an almighty roar, he brought the blunt end down on the table in front of him, smashing it to splinters in one blow.

For a moment, all he could hear was the rush of blood in his ears and his heavy breathing, then his door chime sounded. With resignation, he called for whoever it was to enter. He knew there was no chance of hiding the evidence of his temper, so his guest would simply have to cope with the state of his quarters.

"Osu?" His eyes snapped up at the sound of Muroc's hesitant voice. He never sounded like that. Kollos must've startled him when he lost his temper. "Are you well?"

"...I do not know," he murmured setting his lirpa back on its wall mounted hooks.

"Did something in the Terran's mind...trouble you?" When Kollos remained silent, Muroc tried again. "You know that anything you tell me will remain confidential, do you not?"

He supposed that it was only fair that he tell his second in command about the revelation that was compromising his emotional control so severely.

"Sit, my friend. I have much to communicate to you."

They spoke for many hours that night. Confessing everything to Muroc was somewhat therapeutic. Having someone share in his confusion and voice the same questions confirmed to him that he wasn't hallucinating or otherwise losing his mind. Never had relief felt so sweet.

Over the next thirty-seven days - not that he'd been keeping count - the girl had kept to her word. She was as involved in their resistance movement as they allowed her to be. At first, they only gave her small tasks that could be supervised: assisting with ship maintenance, tending to superficial injuries, and preparing the food they'd secured in their various raids.

To Kollos's surprise, she had done everything she was asked, never uttering a single complaint. She always gave a small acknowledgement - 'yes, sir' or 'I'm on it' or something similar - and got straight to work. If he didn't know any better, he'd say that she truly enjoyed being able to help them fight back against her own people.

The first few weeks, he wasn't really convinced that she'd keep her word, but when she bled for them two months in, Kollos was forced to admit that she was serious. During a mild skirmish against a small Terran transport, Kollos decided to test her loyalty, so he assigned her to the boarding party. They were responsible for taking out any guards in the cargo hold and tagging the crates with transport signal enhancers.

Everything went according to plan. Kollos managed to disable the ship's engines and sensors, and when the boarding party transported over, there were only a few guards to deal with. Within mere moments, they'd stolen the supplies due to be delivered to a nearby Terran starbase, and made it back aboard the Retribution.

When Muroc and the Terran reported to the Bridge to give their account of events for the record, he saw a large, red stain blooming across the upper arm of her shirt. Kollos brought her to the medical bay and tended to her personally. She had fought her own people and bled in the service of the Vulcan Resistance. That was more than any Terran had ever done on behalf of his people. She deserved respect after that.

As she sat on the medical bed while he sterilized her wound, he found himself speaking before he could think better of it.

"You are not...In my experience, Terrans do not behave the way that you have. You act as though you truly wish us to be free," he murmured, not daring to meet her gaze with his own. He focused on the task before him, wondering why he was feeling almost positive about her.

"That's because I do, osu." He should've raged at her as he did before. He should've carried out his threats for her casual use of his people's language, but...he didn't. The thought of retaliating against her made it harder for him to breathe. Instead, he looked into her eyes.

Oh. Was this what his counterpart had seen? Bravery, intelligence, and beauty, all wrapped up in one fragile Human woman? Well, given her actions today, perhaps 'fragile' was an inaccurate descriptor. He caressed the bandage that he'd wrapped around her arm without conscious thought.

The insatiable urge to know exactly how much she knew about his culture rose as fast and furiously within him as lava in a fissure vent. How much had the other version of himself taught her? Would she misunderstand him as she had the other Kollos when he all but confessed to desiring her as a mate?

His jaw clenched at the thought. No, he would leave no room for misinterpretation in their courtship–

Courtship?! What was he thinking? She...she was Human!

But that argument felt weaker every time he used it to tamp down his growing emotions. She was Human, but she'd proved herself to be strong, determined, and fair-minded. Could he really continue to hold against her that which she could not control?

"Have you been shown the Vulcan method of meditation?" She looked a bit surprised at his question, but she nodded her head and uttered a quiet 'yes, osu' that send his heart racing in his side. "Very well. Tonight, I will bring the necessary items, and we will meditate together in your quarters. I would like to assess your technique."

Later that evening when he kept his word, he entered her quarters only to find her kneeling in the center of her living space. His brow furrowed as he tried to determine what she was doing.

"You said that until Humanity knelt before Vulcans, until we humbled ourselves, all you could feel for me was disgust and contempt. I can't make you like me, Kollos, but I don't want you to feel disgusted by me, either," she murmured as he made his way toward her. "I may only be one Human, but one is a start...right? Is this enough to earn some personal neutrality in your eyes?"

Kollos dropped to his knees before her, setting his meditation accoutrements aside. Where could he even begin when he hadn't even begun to puzzle out his own feelings?

"Even before this, you have proved yourself more worthy of respect than any other Terran." The surprised smile she gave him more than made up for the difficulty of that admission. That acknowledgement alone startled him into turning away to set up the candles. "Come. Meditate with me."

--

The next time Kollos was involved in a hand-to-hand fight against the Empire's forces, she was by his side. He'd never been in battle at her side before, so he hoped that she'd view this as the sign of trust that he intended it to be.

It began easily enough. Combat with Empire ships was fairly common for them, but this one had a big prize: this shipment of supplies was due to be delivered to the Emperor. The goods aboard were of the highest quality, and the Resistance wanted them. Badly.

Disabling the engines had been easy enough, but how Muroc had managed to disable their communication array before they could get a message off, Kollos had no idea. He wasn't complaining, though. That just made their job simpler.

Grabbing his lirpa, Kollos felt his lips tug into an almost-smile that easily betrayed how much he was looking forward to this. It had been far too long since he'd last spilled the blood of his enemies. Knocking a few heads together always felt rather therapeutic. For him, this was long overdue.

They'd made excellent progress through the guards, at first, removing them from the equation as easily as swatting flies.

Halfway through, however, reinforcements were summoned from other decks, and soon Kollos and his fighters were surrounded. When he was pushing back two Terrans at once, a man managed to get past him with a knife in hand.

He turned barely a fraction of a second later, but that was enough time for the man to grab Kollos's Terran. He dared to lay a hand on her – on his mate!

Kollos saw red. Thinking of nothing but her, he began tearing through the enemies before him. He didn't stop until he was within grabbing distance of the Human man. His target let out a startled yelp when he was tugged backward by Kollos's grip on his uniform collar. A primal yell tore from the Vulcan's throat as he threw the Terran officer to the ground and brought the blade end of his lirpa down on his neck.

The dagger that had been pressing into her skin now lay on the ground by the dead man's feet, a small drop of red Human blood coloring the tip. Her blood.

Still breathing heavily, Kollos turned his gaze to her, fully aware that he most likely looked utterly savage and murderous, covered in the evidence of his body count from this fight. The scratch at the hollow of her throat slowly wept a few drops of blood, staining her clothing as he moved closer to her. Reaching out with all the care he could muster in his current state, Kollos brushed his fingertips down the length of her clavicle.

There was much that he needed to communicate to her: his regret over behaving so foolishly toward her; his fear at the sight of someone getting that close to her with a weapon; the affection he felt for her that he was no longer able to ignore; his relief that she was not seriously injured. The significance of his need to protect her was at the forefront of his mind, but all he could seem to manage at that particular second was looking into her eyes.

He was certain that his own hunger for her was showing quite plainly, but he couldn't tell whether the reciprocal desire he saw in her irises was really there, or if he was simply projecting his own emotions onto her features in his mind's eye.

Her hands came up and covered his where it rested, and Kollos felt his control falter. He could take her here. It would be a simple matter for him to shred her clothing and stake his claim to her in front of everyone else. Her screams would be for him...because of him...

"Kollos?" Her barely audible call of his name snapped him from his primal, spiraling thoughts. The sounds of fighting had died out around them. "Are you alright?"

He swallowed heavily, tearing his eyes away from hers with great difficulty.

"I am unharmed," he croaked, but, emotionally, he wasn't sure that he was. How could he be after witnessing danger sidle up to the woman he loved, brandishing a dagger?

He couldn't remove her from his thoughts that night no matter how hard he tried. It had been wrong of him to immediately react as though they were already bonded, but...it had been instinctive. He could not force himself to feel guilt over his actions. The memory of the hungry look she gave him still burned so vividly in his mind's eye, stoking the flames of his desire. All of his confused emotions swirled around inside him, but they all essentially acknowledged the same central point: Kollos loved and needed this Human woman more than he'd ever needed anyone before.

It was shameful for him to give in to his emotions so easily, but that night Kollos couldn't help himself. He was forced to satisfy himself with his hand. With every stroke he imagine the caress of warm, slick walls gripping his length in place of his callused fingers. Would she sound as gentle as she looked, or was she just as savage inside as he was?

No! No, he mustn't allow himself to think such things about her. She may have looked as though she was prepared to offer herself to him during that fight, but she deserved more than that. She deserved his respect.

When the explosion happened a few days later, that was how he justified his actions. This was repayment for the respect she'd earned, nothing more.

That was a lie, of course. It was more. He knew from the moment he threw himself into action that this could never just be simple respect.

Kollos didn't think in the moment. He didn't analyze the situation. He simply acted. The minor skirmish in which they'd become involved was on the verge of being won, but the Retribution had taken damage. Small fires and shorting circuits illuminated the bridge from all corners. A familiar, high-pitched whine began, and Kollos leapt at her, wrapping her in his arms and shielding her with his own body just as the console she'd been working at exploded. Heat and pressure met the expanse of his back, and something hit him hard enough to knock them both to the ground.

As the pair managed to scramble away from the flames, he noted with relief that she was not hurt. She looked up at him in surprise - did she truly believe he would have allowed her to be hurt on his watch? - but when her eyes trailed lower, she went pale.

"We need a medic! Now!" She shouted over her shoulder, and when he looked down, there was a long, sharp piece of metal protruding from just below his collarbone. An emerald puddle of his blood was already forming on the deck plate beneath them.

Ah. He'd been impaled. No matter. His injury was irrelevant. She was alarmed but safe. That was his only concern.

Why was the Bridge spinning?

There was a dull thunk as his back struck the ground at an angle, but her hands cushioned his head's impact. He couldn't bring himself to regret his actions, especially looking up into her eyes at such close proximity. Her fingertips were so soft where they met his skin. He wished she would touch him for the rest of his existence. Why had he ever fought his attraction to her?

As his consciousness faded, he managed a single word, even though he was barely aware that he was speaking aloud.

"Ashal-v...veh," he breathed just before the world went black.

--

The trip to the medical bay was a blur. Muroc had reached Kollos's side on the bridge just in time to hear him utter that word. Nobody said a word as their leader was laid on a medical bed to receive their doctor's ministrations, but Muroc did give me a respectful nod while we waited.

Both versions of Kollos had called me the same term: 'ashal-veh.' Not long ago, Kollos pinned me against a wall and swore that he'd only ever be able to hate me, and now he'd saved my life twice. The look he gave me the first time nearly made me spontaneously combust where I stood.

Seeing him stalk toward me, glaring and covered in blood was almost more than I'd been able to handle. I'd thought - a small part of me had hoped - that he was going to claim me right there against the Terran ship's bulkhead. Instead, his touch had been feather-light, and I'd been more sexually frustrated when I returned to my quarters that night than ever before.

To complicate things even further, beyond simple lust, I'd begun to feel soft for this hardened, bitter, angry mess of a Vulcan freedom-fighter. His emotional control was tenuous at the best of times, he held grudges against those who had wronged him or his people, and he seemed to enjoy killing a little too much, but despite all of that - hell, maybe because of all of that - I loved him. I'd watched him murder a man who'd gotten too close to me with a knife, yet I still felt irresistibly drawn to him.

What the hell did that say about my own morality?

After all, under that rough exterior, Kollos wasn't completely evil. He had protected me, respected me, and even though he wanted to kill me multiple times in the beginning of our acquaintance, he'd given me a chance to prove myself. Hell, I'd even seen him full of bloodlust and rage, deep in the heart of battle, savage and the polar opposite of how a Vulcan was supposed to behave, but I couldn't help the way my heart fluttered when he'd regarded me with blatant lust afterward.

Those nights where we meditated together - yes, there had been many more than just the one - were soothing and tense in equal measures. On the one hand, I could almost forget that I wasn't with the Kollos I'd known before. Those nights, he was tranquil and serene. On the other, every time I closed my eyes to meditate with him, I felt as though I was being watched...as if he didn't actually close his eyes. I had wondered more than once if he'd simply taken the opportunity that those nights had afforded to observe me in close quarters.

That thought seemed mildly creepy, at first, but after a while, I almost relished the feeling of being so interesting to him that he couldn't help but shirk his nightly meditation to watch me instead. It was somehow simultaneously odd and flattering. For all his blustering, I knew deep down that he would never harm me. The universe didn't have many constants, but he was one of them.

And I knew that no matter his threats, he would never carry them out. Whether from confusion or desire, I was simply more intriguing to him when I was in one piece and able to behave as illogically as my species was so famous for amongst his people.

Upon reflection, his presence here in this terrifying version of the galaxy seemed like a sort of cosmic apology from the universe for ripping me so unceremoniously away from my home.

My home...I hadn't thought of it for a couple of weeks. The other Kollos must surely have given me up for dead, assuming that time passed the same way in both universes. I hadn't meant to break my promise to him.

A deep, shuddering sort of regret flooded through me, tasting distinctly sour and disgusting as I took a seat beside my Vulcan freedom fighter. Muroc and the doctor had spoken quietly for a few moments and left me alone with him. They'd done all they could. The rest was up to Kollos and his own strength. There was nothing I could do but wait, so that was what I did. Grasping one of his hands with both of my own, I stared at the bandages wrapped securely around his torso. The slight green stain that had seeped through at the location of his wound made my breath hitch in my throat.

I'd lost my chance to tell Former Minister Kollos of the Vulcan High Command how I felt about him, but that didn't mean I was going to lose my chance to tell Kollos of the Vulcan Resistance Movement just how much I adored him. Even if he hated me for it, I wouldn't make the same mistake twice. That would kill me.

So I resolved to wait by his bedside until he awoke. Maybe then we could come to some sort of mutual understanding.

And maybe - just maybe - I could finally figure out what that damned word meant.

Long, silent hours passed with nothing more than the sound of the medical machinery around me and the occasional visits from the doctor. Time ended up blurring together, and before I knew it, I had leaned my head down beside Kollos's arm on his medical bed and dropped off into a light slumber.

--

When his conscious mind finally surfaced, Kollos became aware of two things. The first was that the doctor had kindly dimmed the lights. The second was that his left hand was warmer than his right, and that warmth was accompanied by the sound of slow, steady breathing. Someone had fallen asleep keeping watch over him.

Cracking his eyelids open despite their leaden weight, Kollos saw the angelic visage of the Terran woman he'd fallen so hard for. Both her hands were grasping at his left. Her face was smooshed into the fabric of the blanket that was covering him from the waist down.

If he concentrated very hard with his slowly-recuperating strength, he found that he could catch glimpses of her dreams. For a time, they seemed to be a mix of nonsensical chaos mixed with flashes of anxiety over his condition.

Of all the people for his instincts to select as the ideal partner, he was truthfully glad that it was she who had been selected.

Kollos had no idea how long he'd been dipping in and out of her dreams when she finally stirred. A bleary yawn escaped her, and she blinked at him, seemingly taking a moment to recognize that he was awake just as she was.

"Lesek, t'sai." His raspy whisper settled over her like a blanket. He could see the moment she recalled the meaning of those words, because her eyes widened almost comically as she sat up.

"You're welcome, but I haven't done anything. Hell, I should be thanking you - actually, I am thanking you - for risking your life to save mine," she responded. Her own voice was equally rough with sleep as she spoke, but he found it alluring. "Kollos? I...don't know how to tell you this, but I never had the chance to say it to the other you. I mean it just as much with you as I did with him, and I don't think you'll be happy to hear it, but..."

She took a deep, steadying breath, leaning back to give him some space as she poured her heart out.

"I know we didn't start out on the best of terms, but I've developed...feelings for you." Despite his injury, Kollos sat up and grasped her jaw lightly in one large hand. "I-I know you must be upset, b-but I promise I can keep them to myself if you–"

"You must tell me to stop," he croaked, and she looked up at him quizzically.

"What are you talking about?"

"This is your last chance. Refuse me now while I am still able to turn away. Otherwise..." He swallowed around the lump in his throat that had risen at the thought of her rejection. "Otherwise, I will take you right here and claim you until your voice is gone. You will be mine, and I will be yours."

To his surprise, she smiled affectionately up at him.

"Kollos, I've been yours since the day I was brought aboard your ship."

"Do you fully understand what you are getting yourself into?" He asked as his eyes skimmed her face for any sign of second thoughts. "I have killed many of your people. In my resistance to the Terran Empire, I will likely kill many more. I...very nearly killed you on more than one occasion."

"I know exactly who you are, osu. You're not the Minister of the High Command who I became friends with in my universe. You're Kollos, defender of Vulcan rights. You are Kollos the Brave, Kollos the Valiant...and I love you," she murmured, sliding her hands slowly up his chest to rest carefully atop his bandages. "But I warn you: if you take me, I expect you to keep me."

His pride roared within him as his forehead touched hers.

"Oh, ashal-veh, there was no question about that."

"Are you ever going to tell me what that word means?" She asked as a huff of laughter escaped her. It was abruptly transformed into a gasp as he lifted her onto his lap and buried his face in the crook of her neck to inhale her scent.

"If you behave like a good girl for me, I may tell you when we are catching our breath."

Her answering whimper and the sensation of her fingers burying themselves in his hair was all the confirmation he needed to continue. The other version of himself had no idea what he was missing out on.

~*~*~

Vulcan Words:

Osu = sir

ashal-veh = darling

lesek = thank you

t'sai = my lady

~*~

Taglist:

@akamitrani @android-boyfriends @attention-bajoranworkers @bigblissandlove1 @darkmattervibes @emilie786 @horta-in-charge @live-logs-and-proper @slutty-slutty-vulcans @starrynightgardens @toebeans-mcgee

[deepspacedukat]

Begin Again - Part 9

“Begin Again” has been an absolute pleasure to write. Koss deserved more attention, and it was such an honor to be able to give it to him. This is the final chapter in this wild ride, and I hope this ties everything up nicely! Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to give this a read and who has left kind comments!! I appreciate every single one of you! 💖 Without further ado, I present the finale! ✨

Part 1 here. Part 2 here. Part 3 here. Part 4 here. Part 5 here. Part 6 here. Part 7 here. Part 8 here.

Cross-posted to AO3 here.

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Koss (ST:ENT) x Reader

[A/N: There is smut in this final chapter, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Interspecies sex, Human/Vulcan sex, gentle sex, woman on top, cuddling, kissing, telepathy, public display of affection, Koss is protective, they’re so in love it’s ridiculous, Vulcan/Human marriage, also Kollos makes his debut!

~*~

Koss had been awake for many hours by the time his ashaya awoke with a sleepy little sound that made his heart clench. She was so beautiful...so gentle as she rested in his arms. Her drowsy thoughts floated slowly into his mind through their bond.

“Warm...comfortable...” Koss was inclined to agree with her as she nuzzled farther into his embrace. A groggy murmur of his name tumbled from her lips, prompting him to press a soft kiss onto her forehead.

“Good morning,” he whispered as she blinked slowly up at him. He had no doubt that the last several days had been a taxing blur for her, but she had endured it all admirably. Koss still needed to check her over for injuries, but he was quite certain she would have, at most, a few bruises and bite marks. His pon farr was in its final hours now, so his Hunger was significantly calmer than it had been. It would never be completely extinguished, though. Not when it came to her.

“G’morning,” she mumbled as her lips stretched into an affectionate smile. After a few slow, bleary blinks, his lover reached up and cupped his cheek. Koss nuzzled into her touch, eager to show her every ounce of devotion and gratitude that he felt for her, especially after all that she had tolerated for him. “Being like this with you is...”

Seemingly searching for the correct words, she let her voice fade, but they didn’t need words anymore. Reaching effortlessly into her mind to feel her thoughts, Koss sensed contentment, love, and...belonging? She felt at home with him? Emotions that he couldn’t quell in time stampeded through him. Pride, protectiveness, and the most ardent love he’d ever felt barreled across their bond before he could temper them, and his ashaya’s eyes widened.

Startled by his own lack of control, Koss began to pull back, but his mate was having none of that. Wrapping her arms around him, she buried her fingers in his hair and kissed him without restraint. He responded - of course he did - with a passion that equaled her own. Before he even realized he’d moved, she was on her back watching through half-closed eyelids as Koss nibbled and kissed his way down her body.

He lavished every mark he’d left on her with affection, hoping that she’d see how grateful he was for her and how fortunate he felt about being allowed to touch her like this.

“Nemaiyo na’ t’nash-veh ha’kiv,” he murmured in Vuhlkansu as he kissed down the soft skin of her abdomen. Thank you for my life. He tried to convey the meaning via their bond, and when she understood, his ashaya looked at him with tears gathering in her eyes. Her fingers skimmed through his hair, coaxing him to look up at her. His chin rested softly atop her mound as he reveled in her affection. 

“C’mere,” she breathed, and he obeyed instantly, crawling up the length of her body, laying soft, tender kisses on her as he went. Koss was about to ask what he could do to please her, but instead her lips covered his own in a kiss so filled with love that Koss whimpered into her mouth. He had been prepared to apologize for his roughness and to attempt to convince her that he would be a devoted, loving mate for her, but she’d accepted him without further persuasion.

What had he done to deserve her? When they broke for air, Koss touched his forehead to hers, making sure his weight was supported by his forearms even as hers wrapped around him.

“I love you. You don’t need to thank me for doing what I would have done anyway,” she explained.

“But the pon farr is an ordeal even for a Vulcan woman to endure. It must have been quite a chore for you, k’diwa,” he protested, but she let out a quiet laugh against his lips.

“Koss, none of that was work for me,” she promised and in a final emotional upheaval from his pon farr, Koss’s eyes burned with tears. “I actually enjoyed seeing you that way.”

“Truly?” His eyes widened, and, to his astonishment, she nodded her head. “Then we both have reason to look forward to my next Burning.”

At that, she drew him into a deep, passionate kiss. He was thoroughly addicted this form of intimacy, even if he hadn’t completely mastered it yet. With a gentle push, she coaxed him onto his back and straddled his hips. What could he do but marvel at her as she took his lok inside her once more?

“Ashau nash-veh du.” Her whisper made Koss’s eyes widen. When had she learned to say ‘I love you’ in Vuhlkansu? Sitting up and wrapping his arms around her as she rode him, Koss buried his face in the crook of her neck and returned her sentiment. He loved her desperately and wanted to ensure that she knew just how much.

And she would know. They had all the time in the world, now.

--

A week after his pon farr began, both Koss and his betrothed were well enough to return to their respective occupations. Every morning since, he made a point of escorting her to the Embassy. They received several curious looks, but neither paid any attention. The pair were in a world of their own during their morning conversations. 

Several weeks after their betrothal, the two strolled leisurely down the footpath leading to the Embassy, chatting away.

“So when do I get to meet your family?” She asked smiling curiously up at him.

“It will certainly be prior to the wedding, but my parents’ schedules are separate and quite full. I cannot promise an exact date until I have spoken to them about you. I...should warn you that my parents are quite devoted to the old traditions. The idea of their son marrying a Human will likely surprise them. I will, of course, defend you, ashaya, but I cannot promise that they will not attempt to question you rather vigorously,” Koss cautioned, but she just kissed his cheek.

“Don’t worry. I’m quite prepared to be interrogated. I expect they’ll cut a more intimidating figure than you did the first time I saw you, but after sitting across a negotiating table with Andorians and Tellarites, I can handle it,” she said, and Koss’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Did I intimidate you when we met?” His voice came out smaller than usual, but the Ambassador wrapped her arms around his waist.

“A little, but not in a bad way. You were helping me, I know, but finding a Vulcan who was much larger than me hovering over me definitely made me feel small,” she said looking up at him. “I still feel like that, but in a good way. It just means I have a tall, broad, handsome protector who will soon be my husband.”

Koss lifted an eyebrow and tugged her a little closer, not caring one whit about how public this spot was. He tilted her chin up so she was looking directly into his eyes.

“I will always protect you, k’diwa,” he promised before leaning in and kissing her forehead. This public display wasn’t necessary, but he wanted the rest of the Embassy staff and visitors to be under no illusions about the Ambassador’s relationship status. She was taken. She was his. “When we are both home again this evening, I have something I wish to show you.”

“Oh? Well, I’ll look forward to that,” she said cupping his cheek. “I better get inside or I’ll be late. See you this evening, sweetheart.”

Placing a final, chaste kiss on her lips, Koss watched until his mate had disappeared through the Embassy doors before beginning to make his way to his current project’s worksite.

Koss was late arriving home that evening. He knew his ashaya would already be waiting in his home with a smile and an embrace for him upon his return, though. He ached to hold her again. He enjoyed his job, but after a long day such as today, he desired nothing more than to hold her in his arms...to feel her gentle affection as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck.

As the door slid open, Koss draped his outer robe on the hook in the entryway, glancing around to determine her location. Seeing no obvious signs, he called out.

“Ashal-veh?”

“In the kitchen!” Her answering call made Koss release a heavy, relieved breath. Toeing off his shoes, he straightened his clothes and made his way to her. When he turned the corner, though, he was met with the sight of his partner and his father sitting at the kitchen table chatting over tea. Koss hadn’t planned on her meeting either of his parents yet. “Join us for a cup of tea?”

“Of course, k’diwa,” Koss responded, and she let out a quiet huff of laughter as she poured one for him. He strode over to the table, took a seat beside his lover, and looked to their guest. Kollos’s hair had grayed further since the last time Koss saw him, but he looked more relaxed. Clearly separation had been the healthiest, most logical choice for his parents. “Father, I was not expecting a visit or I would have made a point of returning home early. You do not visit often.”

“There was no need. The Ambassador has been kind enough to entertain me in your absence. I was unaware that Humans could be so logical,” the older man said lifting an almost amused eyebrow at the woman in question. Such a reaction from a former Senior Minister of the High Command was rare indeed. What had gone on in his absence? Then again, with a diplomat for a lover, why should he be surprised that she’d handled the situation with delicacy? “From the familiarity of your language, my son, I take it you have some news for me?”

Glancing at his ashaya, Koss took her hand in his beneath the table and faced his father.

“The Ambassador and I are to be married.” Expecting a somewhat negative reaction to his announcement, Koss blinked in surprise when all his father did was nod his head.

“Though I had not anticipated that you would select a Human, I cannot say that I disapprove of the one you chose,” Kollos said setting his tea cup on the table. “I have the honor of being acquainted with your betrothed through Ambassador Soval. To my shame, I was abrupt with her when we were first introduced. She is the only Human who has possessed the courage to point out a flaw in my logic. As you can imagine, I did not accept that easily.”

Koss looked at his fiancee in askance, but she blinked innocently up at him. He would have to coax that particular story from her later.

“In my defense, I didn’t know he was your dad,” she said with a slight blush, “though, now that I know, I see the resemblance.”

“For my son’s safety and yours, Ambassador, I must ask Koss a few questions in private. I hope you understand,” Kollos said, and she nodded her head.

“Of course. I’ll leave you boys in peace. If you need me, I’ll be in the study. It was good to see you again, Minister Kollos,” she murmured placing a soft kiss on Koss’s cheek before stepping out of the kitchen. After watching her retreat toward the stairs, Koss turned to see his father looking at him.

“Why a Human?” Instead of accusation, all Koss could find in his father’s voice was curiosity.

“It was...logical. She is intelligent, nurturing, driven, kind...a more suitable match than I could ever have anticipated,” he explained, and his father nodded his head silently. “She is beautiful. When I am with her, I am complete.”

Kollos looked at him in surprise.

“Then she is the one. You love her.” Koss could hear a hint of longing in his father’s voice. His parents’ marriage had never been anything more than an arrangement of necessity. To marry for nothing more than personal desire was a luxury neither of them had been able to afford. “I offer you my sincerest congratulations, my son, though, I must ask for both her safety and yours...do you believe she will be able to withstand your Burning when it comes?”

Koss lifted his chin proudly.

“She already has.”

“Indeed?” His father’s graying eyebrows shot nearly up to his hairline. At Koss’s confirmation, the elder Vulcan nodded his head in approval. “Then you have undoubtedly chosen well. As both your occupations are based here, I take it you will remain on Vulcan?”

“Yes, although, if her diplomatic posting should change in the future, I have made it clear that I will happily accompany her to any place in the galaxy,” the architect said, and his father nodded his head.

“That is as it should be,” Kollos murmured, taking a sip of his tea. “And the wedding?”

“I have mentioned to her that you and mother follow the old traditions, and she expressed an interest in a Vulcan ceremony.” Shifting slightly in his seat, Koss asked a question that he almost dreaded the answer to. “I know mother had her heart set on my marrying another Vulcan woman. How do you believe she will react when she finds out that I am to be bonded with a Human?”

Releasing a heavy sigh, Kollos looked at his son. The mere mention of his ex-wife made the former minister’s shoulders tense.

“Truthfully, I do not know. Near the end of our marriage, your mother’s logic often escaped me. I would hope, however, that since you are content with your mate, she will be, as well,” he said observing the thoughtful way his son nodded his head. The two were much alike. “Sa-fu...I realize that I have not stated this as much as I should, but I wish you to know that I am gratified that you are my son. I have always been proud of you, but I am especially so about the man you have become. No matter what disagreements your mother and I may have, we will always agree that we love you.”

Koss’s eyes widened in surprise at the openness of his father’s expression.

“You know I feel the same, and that I have always been proud to say that I am your son,” he returned, and the two men came as close to smiling as two Vulcans could.

When his father had departed, Koss made his way upstairs to the study. His k’diwa was seated at his desk flipping through a book of Vulcan poetry that he’d been reading to her. She was still learning to read Vuhlkansu, but she knew enough to parse her way through the ones he’d already read to her.

“‘Your scent is as plentiful as the sands,’” she read as she heard his approaching footsteps, “‘surrounding me with endless grains of your katra.’”

“Tirek’s prose has become a favorite of yours, has it not? You tend to revisit his verses many days after I have read them to you,” Koss noted as he moved to her side and leaned against his desk as he watched her nod up at him.

“His voice is so clear. It’s hard not to love his poetry,” she murmured, and Koss trailed the tips of two of his fingers down her neck. Humming in pleasure, she allowed her eyelids to flutter closed as she leaned into his touch. “Just like it’s impossible not to love you, sweetheart.”

Koss allowed himself to bask in the warmth of her praise for a moment before he marked her page in the book and closed it. Setting it to the side, he shuffled a few of his blueprints and laid one on top of the stack.

“There’s a new project I’d like you to take a look at,” he said as his heart sped up. Would she like it? As his lover leaned forward to take a look, Koss saw a smile spread over her face. He wondered which part of the design had caused it.

“Wow, this is going to be a beautiful home! If it’s not breaking some sort of client confidentiality, may I ask whose it’s going to be?” When he remained silent for a beat too long, she looked up at him. Swallowing nervously, Koss looked straight into his fiancee’s eyes as he spoke.

“Ours. The caverns below will remain unchanged, but this design will combine the two houses we have into one. We will have room to accommodate a family,” he admitted quietly, “but only if you wish it. If you would prefer that our homes remain separate, I will, of course, respect your choice.”

Her lips parted in surprise.

“This is for us?” When Koss nodded his head, his ashaya’s eyes filled with tears, and she practically dove into his arms. The joy he felt from her mind reassured him as he embraced her. Her voice came out muffled as she spoke against his shoulder. “Oh, Koss, I love it! You have no idea how much this means to me. You really didn’t have to go to all that trouble, but I’m so grateful. Thank you!”

Precious girl. How could she expect any less than the best from a lover who designs homes for a living? Did she not realize that he would build her townhouses and villas, monuments and castles, all at a mere hint from her sweet lips? She was his partner, and if anyone deserved to benefit from his skills, it was her. He would ensure her comfort and safety with his labor.

Nuzzling into her hair, Koss held her as close as he physically could without crushing her.

“Such efforts are no trouble...not when they are for you, my mate,” he murmured, and her shoulders trembled as quiet sniffles escaped her. Rubbing soft, comforting circles on her back, Koss helped her through her emotions.

Vaguely, he acknowledged that once, not too long ago, such emotional displays would have seemed trivial, perhaps even an annoyance to him. Since meeting his ashaya, though, he’d learned that Humans must face their emotions head on in order to move forward. It was a similar process to Vulcan emotions, but instead of simply meditating through them and suppressing them once they were acknowledged, Humans functioned differently. They had to ride their emotions out and have a healthy, periodic emotional release in order to remain in peak condition.

How did they do it? Koss was confounded by how Humans handled such strong, volatile feelings, much less how they made them work to their advantage. They were extraordinary beings, and in Koss’s humble opinion, he’d been mated by the best among them - an honor he never would have expected, but one he was dead-set on remaining worthy of.

-- Six Months Later --

At the appointed time, Koss stood in the center of the courtyard and struck the marriage gong. Unlike his previous nuptials, this time, the weight of his ornate ceremonial robes was completely inconsequential as they billowed around him in the heat of Vulcan’s suns. He watched as his betrothed stepped through the gateway into the courtyard, and his chest swelled with pride at her beauty.

Everything about this ceremony would be done in accordance with Vulcan tradition with two notable exceptions at his ashaya’s request. First, the gown that she wore was white in color rather than purple as Vulcan tradition would have dictated. Koss couldn’t help but admire her radiance as she walked across the ancient stone with Ambassador Soval at her side. The second exception was that the Ambassador would give her away in accordance with another Earth tradition. She claimed that as he had been a close friend and confidant of her father’s, he deserved the honor. Koss hadn’t really understood the importance of this particular addition, but if it was significant to the woman he loved, then he wasn’t about to refuse her.

As the Ambassador escorted her to the center of the courtyard and gave her a polite bow, Koss couldn’t take his eyes off his bride. Hyperaware of their bond on this most important of days, he tried to convey through emotion alone how much he adored her.

Technically, they weren’t supposed to have formed the mental bond until after the ceremony, but the early occurrence of the pon farr was a commonly accepted exception to that rule. The blush that colored her cheeks at the strength of his affection was more gratifying to him than even the grandest of his architectural successes. 

Though, logically, Koss was aware of the presence of the guests and the priest conducting the ceremony, the world narrowed to just the two of them as they knelt in front of each other before the brazier. The heat of the ceremonial flames burned as hot as Vulcan blood, bathing them both in a warm glow as they touched the first two fingers of their hands together in a chaste ozh’esta.

“What ye are about to witness comes down from the time of the beginning without change. This is the Vulcan heart. This is the Vulcan soul. This is our way,” the Vulcan priest’s voice sent a hush through the crowd, but it faded into a gentle buzz for Koss and his bride. This had been a long time coming for both of them.

Afterward, as the pair were congratulated by the various guests in attendance, the crowd parted and went quiet. Koss’s parents approached the new couple, and everyone was waiting with bated breath to see what they would do. His mother’s eyes skimmed the bride briefly before turning to her son. Likely remembering the polite diligence with which her new daughter-in-law had answered her many questions, her own sense of etiquette prevailed. She murmured her congratulations, placed a supportive hand on Koss’s shoulder, and made her way toward one of the arched doorways to take her leave.

That was not the negative reaction that Koss had anticipated. It certainly was not overtly positive, but he would gladly accept neutrality. That was a solid foundation upon which they could build.

Koss’s father, however, greeted the pair warmly. Standing tall and proud in his formal robes, he looked between both of them with the closest thing to affection that a Vulcan could express in public.

“My sincerest congratulations to you, my son,” he stated before fixing his son’s bride with a warm gaze. “As for you, ko-fu, I bid you welcome to our family. I believe you will fit your new role effortlessly.”

“Thank you, osu. Forgive me, but my Vuhlkansu is still a work in progress. What does ‘ko-fu’ mean?”

At her question, Kollos leaned in a little further with a twinkle in his eyes and an almost-smile tugging at his lips.

“It means ‘daughter.’” While she processed the implications of his answer, Kollos excused himself and made his way through the crowd. Barely registering his father’s interaction with one of his bride’s friends from Earth, Koss and his wife returned to the task of speaking with their guests.

His Adun’a’s friends from the Enterprise even made a point of attending, much to her joy. Commander Shran and Captain Archer in particular offered them their sincerest congratulations, as well as a large bottle of Andorian ale. Koss even got a handshake from the Andorian, though, he didn’t bother to try explaining to him the significance of such a gesture in Vulcan culture. Given the amusement in Archer’s eyes, Koss gathered that the Commander would find out once the two men were safely back on the Enterprise.

After much mingling, Koss managed to sneak his wife away for a moment alone. As soon as they were out of sight in a small stone alcove, he did what he realized he’d wanted to do since the moment he found her scratching I’Tol’s belly in her new backyard: he caught one of her hands in his, cupped the back of her head with the other, and rested his forehead against his wife’s, savoring their closeness.

This serene interlude was filled with the weight of all the sentiments they’d both dared give voice to since his initial confession in the caverns. Koss felt he’d said all that he could, but it would never be enough to fully express his feelings. He would never stop telling her how much he loved her, but this moment deserved something more.

While he held the back of her head, he used the techniques his father had so diligently taught him to initiate a brief mind meld. Their marital bond shared a great deal, but a mind meld was a more complete form of communication. She knew the significance of such a gesture and the associated risks as well as Koss did, so when she felt the connection between them open up even wider, she gasped.

But she deserved this much. To her husband, she needed to see how deeply he loved her, especially on the day of their bonding.

When he ended the meld, he wasn’t surprised to find her lips seeking his. As Koss kissed his wife, luxuriating in the simple joy of the knowledge that he was hers, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for his old mentor’s advice about beginning again and for Soval’s nudge in the right direction. Without those, he might never have grasped the unexpected warmth that had stumbled into his life and his heart, nor had the courage to tell her how he felt.

“Hey, lovebirds, how about a picture to mark the occasion?” Captain Archer asked from a few feet behind them. Giving a smile that sent Koss’s heart thudding faster in his side, his wife coaxed him into following her former commanding officer back into the center of the courtyard.

After a few shots of the new couple together, the Captain set his camera on a stone, activated the timer, and pulled Commander Shran over to join them in the frame. Koss and his wife posed in the center, the latter throwing an arm around the Andorian’s shoulders, while Soval and Archer flanked either side of the trio. Looking beside him at the small group, Koss realized there were bound to be several new frames on their mantle by the time their two homes were combined into one.

~*~*~

Vulcan Words:

Nemaiyo na’ t’nash-veh ha’kiv = Thank you for my life

Ashau nash-veh du = I love you

ashaya = love

k’diwa = a shortened version of k’hat’n’dlawa (a person who is half of one’s katra)

Ashal-veh = darling

sa-fu = son

osu = sir

ko-fu = daughter

~*~

Taglist:

@bigblissandlove1​ @darkmattervibes​ @emilie786​ @horta-in-charge​ @toebeans-mcgee​ @android-boyfriends​ @wafflingchemist​

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 3) Chapter Three

Spock x Empath! Reader

Chapter Three: Clouded Sight

Summary: Spock and Kollos mind-link, which proves interesting and solves one problem, but there are always more to come.

            On the Bridge, a small barrier had been set up around Spock’s station. Kollos’s container sat behind it, so when Spock stepped up with the visor in his hand, he was sure to be the only one to see Kollos.

            (Y/N) touched Spock’s fingers with their own before he nodded to them and walked behind the screen. He knelt and opened the container. The green light shone from behind the screen. (Y/N) held their breath, closing their eyes and focusing on the emotions radiating around them. Kollos’s held no malice, just calm as he joined with Spock. (Y/N)’s shoulders sagged in relief that there was no danger in Kollos. At least this wouldn’t be like the situation with Henoch.

            Spock-Kollos straightened behind the screen and walked out. The entire Bridge gazed at him curiously, wondering if it had worked. Kirk glanced at (Y/N), and they nodded. Kollos’s emotions radiated from Spock’s body.

            Spock-Kollos looked over the bridge; their eyes only paused on (Y/N) and Jones. It wasn’t that much of a surprise to (Y/N), though. The Spock part loved them, and (Y/N) suspected the Kollos part loved Jones. Some people would get jealous of seeing their boyfriend’s body look lovingly at another person, but (Y/N) could differentiate between Spock and Kollos and knew their boyfriend only loved them, so seeing Kollos love Jones didn’t affect them.

            Spock-Kollos smiled (though any emotion shown was likely more Kollos than Spock. Probably completely Kollos and not Spock. This was a little weird to see). “This is delightful. I know you…” said Spock-Kollos. “All of you!”

            “James Kirk, Captain and friend for many years,” said Spock-Kollos. They smiled at Bones. “And Leonard McCoy…” They chuckled. “…also of long acquaintance.” Spock-Kollos’s eyes landed on (Y/N), and a wider smile spread across their face. “(Y/N)…who means more to me than I can say. ‘To see the bright eyes of the dear one.’ ” Spock-Kollos gazed happily at (Y/N)’s golden eyes as they crinkled in a smile.

            “That’s not Spock,” said Bones as he heard the poetry.

            Spock-Kollos’s smile fell, and they raised an eyebrow. “Are you surprised to find that I’ve read Byron, Doctor?”

            (Y/N) snorted. Now that was definitely Spock’s mind.

            “That’s Spock!” said Bones in delight.

            “Am I addressing the Ambassador?” asked Kirk.

            “In part,” said Spock-Kollos. “That is, part of us is known to you as Kollos.” Their eyes landed on Jones, and (Y/N) suppressed a smile as Kollos’s emotions spiked in happiness upon seeing her. “Ah, Miranda…There you are. ‘Oh brave new world that has such creatures in it.’ ”

            “ ‘Tis new to thee,’ ” finished Jones.

            “My world is next for us,” said Spock-Kollos. They gazed at her for a moment before turning to Kirk. “Captain Kirk, I speak for all of us you call Medusans. I am sorry for the trouble I’ve brought to your ship.”

            “We don’t hold you to blame for what happened,” assured Kirk. “And thank you now for your help.

            Spock-Kollos nodded. “And now, to the business at hand. With your permission, Captain.”

            “Yes. Mr. Sulu, release the helm to Mr. Spock,” said Kirk.

            “Aye, sir.” Sulu stood, and Spock-Kollos took his seat.

            They get to work immediately. They worked the controls carefully with a skill very few possessed. “Coordination is complete.”

            “Then go ahead, Spock, Ambassador Kollos,” said (Y/N).

            “Warp 1 in six seconds,” said Spock-Kollos. “Five…four…three…two…one…zero.”

            The Enterprise moved forward on a charter course back to their own galaxy. Lights flashed around them as they flew, but they didn’t stop. With a final bright explosion, the Enterprise broke back into their original galaxy.

            “Position report, please, Mr. Chekov,” said Kirk.

            “Our position…Our position is so close to the point where we entered the void that the difference isn’t worth mentioning,” said Chekov in amazement. “Bullseye, Mr. Spock.”

            “Good job, Spock, Ambassador Kollos,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            “Thank you, (Y/N),” said Spock-Kollos.

            “Take over, Mr. Sulu,” said Kirk in satisfaction. “Thank you, Ambassador.” Spock-Kollos stood. “Mr. Chekov, plot a new course.”

            “The new heading will be plotted in a minute, sir,” said Chekov.

            Spock-Kollos felt their chest. “How compact your bodies are…and what a variety of senses you have!” They smiled broadly. “This thing you call language, though—most remarkable. You depend on it for so very much. But is any one of you really its master?” Their smile fell. “But most of all, the aloneness…You are so alone. You live out your lives in this shell of flesh, self-contained, separate…how lonely you are…how terribly lonely…”

            (Y/N) shivered at the cloud of melancholy around Spock-Kollos. They could only imagine how Spock felt with his emotions so intertwined with the second mind in his body. “Ambassador…I believe it’s time to sever the link.”

            “So soon?” asked Spock-Kollos with a frown.

            “We can’t wait,” said (Y/N).

            “You are wise,” said Spock-Kollos. They nodded and stepped around the screen. They knelt, and Kollos’s container opened.

            (Y/N)’s eyes widened a fraction too late. “The visor!” they cried. “Spock!” He cried out, and (Y/N) covered their mouth in horror.

            “Don’t move! No one is to move,” ordered Kirk.

            “Spock? Are you alright?” asked (Y/N) hesitantly.

            Spock stood, a wild look in his eyes, and a tinge of fear twirled across (Y/N)’s skin. Their eyes widened. He was deeply disturbed if he showed any sort of emotion.

            “Spock, you’re alright. You’re safe,” said Kirk, holding out his hands.

            Spock grabbed his wrists roughly, and they began to push at each other. Spock threw Kirk to the side, and Bones jumped up. Spock easily hit him aside, and even Sulu and Chekov were shoved away from him.

            (Y/N) moved in front of Spock, and he faltered. Even in his insanity, his heart leapt at the sight of them. They reached out and touched his head, closing their eyes and drawing at his madness. Spock’s eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he collapsed, unconscious.

            “He’s barely breathing,” said Bones grimly, quickly checking his pulse. “Help me get him to Sickbay!”

            “Spock…” murmured (Y/N) worriedly. They couldn’t bring him out of this type of madness on their own. They looked at Jones. They needed a telepath. (Y/N)’s blood ran cold when they saw no concern in Jones’s aura.

l

            (Y/N) sat beside Jones and Spock in Sickbay. As they kept the madness at bay, Jones attempted to bring Spock’s logical mind back. So far, they were having no luck, but (Y/N) had a terrible feeling Jones wasn’t trying as hard as she could.

            Outside of the room, Kirk and Bones’s anger and worry at the situation filtered in like a cloud, and (Y/N) took a deep breath to focus. Their attention was taken, however, when Kirk walked into Sickbay.

            “Who is it?” asked Jones. Her cloak of sensors lay on a table to the side.

            “Captain Kirk,” said (Y/N).

            “I have no news for you, Captain,” said Jones.

            “No change?” asked Kirk.

            “He’s…he’s struggling,” said (Y/N), voice hoarse.

            “What are you doing about it, Dr. Jones? (L/N) is holding his madness at bay, aren’t you bringing Spock’s mind back?” asked Kirk.

            “I’m doing what I can,” said Jones.

            “Which doesn’t seem to be much,” said Kirk, speaking what he knew (Y/N) would not.

            Jones scoffed. “No doubt you think I can wake him with a kiss.”

            “I doubt that would work with anyone other than (L/N),” said Kirk.

            “He’s a Vulcan,” said Jones.

            “Only half,” said (Y/N).

            “The other half is human, far more human than you, apparently,” said Kirk.

            (Y/N) shivered as heat from Jones’s anger prickled their arms.

            “Face reality, Captain, his mind has gone down almost too far for me to reach,” said Jones.

            “I can feel him. He’s still there, he’s not dead yet, we have a chance,” said (Y/N), narrowing their eyes. “Why won’t you help him?”

            “Because that’s what you want, isn’t it?” said Kirk harshly.

            Jones tried to push past him. “That’s a lie!”

            Kirk grabbed her shoulders. “Oh, no, it isn’t. You want him to die. What did you do to him on the Bridge? Did you make him forget to put the visor over his eyes?”

            Jones emotions were a whirlwind, and (Y/N) took a step back from the telepath’s aura, holding Spock’s hand tightly. “You’re insane!” cried Jones, but there was a level of truth to Kirk’s accusations of her not completely desiring Spock’s recovery showing in her emotions of envy and satisfaction.

            “Yes, you know your rival, don’t you?” questioned Kirk. “You couldn’t keep him from making a mind-link with Kollos, something that you couldn’t do yourself. With my words, I’ll make you hear such ugliness as Spock saw when he looked at Kollos with his naked eyes.”

            Jones cried out at Kirk’s words.

            (Y/N) stepped forward and put their hand on Kirk’s shoulder. He looked at them in surprise before letting go of Jones and letting them face her.

            “Miranda…” said (Y/N) softly, and Jones looked at them. “Miranda, please. I love him. I know you love Kollos, I know you wish you could see him, but you can’t. I’m sorry. But please, don’t make me lose the man I love because of jealousy.”

            Jones stared at (Y/N), and a deep sadness enveloped them both. Jones’s emotions calmed into a steady melancholy. She wished to see who she loved and couldn’t. But she understood (Y/N) was right. She couldn’t punish Spock for her own jealousy.

            “I-You’re right. I’m sorry,” said Jones. She extended her hand. “Lead me back to him.”

            “Thank you, Miranda,” said (Y/N), taking Jones’s hand and guiding her to Spock’s side. (Y/N) took ahold of his hand, and Jones touched his temples. Together, the empath and telepath dove into Spock’s mind.

            Spock stirred, his hand gripping (Y/N)’s tighter. He jerked, and (Y/N) pushed their comforting emotions into him, calming him. And then he jerked up abruptly, furrowing his brow as he cleared his mind.

            “Spock!” cried (Y/N), hugging him tightly.

            Spock blinked in surprise. “Was it truly that surprising that I regained my logical mind?”

            (Y/N) let go and rolled their eyes. “Unbelievable.” But a smile appeared on their lips. That was their boyfriend.

l

            Spock and (Y/N) deposited Kollos’s container on the transporter. They liked the Ambassador, but with the trouble they’d endured, they couldn’t help but be satisfied the ordeal would be over with.

            Jones entered behind them, wearing her sensory cloak once more.

            Bones shook her hand. “You have what you wanted most?”

            “I am one with Kollos,” said Jones.

            (Y/N) smiled. They had linked minds. Jones couldn’t see him, but their minds were one, and she was happy.

            “Well, I’m truly sorry that you’re leaving. Goodbye,” said Bones with a smile.

            Kirk stepped forward next, and Jones smiled at him. “We’ve come to the end of an eventful trip, Captain.”

            “I didn’t think you’d even talk to me,” said Kirk.

            “Well, I have you to thank for my future,” said Jones. She looked at (Y/N). “Both of you. Your words enabled me to see my mind was clouded.”

            (Y/N) smiled at Jones and nodded. “It was my pleasure.”

            Kirk smiled. “Miranda, good luck…health.” He pulled a rose from behind his back. “I have something for you.”

            Jones took it and smiled. “I suppose it has thorns.”

            “I never met a rose that didn’t,” said Kirk.

            Jones smiled and smelled the rose as she stepped up onto the transporter. She looked at Spock and (Y/N). “I know now the great joy you felt when you joined minds with Kollos.”

            “I rejoice in your knowledge and in your achievement,” said Spock honestly.

            “I understand, Mr. Spock, the glory of creation is in its infinite diversity,” said Jones.

            “And the ways our differences combine to create meaning—” Spock’s eyes turned to (Y/N) “—and beauty.”

            “I wish you and Kollos the best of luck,” said (Y/N), smiling at Jones.

            “And I wish you and Mr. Spock a long and happy life together,” said Jones, shaking (Y/N)’s hand before boarding the Transporter. She raised a hand in the Vulcan salute and smiled. “Live long and prosper.”

            “Live long and prosper,” repeated (Y/N) and Spock.

            And then Jones and Kollos were gone.

l

            “So, are you still feeling alright? Mentally?” asked (Y/N), fretting over Spock as they sat him down in his quarters. Bones had ordered (and made sure Kirk followed up that order) Spock to go rest after the bout of madness.

            “I am fine,” said Spock, but he didn’t object to (Y/N)’s concerned hands on his face as their Celian physical affection came through in worry.

            “Are you sure?” said (Y/N).

            Spock reached up and took (Y/N)’s hands in his own. “Yes, T’hy’la. You saved me yet again.”

            “Well, me and Miranda,” said (Y/N).

            Spock looked at (Y/N) and pulled them so they sat beside him on his bed. “T’hy’la, without you, I would have lost myself many times. Do not push your abilities to the side.”

            (Y/N) smiled at him. “You’re so kind to me.”

            “I speak the truth,” said Spock.

            (Y/N) laughed at his usual logic and kissed him.

            Spock kissed back. In his mind, this counted as rest. And he didn’t particularly like listening to Bones’s orders anyways.

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[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 3) Chapter Two

Spock x Empath! Reader

Chapter Two: Maddening Sight

Summary: Marvick looks at Kollos, loses his mind, and begins to cause problems

            As (Y/N) and Spock headed back to (Y/N)’s quarters, (Y/N) leaned into his side. He gazed down fondly at them, supporting them with a hand around their waist in case anything else happened.

            When they reach the door of (Y/N)’s quarters, Spock graciously opens it. “Are you feeling better, (Y/N)?”

            “Yes, thank you, Spock,” they said, smiling at him and touching his hand in thanks.

            Spock leaned down and kissed (Y/N), the pair exchanging shows of affection. (Y/N) reached up and pulled the collar of Spock’s shirt, tugging him into their quarters as they stepped back, but they were interrupted as a flash of agony and madness struck them as powerful emotions radiated through the halls.

            (Y/N) faltered, and Spock quickly supported them. “T’hy’la?” he asked.

            “Someone just went through enough pain to lose their mind,” gasped (Y/N).

            Spock narrowed his eyes slightly. “The Ambassador. If a humanoid looked at him, their mind would break.”

            (Y/N) reached out and pressed the communications button. “(L/N) and Spock to Bridge. Captain, someone’s opened up the Ambassador’s container.”

            “Get to the Ambassador’s quarters, but do not go in, we’ll meet with you there,” ordered Kirk.

l

            “Miranda, has the Ambassador been hurt?” asked Kirk as Jones, holding a visor in her hands, exited the now safe room.

            “No harm has come to the Ambassador, Captain,” reported Jones.

            “Who could have done such a thing?” questioned Kirk.

            “Larry Marvick,” said Jones.

            (Y/N)’s furrowed their brow gravely as they made a connection. “He was at the dinner when Dr. Jones and I sensed animosity from someone. And now he’s seen Ambassador Kollos, and he didn’t have a visor at all, and he’s human.”

            “The insanity will have taken hold,” agreed Spock.

            Kirk moved to the communications system. “Captain Kirk to all ship personnel: Red Alert. An attempt was made to murder Ambassador Kollos. The murderer is dangerously insane. He is Laurence Marvick. Be on the watch for him. Kirk out.”

            As soon as the message finished, the Enterprise jerked and spun to the side, horribly off course. That couldn’t be an accident at this point.

            Kirk hurried everyone to the Bridge. “Sulu, explain!”

            “I don’t believe this myself, Captain, but we’re traveling at warp factor 8.5 and accelerating,” warned Sulu.

            “Get Engineering, (L/N),” ordered Kirk, and (Y/N) paged them.

  ��         “No response, Captain,” said (Y/N) as Spock hurried around the Bridge, fiddling with the controls to attempt to get them back on course.

            “Warp factor 9 and accelerated,” reported Sulu.

            “Can you disengage power from there, Mr. Spock?” asked Kirk.

            “Trying, Captain,” said Spock, opening a grate and working with the wiring. “Mr. Chekov, your assistance, please.” Chekov knelt beside him.

            “Captain, I’ve got Engineering,” said (Y/N), putting them on the intercom.

            “They mustn’t sleep,” came the paranoid mutterings of Marvick. “No sleep. They come in your dreams. That’s the worst. They suffocate in your dreams. We’re making it out of here.”

            “Security to Engineering,” ordered Kirk. “(L/N), with me to help abate the insanity so we can take him.”

            “Yes, Captain,” said (Y/N). Their empathic abilities would help with the situation.

            “I’ll go with you,” said Jones.

            “No,” said Kirk.

            “(L/N) can reach his emotions, and I can reach his mind,” argued Jones.

            Kirk nodded curtly. “Get Bones, too.”

l

            “We’ll be safe outside the boundaries of the Universe!” cried Marvick as he continued to work with the Engineering controls. “We’ll be safe!”

            (Y/N) and Kirk ran up at him, and (Y/N) pressed two fingers to Marvick. They took a deep breath and pulled at the wilder of his emotions. They couldn’t completely alleviate the madness, that was impossible now, but they could make him more manageable.

            Marvick thrashed and tried to kick them, but they dodged, and the security officers restrained him. As they all moved, a sudden explosion wracked the ship. They had blown out of the galaxy thanks to his manipulations of the ship’s coordinating systems.

            “Scotty, where are we?” asked Kirk.

            “I don’t know,” said Scotty.

            “Beyond the boundaries of the galaxy,” gasped Marvick. “We made it. We’re safe. We’re safe, Captain Kirk.”

            “Bones,” said (Y/N), nodding to Marvick. They couldn’t take much more emotion.

            Bones stepped forward with a hypo, but Marvick freaked out.

            “No! No! We mustn’t sleep! They come in your dreams!” he cried. “That’s the worst!”

            (Y/N) shook their head at Bones. They couldn’t risk driving him further over the edge. “Alright. Alright, Larry,” they said.

            “We’ll take you to a place to hide, a better place,” said Kirk, carefully guiding Marvick.

            “No, no, we need to stay here with the controls,” said Marvick. “Ready to speed, speed, speed to the next galaxy!” His eyes landed on Jones, and he froze. “Miranda…Miranda…you’re here…with me…”

            Jones smiled and stepped forward. “Yes, Larry. I am here.”

            “I didn’t lose you…” gasped Marvick. “Oh my beautiful love, I though I’d lost you.”

            “I am here, Larry,” said Jones gently. Her eyes widened slightly. “No. I can see what he sees.” Her telepathy connected their minds. “No, don’t. Don’t think of it.” She tried to control Marvick’s thoughts.

            “Liar! Deceiver! You’re not alone!” shouted Marvick at Jones. “You brought it with you! It’s here! It’s here! You brought it with you!”

            He lunged and grabbed her throat, Bones, Scotty, (Y/N), and Kirk jumping forward to help her. They pulled him off Jones, even as he continued to struggle.

            “Don’t love her!” he shouted. “She’ll kill you if you love her!” His words became garbled, and pain painted his emotions vibrantly. “I love you, Miranda.” His eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he collapsed to the ground.

            Bones knelt and pulled out his tricorder. “He’s dead,” he said grimly.

            Kirk frowned sadly. “Take him to Sickbay, see if you can figure anything else out. We’ll head back to the Bridge and see if they’ve made progress in getting back to our galaxy.”

l

            “Any idea where we are yet, Spock?” asked Kirk.

            “We are evidently far outside our own galaxy, judging from the lack of traceable reference points,” reported Spock. “When we exceeded warp speed factor 9.5, we apparently entered a time-space continuum.”

            Bones entered the bridge. “I have the autopsy report on Marvick. Heart action stopped: cause unknown. Respiration stopped: cause unknown. Brain activity stopped: cause…shall I go on?”

            “He just…died?” asked (Y/N).

            “I mean he couldn’t live with what he saw,” said Bones.

            Kirk sighed. “Damage report, Scotty.”

            “We need some repairs, sir, but the ship is intact,” said Scotty.

            “Position report, Spock,” said Kirk.

            “Impossible to calculate,” said Spock. “We lack data to analyze. Our instruments appear to be functioning normally, but what they tell us makes no sense. Our records are clear up until the point we left our galaxy.”

            “Then we should be able to navigate back?” asked Kirk.

            (Y/N) shook their head. “We don’t have the reference points to retrace our steps.”

            Spock nodded. “We experienced extreme sensory distortion, and we shall do so again, if we attempt to use warp speed.”

            “And we can’t recross the barrier on sublight speed,” said (Y/N).

            Bones muttered under his breath. “Been spending too much damn time together…”

            “A madman got us into this,” observed Chekov. “And it’s beginning to look as if only a madman can get us out.”

            “An entertaining suggestion, Mr. Chekov, but not very helpful,” said Spock.

            Kirk’s eyes widened as he had an idea. “There is someone else aboard who might be able to help us navigate. The Medusans have developed interstellar navigation to a fine art. Could Kollos function despite the sensory distortion.”

            “Very possibly. The Medusans’ sensory system is radically different from ours,” said Spock. “Perhaps, for the purpose of this emergency…I might become Kollos.”

            “Uh, Spock?” asked (Y/N).

            “A fusion,” explained Spock. “A mind-link to create a double entity. Each of us would enjoy the knowledge and sensory capabilities of both. We will function as one being.”

            (Y/N) placed their hands on their hips. Before going along with one their boyfriend’s crazy ideas, they asked, “Hazards?”

            “If the link is successful, there will be a tendency to lose separate identity,” said Spock. “A necessary risk.”

            “But when you separate once more you’ll be alright?”

            Spock nodded.

            “Then I’m satisfied,” said (Y/N), nodding. “And I can monitor their mental states as it happens.”

            Bones sighed. Just running into danger, the pair of them.

            “However, Dr. Jones will not wish to give me permission to accomplish the mind-link,” said Spock. “I don’t think she’ll want anyone to intrude in the kind of rapport she has with Kollos.”

            (Y/N) nodded. “She did show envy at the idea of anyone other than herself attempting a mind-link with Kollos. But it would have to be Spock due to his own knowledge of the Enterprise to share with Kollos.”

            “I could confine her to quarters,” offered Kirk.

            “Not sufficient,” said Spock. “Her telepathic powers are formidable. If it is at all possible, her mind must be so engaged that no thought of what I am doing shall intrude.”

            Kirk looked at (Y/N). “Could another psychic being near Dr. Jones be a good distraction?”

            (Y/N) nodded and smiled. “Yes, sir.”

            “Perfect. (L/N), you go find Dr. Jones and keep her occupied; Spock, you get ready for the mind-link,” ordered Kirk.

            “Yes, Captain,” said the couple.

l

            “Dr. Jones?” asked (Y/N), stepping into the botanical room. The woman stood in the center of the array of flowers, slowing smelling the ones she passed.

            “Ah, Lieutenant (L/N),” said Dr. Jones, turning to face them. “Coming to check on my emotions after Larry’s passing?”

            “I think anyone can tell you’re upset. Not just an empath,” said (Y/N) kindly.

            “I am handling it,” said Dr. Jones.

            (Y/N)’s eyes softened as Jones’s aura radiated a multitude of dismal emotions. “There is nothing wrong with grieving. It wasn’t your fault.”

            “I know it wasn’t. It wasn’t my fault he loved me and I didn’t love him,” said Jones.

            (Y/N) lay a hand on her arm, allowing a wave of understanding to pass between them. “I know. I’ve dealt with many people like that, who make rash decisions because they think they’re owed something more than you feel for them.”

            “Human companionship is a…struggle,” said Jones. She recognized that (Y/N) understood her own issues with being attractive and not seeking attention for it. “I agree with the Vulcans—violent emotions are a kind of insanity.” She held a flower tightly in her hand. “How do you handle it? I feel their thoughts, and you feel the insanity of their emotions are every turn. How do you stand it?”

            (Y/N) considered. “I’ve learned over the years to let it all become background noise at times. And when I do feel it is too much, I have friends who know how to help me.” They chuckled. “And it helps that the man I love never affects me with his emotions. Just finding some people who understand you and support you help make things bearable. Even with all the dark emotions that flit about daily in humans’ mind, I can still see the warmth they carry. Ugliness, beauty—the mix is there, and that’s the wonder of the world.”

            Jones paused as she considered (Y/N)’s words. “Ugliness and beauty…emotions are set. Those are not.”

            (Y/N) shook their head. “I suppose they aren’t.”

            “I wonder who it is that decides whether Kollos is too ugly to bear or too beautiful?” murmured Jones.

            (Y/N) stopped at her words before nodding. “I suppose that’s correct. But not many would consider that at all.”

            “I’m not most people,” said Jones.

            (Y/N) smiled. “You’re blind, aren’t you? And you have a device that warns you of obstacles?”

            Jones paused in surprise. “You know?”

            “Your envy whenever people mentioned seeing Kollos gave it away,” said (Y/N). “You wish to know what he looks like because you…care for him.”

            “I-I do,” said Jones. “I—!” She froze as her telepathy caught something. “Kollos!” She knew what Spock was doing. “No! You mustn’t let him do it!”

            “Doctor, we must,” said (Y/N), stepping in front of Jones as she tried to leave.

            “No! You have no idea of what a dangerous thing Spock is planning!” cried Jones. She pushed past (Y/N) and ran to Kollos’s quarters.

l

            Spock stepped out of Kollos’s quarters as Jones and (Y/N) appeared. He had yet to link with Kollos as Jones approached. Bones and Kirk stood beside him.

            “The Enterprise is at stake,” he said. “It is not possible for you to be involved.”

            “Why? I’ve already committed myself to mind-link when Kollos and I reached the Medusan vessel,” said Jones fiercely. “Why put yourself in jeopardy?” Her envy ran over (Y/N)’s skin.

            “This is not a duty you can assume,” said Spock. “I am aware of the fact that your telepathic competence might be superior to mine, but there are more important factors. The object is to pilot this ship. That is something you cannot do.”

            “The teach me to operate it. I can memorize instantly,” argued Jones.

            “Now, wait a moment, I know you can do almost anything a sighted person can do,” said Bones, and Kirk and Spock’s heads turned at the knowledge ((Y/N) was unsurprised), “But you can’t pilot a starship. I’m sorry, Miranda, but you must be realistic. You are blind, and there are some things you simply cannot do.”

            Spock gazed at the cloak Jones always more. “Evidently, a highly sophisticated sensor web. My compliments to you and to your dressmaker.”

            “Of course. It’s the only reasonable explanation,” said Kirk. “You can’t see, and Kollos can’t hurt you.”

            “An elegant solution,” said Spock. “But I fail to understand why you apparently try to conceal your blindness, Dr. Jones.”

            “I understand,” said (Y/N). “You don’t have those with you to support you. So you conceal what you think are your weaknesses.”

            “Do you think you can gather more information with your eyes than I can with my sensors? I have no weakness,” said Jones in an attempt to seem strong. “I could play tennis with you, Captain Kirk. I might even beat you. I am standing exactly one meter, four centimeters from the door.”

            “Can you judge distance so accurately?” asked Kirk.

            “I can even tell you how fast your heart is beating,” said Jones defiantly.

            “No, that won’t be necessary,” said Kirk. He looked at Spock. “Mr. Spock will make the mind-link. No other decision is possible.”

            “No! I won’t let you,” said Jones.

            “Please, Dr. Jones,” said (Y/N), touching her shoulder calmly. “You aren’t weak. We know that. But we need Spock’s expertise with Kollos’s.”

            “No,” said Jones.

            “Then we’ll ask the one person who can convince you. You’ll have to take this up with Kollos, Dr. Jones, for your own sake.”

            Dr. Jones was silent for a moment before stepping forward into Kollos’s room. The doors snapped shut behind her, and the group waited.

            “Bones, why didn’t you tell me?” asked Kirk.

            “If she’d wanted you to know, she would have told you. I respected her privacy,” said Bones.

            “(Y/N), you were unsurprised,” observed Spock.

            “She got jealous whenever people mentioned seeing Kollos. I suspected that she couldn’t, beyond just the insanity danger,” said (Y/N).

            Before another word could be spoken, Jones stepped out of Kollos’s quarters, a saddened look on her face. “It seems I have no choice but to obey you.”

            Spock and Kollos would mind-link.

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