TITLE: "AMBASSADOR"S PRIVILEGE" 
AUTHOR: Gayle Rochefort-Potts 
E-MAIL: tpotts@sprint.ca 
SERIES: TOS/MIRROR 
PARTS: SEVEN 
RATING: NC-17 
CODES:  Sa, m/f 
POSTING:December 8,1999 
ARCHIVE:ASC, ASCEM, BLTS

SUMMARY: This look into the Mirror Universe shows how
lives can be owned, (guided) and lost all for the sake of
honour.

DISCLAIMER: The Great Bird of the Galaxy created "The
Universe" we play in. Paramount owns "The Universe" we play
in. They will have all the monetary gain and all the
headaches... we will have all the fun!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

"AMBASSADOR'S PRIVILEGE" (TOS/MIRROR) 
Written by Gayle Rochefort-Potts 
Assisted by Selek 
March 1999 
Originally posted: December 8, 1999


The diplomatic offices were of the standard Vulcan
simplicity. The inner office was empty for the moment and
the outer receptive office held two desks. The Vulcan pair
was busy attending to the usual matters of this office.

Selek looked up as he was handed the slates. "You are
working quickly today."

"There is little work in the final drafts." T'Aitlu began
to turn away, returning to her desk but Selek's hand held
hers. She glanced towards the doorway that led into
Ambassador Sarek's office, wondering if he was occupied or
not. She took the chance and took a step closer to Selek;
her fingers ran through the silk of his hair then caressed
his face. "I must complete the work assigned to me."

"You can care spare a moment." He looked towards the other
office as she had. "Sarek is not due back for another
fourteen point four minutes." His fingers stroked the back
of her hand. "He has a conclave tonight." He turned her
hand palm up and drew two fingers slowly across. "He will
not require either of us."

She closed her eyes, reacting immediately to this man's
touch, as she always did. "It is not certain, Selek." She
withdrew her hand then returned to her desk. Now was not
the appropriate time to indulge. As she sat down, Sarek was
heard entering his inner office. She breathed a soft sigh
of relief that Sarek had not seen them. Of late, Sarek's
patience for displays of affection of any kind were not to
be tolerated.

Selek stood, gathered all of the reports and legal papers,
then headed into Sarek's office and closed the door.

After about twenty minutes their voices began to raise,
then there was a sudden bang as if something was slammed
down on the desk. T'Aitlu stood at the sound, unsure if she
should investigate or not. She breathed a quiet sigh of
relief when Selek emerged from the office. He was not
pleased.

"Ambassador Sarek wishes you to accompany him tonight."
Selek would not look directly at her. "I have been
instructed to leave for the day as I am no longer
required." He began to close down his workstation without
any further comment.

His voice was monotone, informing her without words that
he did not approve of this arrangement nor did he wish to
discuss it. She moved from behind her desk. "Selek..."

He looked up from his work then stood. "My patience will
only stretch so far." He moved to take his travel cape down
from the hook. "Even with him." He laid the cape over his
arm then looked to T'Aitlu, his head bowed slightly. "I
will see you later... I presume."

He turned and left before anything more could be said.

T'Aitlu sat back down and returned to her work, somewhat
reluctantly. She recalled the gradual changes in Sarek over
the past year. The minute changes had begun just over a
year ago when T'sai Amanda became ill then died. A human's
constitution was not that of a Vulcan's nor was she
expected to live as long as a Vulcan might. Sarek had
always been more than attentive towards his mate and had
seemed lost since her death. Then recently, for some
reason, Sarek had changed even more.

******

Sarek entered the room of Elders with T'Aitlu at his side.
The sandalwood scent in the air and the atmosphere were of
wealth and indulgences. There were others here with their
bondmates, bondservants, concubines and such. They were
quickly welcomed and served some drinks. Sarek had arranged
for the purchase of the gown T'Aitlu wore and had made a
point of complimenting her on her appearance. As he
discussed business with the others of the Council, he
ensured that she was attended to throughout the evening. 
He would have done the same for his bond-mate, T'Aitlu
noted.

A bond-mate of another Council member came and sat down
with her. "So, it has taken Sarek this long to find
another. I was not privy to the introductions. I am
T'Pring. My mate and I serve the Council."

Her head bowed. "T'sai T'Pring, it is an honour." She had
known of this one from Selek. This was the one that had
rejected Sarek's son, Spock. "I am T'Aitlu."

T'Pring drained the glass of wine, stopping in mid sip as
the signifigance of this one's name hit her, "Desire," She
purred suggestively, "A most interesting name. Did Sarek
award you with this honour? Or have you earned the name?"

T'Aitlu met this woman's eyes and chose not to answer such
a rude query. She picked up her glass and moved to the
table of food. She ate only a few bites of food before
Sarek once again appeared at her side.

Sarek turned her face towards him with the gentle touch of
his fingers. "My business is done here. Do you wish to
leave?" His fingers brushed her lips. He sipped on his dark
ale. "Or do you wish to remain for a time?" If he and
Amanda had had a daughter, he envisioned her to bear some
resemblance to T'Aitlu. She could have even passed as a
member of Sarek's family, a cousin perhaps. The only
difference was that T'Aitlu's eyes were darker.

"It is not my place to chose, Ambassador." She had
understood his attentiveness towards her. He was lonely and
at times she served to fill the social gap. He had never
gone any further than a gentle touch, never crossing the
barrier into the privileges of her bondmate's. That is
until tonight.

Sarek stepped closer to her; his paired fingers caressed
her jaw line then traveled down her neck. His fingertips
brushed the darker areola that peeked just above the
plunging neckline. T'Aitlu stepped back slightly avoiding
his touch.  He drained the glass and left it on the table
freeing both his hands then closed the distance between
them. He held her hand; pulled her close to him then
wrapped his other arm around her waist, twisting one hand
behind her back. "Then I will choose. Aitlu-kam, I will
choose what I wish..." He bent his head and kissed her
neck, tasting her perfume.

"Ambassador..." she whispered. "This is not desired." As
he lifted his head she met his eyes. "This is not your
right, Sarek."

"You... and your bond-mate are bound to me in service." He
whispered in a deep and soft voice. "I require your
service." He noticed that her ample breasts had spread
against his chest and had all but become totally exposed.
He held both her wrists behind her; his fingers on his free
hand traced patterns on the swell of one breast. "Has he
ever kissed you, as humans do?"

"No." T'Aitlu did not know what to make of his behaviour
the last few weeks. He had become increasing demanding of
the house servants and short with Selek. Today was the
first time they had argued. She wondered if some of this
treatment was because of that discussion. "Why would he
choose to?" she replied evenly attempting to diffuse and
end the situation as quickly as possible.

"It has its pleasures." Sarek lifted her chin, debated on
teaching her then slowly released her. He looked around the
room and all were in various states of pleasuring. "I will
take you home."


*******

Selek stood in the door way to the bedroom he shared with
T'Aitlu. Bond-mates since the age of seven, as it had been
decreed by their parents. Theirs had been a match which had
succeeded more than most. She had just finished preparing
for bed and was in the process of brushing her long hair.
They were fortunate that Sarek, once he became Ambassador,
retained Selek as his aide and then found a place for
T'Aitlu. Many couples were not as fortunate.

"You have been unusually quiet since your return from the
conclave meeting." He had sensed this uneasiness in her.
"Did anything happen?"

She fastened a quick loose braid for sleeping. "In what
respect?"

"In any respect." He was not comfortable that she had been
given another gown nor did he find the style appropriate
for the event. He had even noticed that she was keeping her
distance. Had something happened and she was wary to inform
him. "The travel arrangements have been confirmed. We leave
tomorrow."

"We?" She had been informed that the travel plans were to
be made for Sarek alone.

"He wishes that we travel with him." Selek was not certain
if he was content with the arrangements. They had traveled
many times with Sarek but it was usually business oriented.
This is the first time they would travel with him for a
pleasurable time.

"Very well." she replied, resigned to the situation yet
curious as to the reason for the change.

Selek reached out to her when she was finished preparing
for bed. He drew paired fingers down her face then lifted
her chin. "To spend time on Risa with thee is most
pleasing."

"It pleases me as well." She turned away from him as the
memory of Sarek's touch flashed through her mind and
unsettled her.

"Your thoughts..." and he reached for the meld-points.

She welcomed his touch, and to refuse it would have
aroused suspicion in him. Just as his warmth began to creep
in, his hand dropped away. She opened her eyes to his dark
ones. He had 'seen' the liberties that Sarek had taken and
was enraged!

"He has no right! You are my bondmate, not his," Selek
whispered angrily.

T'Aitlu reached for his hand, her lips brushed his palm.
"He is lonely and wished only some company." It had been a
long time since they had been together. "He went no
further." Their thoughts and duties had been centered on
Sarek; neither realizing how much Sarek would change. At
one point all Selek would have to do is ask and time for
Seclusion would be granted, now it had become a rare
commodity that they had any time to themselves.

"There are other ways to satisfy the urge for company than
by taking another's bond-mate." He debated challenging
Sarek for his actions. Much could be lost in that
challenge; his life for one thing. Sarek would then take
her as his. With Sarek's position and the probability that
T'Aitlu would remain here, he would have no control then,
if he lived. He drew her close to him.

She molded herself against him, feeling safe within his
arms but also fewarful that matters may be outside of her
control. She felt his hands clench in her length of hair,
matters would have to be dealt with carefully or she could
lose him.


******

Sarek moved through his dimly lit room. He had been
disturbed by his unusual behaviour, and how it had aroused
him. It was unexpected to say the least. He had never
considered using T'Aitlu in a sexual manner before. She was
the only female in his House that he had not considered
before this. He immediately went to his closet and withdrew
his meditation robe. He must center himself if he was ever
going to get any sleep tonight.

He drew his meditation robe over his shoulders, covering
his nakedness, then knelt in the accepted position in front
of the firepot. He closed his eyes and slowed his
breathing. However, when he wanted to clear his mind, he
could not. He was thinking only of T'Aitlu and the feelings
she invoked in him. Only Amanda had affected him in this
manner before. It was much too soon for his pon farr, but
he could not shake the warm feeling that had started in his
belly and had centered itself in his groin.

Sarek shifted his position and the robes rubbed softly
against his semi-erect penis.  He groaned and, again, tried
to center himself. This was not logical. T'Aitlu has been
in his service for 5 years, bonded, and she was a trusted,
efficient aide. He did not see her in that light at the
moment but could not stop reacting to her. He tried to
concentrate on the flame, but Sarek kept thinking back to
the gown she wore tonight at the meeting. The gown that he
had chosen for her. How the swell of her breasts caught and
held his attention. How the plunging neckline had enticed
him to explore further. Even her protests did nothing to
dissuade him; in fact that seemed to encourage him. He
remembered the kiss and how she tasted, had it been a hint
of cinnamon?  He wanted more... much more.

His erection was now commanding most of his attention. The
cloth covering his penis was becoming an irritant. He
opened his robe, parting the fabric and just enough to
reveal his rock-hard member. He stared down, marveling that
at his age of 128, he was still in excellent shape and his
penis reacted as if he were a 50-year-old. He thought of
T'Aitlu again, and a drop of pre-cum leaked out of the head
and glistened in the light of the firepot.

Sarek bowed to the inevitable and grasped his cock in his
hand and slowly stroked it. He could picture T'Aitlu's hand
holding his member, gently stroking it and allowing her
hair to wash over the jade green head. He could see in his
mind's eye her luscious breasts, bobbing slightly as she
pulled on his cock. His own strokes became faster and
longer.

Sarek started thrusting into his hand, which was grasped
firmly around the base of his rock-hard manhood. He threw
his head back and held his breath in anticipation of his
climax. Faster and faster, he pulled on his cock and thrust
his hips. His hand was coated in his hot pre-cum. Still he
pumped furiously and felt his balls contract. His climax
was explosive, his ejaculate covering his belly and robes.
In his thoughts he screamed a single word: Aitlu!

******

On Risa...

Logically, the reservations were the very best. Sarek had
requested a suite of rooms and had been accommodated. Selek
had personally inspected the females who were assigned to
attend Sarek. There could be no chances taken with a man of
his power and station.

Sarek floated with his eyes closed, his head resting on
the pillow and his body suspended in the hot scented bath.
He tried to clear his thoughts of all his concerns. He
heard movement behind him; he opened his eyes, just as the
attendant was entering the bath. He felt her hands along
his side as she moved closer. "Your name."

"Desiree." She stated softly with a slight bow of her
head. She was Orion and her skin was a shade darker than
Aitlu's. Her hair was dark and long and her eyes were a
golden shade. She began to wash his body, taking time to
pleasure him as well. Her touch was firm and experienced.

Sarek, a slightly arched brow of amusement at the sound of
her name. 'Curious," he muttered to himself as he wondered
if Selek's choice of this one with THIS name had been
intentional. Was this because Selek wished to please him or
remind him of what he could not have? There had been no
mention of the incident at the conclave but she had never
been left alone with Sarek since. There was always someone
with them if Selek could not be near-by.

Desiree suggested that Sarek move to the table for his
massage. He complied. He wrapped the toweling around
himself and crossed the warm room to lie on the table. He
chose the oil and Desiree began. He removed the towel and
lay down on his back, his penis starting to demand her
attention.

She had been surprised at the Vulcan's condition. More
often than not, when many attained Sarek's position their
physical condition was not important any longer. Sarek on
the other hand was most attractive and her duties to him
were unlimited. Her hands massaged every accessible inch of
this man's body concentrating on his manhood. It responded
to her ministrations as Sarek started to writhe under her
expertise.

Sarek suddenly sat up. "Get my aide. T'Aitlu." He reached
for the ale that sat beside the table.

Desiree, her small hands still slick with oil, was
surprised at his actions. "Ambassador Sarek, I believe she
is with her bond-mate..."

"Did ask you if she was available? No, I ordered you to
get her and bring her here," he stated firmly.

"Yes, Ambassador." Desiree quickly replied, knowing that
she had just been reprimanded. She grabbed a small towel
and hastily wipped her hands clean. She slipped on her robe
tying it as she left the room. She knew where to find this
woman but knowing the intrusion would not be welcomed.


****** 

T'Aitlu poured the scented oil into one hand then placed
the bottle down. She rubbed her hands together then
straddled his body. She leaned forward and began massaging
his chest. She had learned a great many things over the
years and this was one skill that pleasured them both. She
ran her hands over his taut nipples then leaned down and
bit gently. He moaned. She smiled then drew her hands down
lower.

Selek lifted one leg, knocking her forward and he wrapped
his arms around her then rolled her over onto her back. He
kissed her ear, then her neck tasting the oil that he had
already smoothed her body with. It was scented heavily with
sandalwood and had amazingly little taste. He moved
torturously slow down her body. Tasting and touching her.

She breathed deeply then moaned. He was most proficient
and enjoyable. She wrapped one leg around his thigh to pull
him down. She pressed against his erection. A whispered
invitation to end this pleasant torture and her fingers
wrapped in his long hair were all the invitation he
required.

He pushed into her slowly and sighed. He reached into her
thoughts as she did into his and his body began the
familiar rhythm.

The door chime sounded but it went unnoticed.

Once the meld had been established, her hands ran down his
body encouraging him.

The door chime sounded once again and this time Selek
withdrew from the meld. He felt her nails dig in slightly
as their passions died. He slowly withdrew from her.

"Come." He drew the sheets to cover what was necessary. He
twisted to see who was coming in. He frowned; this was the
female he had left with Sarek. "There is a problem?"

"I ask forgiveness. Ambassador Sarek ordered me to find
T'sai T'Aitlu and bring her to him immediately." Desiree
kept her eyes down. She regretted with all that she knew
that she had been commanded to disturb the activity here.
She had been trained to recognize the first stage of pon
farr and this was not a situation that one wanted to
interfer with.

Selek sat back. "He what?"

"He wishes me to find..."

"Yes. It is understood." Selek looked to his wife. He was
uncertain of what to say. He knew full well what he wished
to say. "She will be out in a moment."

Desiree bowed her head then backed out.

Selek reached for his robe that had been discarded by
T'Aitlu earlier. He slipped it on then moved from her. He
poured a large glass of brandy. He drank it down then
placed the glass down hard. "You should not keep him
waiting." He stated with his anger at Sarek and his desire
for T'Aitlu, both barely contained.

T'Aitlu nodded then moved from the sheets. She picked up
her robe, slipped it on then stood behind Selek. "I will
not be long."

"You will be as long as he chooses for you to be." He was
definitely losing his patience for this. "Now go."

****** 

T'Aitlu moved through the quiet corridors following
Desiree. She was uncertain as to why Sarek wanted her. The
attendant was not helpful in any way. When they arrived at
the room, Desiree stepped aside.

T'Aitlu entered the room. She bowed her head and waited.

Sarek looked up and was surprised by her state. Her hair
was messed, she wore a loose fitting robe and her face was
flushed. When he usually saw her she was dressed to
perfection without a hair out of place. "Aitlu-kam, come
here."

She lifted her head, brushing her long hair back as she
crossed to him. "Yes, Ambassador. How may I be of service?"

He lifted his hand to her face then ran his fingers down
her throat. He felt the smoothness of the oil on her body
and the scent was overwhelming. "Open it." He indicated her
robe.

Stunned, T'Aitlu stood frozen. He could not be asking this
of me, she thought to herself. "I do not understand..." she
whispered.

Sarek reached forward and tugged on the fastener and the
robe fell open. He breathed deeply as the sight and smell
of her heightened his desire for her. He reached into her
robe, a hand on either hip and he pulled her to him. "Of
course you do." His hands began to investigate the feel of
her body, every curve was being memorized. His eyes held
hers. His hand reached to hers and he held it for a moment.

T'Aitlu felt her heart pounding. This seemed as if it was
unreal. She felt the heat from his body as her hand was
pressed against the hard roll of muscle. He wrapped her
hand around it. She held her breath, disbelieving of this
man's actions.

"You are the only one that can satisfy this." His lips
brushed her cheek then her lips. He sighed as her hand,
pressed beneath his, began to stroke him. This was just as
he had envisioned it the first night, when he was alone.
His body shivered as the anticipation grew. He moved the
fabric of her robe from one shoulder, as he pulled her
closer, then tasted her lightly oiled skin.

Unknown to them, Selek stood off in the dark corner of the
room; he had entered through a concealed pathway. He could
not believe the actions of this man. One he had served and
honoured for most of his adult life. He had been with Sarek
when he became Ambassador. He stood with him at his bonding
to Amanda. He was uncertain what had driven this man to do
this. One thing was for certain, Sarek's death would come
sooner than later if things went any further.

Sarek slipped off the table, he lifted her chin then
claimed her mouth with his and tasted her. He lifted her
easily up onto the table, keeping her close to the edge.
His tongue teased her taut nipple.

T'Aitlu shook her head, she did not wish to be pleasured
by him. She did not want his touch or to be a part of his
pleasure. She wished only to leave here before she became
ill.

Sarek moaned. His member was throbbing and glistening with
pre-cum. Her hand was wet and his cock was slippery. He ran
his hands down her back and pulled her closer to the edge
of the table. He positioned himself against her, preparing
to enter her, to find the satisfaction his body demanded.

T'Aitlu held her breath, she did not wish this but she
felt powerless to stop it. She shook her head as she asked
him to let her leave. For all intent of purposes, she was
considered Sarek's property, but rarely was a bond
infringed upon without consent. She began to shield her
bond-mate's reception of this; they both did not have to
suffer.

Then suddenly, Sarek was gone from in front of her. She
looked up to the sight of Selek attempting to strangle
Sarek. She was so shocked at her mate's behaviour she could
not move at first.

"She is my mate! Not yours! You have no privilege."
Selek's eyes were dark.

"No!" She closed her robe as she left the table and ran to
Selek's side. "Kroy'kah." She moved his hands then held
them. "You do not wish this, Selek. You do not wish him
dead. It is the fever..."

"Leave him." Sarek stared at Selek. "If he wishes to
fight... let him!"

"I will not." T'Aitlu turned to Sarek, angry and unsure of
everything for the moment. "It is the fever that guides
him."

Sarek was breathing deeply, just as Selek was and for
almost the same reasons. He grabbed her wrist. "Come."

She pulled her hand from his hold. "No. I will not,
Sarek." She looked to her mate, the fire was still in his
eyes and she knew that if he truly wished it, Sarek would
die. "You paid for the attendants. Use them!"

Sarek grabbed her chin. "I have paid for your services as
well."

She drew in a breath and knew her next action would either
solve the issue for now or cause her death. She drew back
and slapped Sarek's face, hard.

His pride was now at stake. His face stung and he felt his
anger rising. Was she worth it? Did he wish her for a mate
or was she merely a means to an end? "Leave me! Take him
with you!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. He grabbed
the nearest breakable object, a large vase, and hurled it
against the wall. T'Aitlu ducked the shower of broken
crockery as she guided Selek.

Sarek clenched his fists as the two left him. He had been
wrong. He now realized that he was closer to the pair than
he had been willing to admit. Without a bondmate he was
being affected by Selek's Time. He should not have even
considered touching her again. He sat down in the
collection of floor pillows and closed his eyes.


****** 

Selek had slowly begun to realize what had happened as she
closed the door to their room. "Did I hurt him?"

"No." She poured a generous amount of brandy then offered
it to him. "Drink."

He waved it away. "No. I do not need it." He took the
glass and placed it on the table. He reached to the
fastener of her robe and opened it. "It is you that I
require." He slipped it from her shoulders. It dropped in a
heap on the floor behind her. "Did he hurt you?" He made a
quick inspection of her.

"No." She held her breath as his hands moved up her arms
then along her shoulders to cradle her face. She reached to
his robe and opened it. Her hands slipped in to touch his
warm body.

"Did he manage..."

"No." She stepped closer to him. "Forget him." She slipped
the robe from his shoulders then brushed her lips on his
warm skin. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her
fingers moved into his hair and she pressed herself against
him. "I wish you."

Selek dropped one arm then the other allowing the robe to
slip from him. That was all that separated them at the
moment. He held her tightly, his growing erection pressed
against her stomach. His hands caressed her arms then along
her back, her derrière. His fingertips caressed her
shoulder then her breast. Her skin felt like warm velvet.
He teased one nipple and then the other until both became
hard and sensitive.

Slowly, he moved down her body, tasting, licking and
sucking her warm skin. He went down on his knees then held
her steady as his mouth brushed against her warmth. He
heard her whisper his name. Her fingers moved into position
and she began the meld that would share this euphoria she
was experiencing. His tongue touched her, sending a shiver
through her body.

T'Aitlu could not remain standing much longer, she was
feeling light-headed from his needs. She reached to his
shoulders then urged him up. She tasted his lips which
tasted of her nectar then his neck, her hand moved down his
body. Her hands caressed every inch of him renewing her
memory of him. Her tongue teased each nipple then continued
a downward path slowly inching her way to his erection. She
kissed the soft tip, smiling at the moan that it caused.
Her tongue traced patterns along its length. She felt his
body shiver. Her mouth took in the length of him then drew
her mouth slowly up the throbbing shaft. His hands held her
head to prevent her from pulling away.

"What do you wish, My Husband?" she whispered against the
hardness.

"Again." He managed with a moan.

Her mouth took him in and her tongue swirled around him as
she moved up the length. He pushed his hips towards her and
she repeated her actions, slowly. His hands clenched in her
hair. She prepared herself to swallow his seed.

Selek moaned then cried out at his release. He felt her
arms circle him keeping him upright as she continued
milking him with her mouth. When she finally released him
he almost fell but she guided him to the bed in time to
collapse on the softer surface.

Selek did not require much time to rest before his body
began to burn once again for her. He kissed her, brushed
back her long hair from her body. He repeated the path he
made down her body tasting and arousing her. She drew in a
deep breath as he began to suck on her, gently at first.
The plak tow had been fueled by Sarek's challenge and now
he craved only her. He was not as gentle now as she felt
his burning increase. Her body shivered with the first of
many orgasms, her fingers curling tightly in his hair.

Selek slowly covered her body with his. He ached for this
to end. He also knew that it would not end with this
release or even the next. There would be at least three
days of this activity. Time had not diminished their
passion for each other, instead it had made it more
familiar and satisfying.

She spread her legs inviting him into her to end this bit
of torture. She wrapped her arms around him as his hard
member entered her. She lifted her hips and wrapped her
legs around his waist pulling him in deeper. Her fingers
dug into his flesh as she reached for the release. She felt
him push deeper then felt the warm fluid pump into her.

He rested his head against her shoulder satisfied for the
moment.

******

Sarek had tried to spend the morning meditating. He wished
to discover the reason for this sudden interest in Aitlu.
He had begun to drift into his second level when images of
Selek's and T'Aitlu's activities drifted into his
consciousness.

He felt himself grow hard again, he stood annoyed that his
attempts to rid himself of this need would only bring him
images of the two. Selek claiming her as his, as was his
right, and T'Aitlu burning with the passion she shared with
her bondmate. As it should be. But it did not stop his
wanting of her.

He walked across the room to the balcony. He looked at the
lush scenery that surrounded this building. He heard the
occasional laughter, as the sound would drift from the
other rooms. He had been under the impression at one point
that this would be the logical place to find someone to
serve his needs. One that was not paid by him and that was
desirous of him in the same fashion. He shocked himself
with the realization that he wished a mate again, yet he
felt that it was too soon.

Desiree entered the room with his meal. "Ambassador." She
placed the tray on the low table then waited in the
collection of pillows for him.

Sarek turned to face her. She had done everything asked of
her. She wore only the meditation robe and had fastened her
hair back, as T'Aitlu always did. His need of this
diversion was evident to himself and would be to her when
he stretched out. She had been more than successful in
calming his anger and his desires yesterday.

He had considered obtaining her for his own use, to
purchase her and give her a place in his household. His
only hesitation was in what to do with her when he bonded
again. A bondservant perhaps? Or would she serve his mate?
He sighed. He would deal with the matter when the need
arose. With Desiree the need to find a mate became less
urgent, perhaps delaying it for a time and she would serve
his particular passion for the moment.

Sarek crossed the room to the pillows slightly more eager
than he had been only a moment ago. He reached for her hand
then kissed her palm. "Would you care to live on Vulcan?"

Desiree bowed her head. This would be an ideal situation,
pleasing was, by reputation, her species' greatest gift.
The variety that was offered here on Risa was fleeting. At
times, she desired more than this. "If it would mean
serving you, Ambassador Sarek, it would be considered an
honour." She broke off a small piece of the sweetened bread
and offered it to him.

Sarek finished the bite as he considered the arrangement.
"I will see to it after this meal."

Desiree bowed her head. "You may if you are more
comfortable, translate my name into Vulcan." She had been
accustomed to being called many names by many individuals.
Sometimes her own name and sometimes a name that was
special to the one she was assigned to.

Sarek considered it for a moment. "There would be too much
confusion." He accepted the mouthful of sweet dried fruit
she popped into his mouth.

"Confusion?" She moved closer to him, slowly opening his
robe and her hands began to massage his body.

Sarek reached to hold her chin then pulled her closer to
taste her lips. "The translation would be 'aitlu'."

Desiree had been surprised. She knew that Selek had been
very careful in his choices, and that she had been selected
because she had met the majority of his requirements. Had
Selek been aware of this 'attraction' to his bond-mate and
wished to satisfy it or to confuse the distinction. To
offer her to Sarek in place of T'Aitlu. "Then chose another
for me. I will learn all that I must to honour this
position." She had slowly worked her way down his body and
was now concentrating on his sex.

Sarek pushed aside his need for food as he closed his eyes
and concentrated on her activities. Her hands were gentle
and her mouth quite skilled. She had not disappointed him
in the least and she seemed to control even his level of
arousal. She straddled him then slowly impaled herself. 
She had refused to be entered before and he took it as a
sign of her acceptance of her new station. Before he lost
himself in his release, he considered having a discussion
with Selek concerning his motives.


******

A four-day stay on Risa had satisfied all concerned. Sarek
had arranged for the transfer of ownership of Desiree and
in record time. He had also paid out an unheard of price
for her as well.

Selek was busy with the final arrangements required for
their departure the following day. He closed the terminal
then stood and moved out onto the balcony. His recovery
from his pon farr had begun and it would take a few days
longer before T'Aitlu would be aware of whether or not she
had conceived. No one had been able to determine why they
had not been able to conceive a child before this. Neither
of them had been pre-occupied by the matter nor did either
of them feel that a family had been necessary. The matter
had been left up to fate.

He heard the door open and turned expecting T'Aitlu but
instead it was Sarek. It was the first time they had been
face to face since the incident in Sarek's room.

Selek bowed his head. "Ambassador."

Sarek assessed the man for a moment. "You appear well."

Selek nodded. "As do you, S'haile."

Sarek joined him out on the balcony. "There is a matter
that must be discussed if only to clarify motives."

Selek nodded once. He was not certain what he was
referring to but Sarek did not appear dissatisfied. "The
travel arrangements need only to be confirmed then all
preparations for returning home are complete."

"You were informed of the additional passenger?" Sarek had
Desiree inform one of his aides as to the change. All had
to learn to work with one another sooner or later.

"Yes, S'haile. She informed me earlier today." Selek had
not been surprised to learn of the change. It had relieved
some of his apprehensions about traveling with Sarek again.
"S'haile, it appears that I require from you some
forgiveness at my choice in the female."

Sarek raised an eyebrow. How would he have known that this
was the very matter he had come about. "Explain?"

"I believe that in part my choices were influenced by my
approaching Time."

Sarek considered the notion. "A possibility I will
accept." He had Selek and T'Aitlu in his service for a long
time and there had been no reason to doubt them so far. "I
had wondered if your motivations were not entirely loyal."

Selek bowed his head. Now was not the time to orchestrate
a separation from this man. "I come to serve, Sarek, as
always."

"There are times when words mean very little and hide a
great deal more."

Selek straightened his back slightly. "I do not understand."

"Selek, what was the motivation in choosing this place and
the attendants?"

"My motivation was to please you." Selek did not wish to
damage any of the trust that had been earned. He had even
enjoyed a power among his peers in being with Sarek. He had
served Sarek for most of his life and there were many
benefits to the association. "I explained that my judgment
may have been clouded but it was not disloyal." He found he
did not enjoy his honour being questioned.

The discussion was halted with a knock on the door. Selek
crossed the room and accepted the handwritten note. The
messenger left and Selek passed the scanner over the paper.
He was checking for imbedded threats to Sarek's life.
Poisons that could be absorbed or fine filaments that could
cut and possibly further drug or kill Sarek. Not one thing
was passed to Sarek without some form of scan or personal
inspection and this service had only affected Selek once.
He had become quite ill from a drug that had been meant for
Sarek.

Sarek read the note. "Ambassador K'Quara wishes to meet
with me to discuss an upcoming vote at the Imperial
Conclave." He looked to the time. "He has not allowed a
great deal of time."

"I will inform T'Aitlu then accompany you." Selek stated.

"No need, Selek." Sarek had known this official for a
great deal of time. "I was not aware that he had arrived
here."

Selek had a sense that Sarek could be in danger. He moved
to the terminal and brought up the list of guests. "He is
registered. You should not go alone."

"I have the capabilities to defend myself, Selek." He
headed towards the door. "We will finish this discussion
later."

"As you wish." Selek waited until Sarek had left then
contacted T'Aitlu and informed her that he would follow
Sarek.

*******

Sarek walked through the corridors to the place indicated
on the note. It was a small meeting area, others were
present and K'Quara waited with drinks for him at a table
in the corner. A fairly safe setting with only each other
to be concerned about.

K'Quara stood. He was heavily built and was dressed in the
heavy robes that Risa spas provided. In a deep bass, his
voice rumbled as he kept his tone low for privacy's sake.
"Sarek, I am pleased that you could take the time."

Sarek bowed his head then they sat down. "I was unoccupied
for a time."

"You, unoccupied here?" He grinned at the Vulcan. His
reputation of his enjoyment of the physical pleasures, were
well known in the circles he traveled in. "I find that hard
to believe, Sarek."

"I was with my aide arranging travel plans to return to
Vulcan." He glanced down to the ring on his hand, the tiny
scanner that was imbedded in the large stone was programmed
to detect innocuous substances in his food. He sipped on
the dark ale that had been purchased for him. "You wish to
speak about the meeting?"

"We are considering becoming members of the Imperial
forces. I wish to know your opinion." He leaned forward
slightly, his eyes scanned the room and then settled on
Sarek.

"You were asked?"

"Ask is not the word I would have used." The Klingon
grumbled into his beverage.

Sarek contemplated the issue. "There are benefits, K'Quara."

His hand clenched his now empty glass, and his voice ws
tight as he countered, "And at what cost?"

The Vulcan did not comment on that almost treacherous
statment. It was a sentiment that he himself was not
unfamiliar with.

The heavy Klingon Ambassador slapped his glass onto the
table and then continued, "The worth of the cost is
something that I must determine for my world."

"Vulcan has never been dissatisfied with the functioning
of the Imperial Force. It has been profitable but there has
been a price to pay." Sarek drained the glass then pushed
it out of the way.

"Then you feel the price is just?"

Sarek met the man's eyes. "It has been for most of the
worlds that have joined." He looked around the room, he was
not followed nor was anyone watching them. "I believe it
will be for your world as well."

K'Quara nodded. "Then it is settled." He stood. "I
appreciate your honesty, Sarek." He knew it was not the
custom of the Vulcans to touch, so he bowed his head.

Sarek stood. "I come to serve, K'Quara." Sarek bowed his
head and then he left taking a different route back to his
room.

Sarek walked at a fair pace towards his destination and
then he was stopped. A tall figure stepped in front of him
brandishing a long blade.

Sarek did not hesitate and managed to his surprise to
knock the blade from the imposing figure. It was too late,
however, as he felt another cool blade enter his chest.

The assailant watched as his victim fell in a heap on the
floor. He turned and vanished as quickly as he had appeared.

Sarek moaned. His world was growing dark and his last
conscience thought was wishing he had allowed Selek to
accompany him. He sighed and gave in to the darkness.

Selek turned the corner wondering where Sarek was heading.
If he was returning to his rooms he was definitely taking
the long way around. He heard a noise up ahead and
quickened his pace. He drew in a breath and held it as he
recognized who was on the floor. He called through the bond
to T'Aitlu to bring help. [I will guide you.]

He moved to Sarek's side and began to examine the injury.
He lay his fingers against Sarek's face and reached into
his thoughts to see if Sarek was alive at all. He felt the
slow shallow breathing. "Sarek." He reached into his
thoughts informing him that help was on the way.

"Hopefully in time," he muttered. [Hurry, T'Aitlu.]

******

Selek sat in the chair pulled close to Sarek's bed. He had
not left his side since he found him and he suspected that
T'Aitlu and Desiree would have remained had he not sent
them to see to the changes needed with their travel plans.
He found himself reacting far too urgently to the sigh that
came from Sarek.

"Sarek?" He reached for the scanner allowing it to cycle
only once. He felt his entire body relax, as the Vulcan
opened his eyes slowly. "Sarek."

Sarek blinked a few times then began to recall the last of
his conscious memories. "Attacked."

"Yes, Sarek."

He tried a deeper breath very slowly and carefully. He did
remember having a great deal of difficulty doing this
before. "Identity?"

"Unknown. I was hoping that you had seen or knew who it
was." Selek stepped away from the bed slightly. His anxiety
concerning his liege lord's life had left him.

Sarek nodded. "I saw him."

Selek's hand rested on Sarek's shoulder. "Rest, S'haile.
There is time later." He watched as Sarek's eyes closed
slowly. Selek reached to the contact points and gently
reached into Sarek's thoughts to determine if he was
capable of a healing trance. He was relieved further when
he found that Sarek had initiated it on his own. He pulled
his hand away and returned to the chair and the light
breakfast that had been brought to him over an hour ago.

Desiree entered to find Selek eating. She carried with her
a tray with a pot of hot tea and cups. "T'sai T'Aitlu said
you wished the hot tea." She spoke softly so she would not
disturb Sarek. She placed the tray down on the larger table
then poured the tea for Selek as she continued. "I have
made inquiries as to the activities at the time of the
attack."

"Anything? Sarek did see him but I do not believe he knows
who it was." Selek drank the hot tea down. It tasted
exceptionally good.

"I have asked the ones that have knowledge of any
questionable activities to wait in the outer room. They
have been there for some time. I did not want them to come
to any harm if the inquiries were known."

Selek raised an eyebrow, he had not been wrong in his
estimation of her intelligence, but he was surprised she
acted on her own. "Find T'Aitlu, she will remain with Sarek
and you will accompany me when I speak with them." He
looked towards Sarek. "He must not be left alone for a
moment until he has recovered.

****** 

Sarek had awakened on his own. His healing trance was not
deep enough to warrant a forced awakening. He watched her
she moved around the room. He knew she was working on
collecting the information that would be required for the
next meeting that was in four days.

He cleared his throat then sat up slowly. T'Aitlu was
immediately at his side insuring that he was cared for.

"Is there discomfort?" She poured the water then offered
it to him.

"No." Sarek drank some of the water then returned the
glass to her. "Selek is occupied?"

"He is speaking with those that had clues as to your
attacker. Desiree went with him."

"Then we are alone."

"Yes." She was hesitant.

Sarek held her hand then squeezed her hand. "It was not my
intention to harm you."

"You would not have harmed me, S'haile. It would have
compromised my bonding and that I did not desire." She
slipped her hand from his and placed the glass down then
began adjusting the covers of his bed. "If you are well, I
have other duties to see to. The Healer will be in shortly
and then it will be determined when you will be permitted
to travel." She smoothed the last of the covers into place.
"Do you require anything else?"

"No." He looked towards the door as it opened.

"S'haile." Selek walked in pleased that Sarek was awake
and appeared well. "The only thing that has been determined
is that it was a Vulcan that was seen leaving."


****** 

T'Aitlu pulled her dark, heavy cloak tighter. The night
air was damp and she had already been waiting for twelve
point seven minutes longer than she had anticipated. She
heard a noise behind her and turned. "You are late."

"I had a slight bit of difficulty, someone is celebrating
and was being more than jovial and insisted that I join the
party." He laughed then leaned forward to whisper to the
female. "After one or two beers I managed to slip out
unnoticed." He sighed as he caught her disapproving stare.
He dropped back his hood, his voice was now quiet. "You
have information?"

"Yes. He survived." She stated in disgust.

"Blame that on your bond-mate not me." He reached over and
pushed back her hood. He lifted her chin. "You still owe me
the agreed upon amount."

"I am aware." She withdrew a small metal casing that was
the perfect size to fit in her hand. It was a perfect means
to transfer funds. "Here. Totally untraceable and for the
agreed upon amount."

"My father will not miss it, I am sure." He slipped the
credit chit into his pocket. "And for you. What do you wish
to do now?"

"I will give you enough travel allowance back to Vulcan.
He will be there for two weeks. Try again but something
that is more viable."

"A poisoned blade, perhaps?"

She lifted an eyebrow in appreciation of his quick
thinking and skill. "Acceptable."

"As you wish T'sai T'Aitlu." He bowed his head. "How is
your bond-mate? Blissfully unaware of your deception, I
trust?"

"It is not for you to question one way or the other." She
had moved her chin from his hold. "I must return before my
absence is questioned."

He watched as she lifted her hood back into place. "What
if it means his death as well?"

She glared at him. "You do not harm him. Is that clear?"
Her voice became hard and lowered in its tone. "If you harm
him in the least... I will be the one that comes for you."
She stepped closer to him and before he knew it there was
the coldness of a blade touching his stomach and making a
gentle slow trail down. "Your death will be slow and
painful." Her intent was quite clear. "Is that understood,
Sybok?"

"It is, T'sai. Very clear." He drew in a breath and
despite the danger that he was facing had found his body's
growing desire for her. This was the prize that he had
hoped for in addition to the wealth that would be his.
Perhaps she even had a price. Now, the only problem to
solve was how to dispose of Selek without arousing her
disapproval.

T'Aitlu stepped back from him then replaced her dagger in
its sheathing. "I do not wish to order your death. With you
gone, the fortune reverts to Spock. He will not share it as
you have promised to do. He is willing to wait. I am not."

Sybok bowed his head then met her eyes and smiled. "There
are many things that are worth waiting for. Money is not
one of them." He considered how warm she had felt pressed
against him when they first spoke of this. Nothing more
than that had happened but the memory had remained with him
and fed his eagerness to complete this mission at almost
any price.

T'Aitlu bowed her head then headed back into the building.
She would have to watch Sybok. He was planning outside of
the original agreement and she also understood his
passions. She had a few of her own passions to deal with
and they all included Selek.


******

On Vulcan.... 

The voyage home had been uneventful. Sarek and Desiree
were rarely seen and when they were, it was for meals. Once
home, introductions were made to the house staff and daily
events fell back into the normal routine.

Selek had however noticed a subtle change in his
bondmate's mood since returning from Risa. Had it been
because simply caused by the chain of events? He had found
her at times distant and almost pre-occupied. Other times,
it had seemed as if nothing had changed.

There had even been a mysterious package that had arrived
for her a few days after their return. A small box that was
sealed and she had not even opened it, merely placed it in
her bureau drawer. When it arrived, it had seemed as if it
was unexpected, yet she seemed to give him the impression
that she knew what it contained. At least that is how it
appeared when he saw her place it in her drawer, unopened.

Selek stepped back from the doorway, not wanting to be
seen by her. He considered all of the activities that had
been going on and they all seemed to be connected yet he
could not find a logical common thread. Or was he just too
aware of all that was going on around them since the attack?

Sarek had become occupied with Desiree's presence, he was
becoming content with her attentions. He spent a great deal
of time with her and educating her. He had even begun to
return to his normal routines, and oddly enough, Aitlu
seemed to be insisting on it.

Selek had begun to note as well that at every opportunity,
his bond-mate had suggested that Desiree begin to take some
of his own jobs tending to some of Sarek's needs. The more
personal assignments, mostly having to do with the running
of the household. T'Aitlu seemed more than ready to assist
Desiree whenever she was needed. Desiree seemed to be
thriving in this new environment, almost as if she were
destined for this position.


****** 

The preparations had begun for the yearly festivities. The
first day of the change of the season and Sarek was using
it as a starting point for his 'new' beginnings. The
decision had been made and he would introduce Desiree as
his betrothed. Sarek was well and showed no side effects to
the attack a few weeks ago. The activity level was high and
there were extra servants hired for the event. Desiree was
handling her new duties easily.

Desiree sat down in the kitchen at the table and studied
the PADD in front of her. She began to eliminate the jobs
that had been seen to and the list was at least dwindling
steadily. She had a few more things to see to and she would
be done for the day. She had planned to spend the evening
on her own preparing herself for the festivities the next
day.

They were going out this evening for evening meal and then
returning home to see to the final preparations. Selek and
T'Aitlu were to accompany them. They were to eat at Sarek's
favourite restaurant, one he had discovered while bonded to
Amanda.

The evening meal, of various Italian foods, was being
consumed. The after dinner dessert and drinks were being
enjoyed and final details for the next day were still the
topic of conversation.

"I trust everything has been seen to, Desiree?" Sarek re-
filled her glass with the sweet wine she favoured.

"Yes, S'haile." She sipped the wine then licked it from
her lips. "T'Aitlu has seen to a great many of the details.
She is, as you have said, indispensable."

Sarek bowed his head slightly towards T'Aitlu. "My house
is honoured by your service."

"I do nothing less than what is asked of me, S'haile." She
drank down the last of her wine. She leaned slightly
towards Selek and quietly asked if they could leave and
perhaps walk home. "Time alone," she added in even a softer
tone.

Selek considered it for a moment then nodded. He moved his
unfinished drink aside then looked to Sarek. "If it is
permitted, Sarek, T'Aitlu and I will return by foot to the
house." He stood not expecting a refusal. "It has been a
long time since we have walked under the stars." Selek
tilted his head slightly at Sarek's questioning eyebrow.

"Of course." Sarek drained his glass. "It is time that we
return as well." He waited a moment before standing then
offered his hand to Desiree. "Attend me."

Desiree had stood a second behind Sarek and her hand was
on its way into his as he spoke. She bowed her head to the
other couple as they left. She walked with Sarek out to the
aircar.

They stood at the aircar for a moment, the usual sounds
seemed quieter, and something did not feel right. Sarek
heard a noise, turned then pulling Desiree in close to him,
sensing she needed protection.

"Not again..." he whispered as the cold blade slipped into
his back. A momentary clear thought crossed his mind as he
realized that the blade had missed his heart. Most
fortunate. "Call Selek," he whispered to her as he felt the
darkness take him.

Desiree took in a breath and called for Selek a beat
before Sarek asked her to. She tried to move Sarek to the
ground and keep track of the attacker. She had seen his
face before! Her immediate attention was focused on Sarek
as she heard the running footsteps passing beside her. She
glanced up. It was Selek.

******

"Is he injured?" T'Aitlu knelt beside the two. She reached
into her pocket and pulled out her communicator, she
notified the authorities. She looked to where Selek had
disappeared and wondered if she should follow him. She
passed the communicator to Desiree. "I will return." She
reached into her sleeve pocket and pulled out the tiny vial
and the hypospray. She had considered the fact that Sybok
would not follow the plan and had prepared herself for the
betrayal.

She turned the first corner and saw nothing. She stood for
a moment listening to the nighttime sounds trying to
discern some clue as to which direction they were headed.
Her connection to Selek told her he was uninjured, unless
he was blocking. There had been many times when information
concerning political matters had to be kept from her.
Selek's shielding abilities were superior. She heard the
sound of arguing and headed towards it.

She ran down one walkway then turned right down another.
It was in a small clearing, a park that she discovered the
two fighting. She arrived just in time to see Sybok's fist
connect with Selek's chin, sending him to the ground and
unmoving.

"NO!" she screamed.

Sybok drew himself up then drew in a breath. "He is not
dead." Sybok rubbed his shoulder then looked to T'Aitlu.
"He will have a sore jaw and nothing more."

She glared at him. "You had better be right." She bent
down to check the condition of her bondmate. The hypo was
placed beside him on the ground as she quickly began to
examine him. "If he is injured..."

"You will do what?" Sybok laughed. "You do not have enough
time to do anything. Sarek will be dead by the time they
reach the medical center."

She looked up at him, her hand still resting on Selek's
chest feeling his breathing and heartbeat. Confident, for
the moment, that he was recovering. "I could give Sarek the
antidote now." Her hand closed around the hypospray. She
had planned this well. If Sybok betrayed her in the least,
she could administer the antidote then inform Sarek that
she knew who attacked him. She would deny her
participation. If Sybok accused her, and inform the
authorities, she would simply state that Sybok wished her
and this was his plan, but had injured Sarek and not Selek.

Sybok's breathing was still heavy. He reached down to her,
pulling her up by her shoulders. "You what!" He looked to
her hands then reached to the clenched one. He laughed as
he pried the hypo from her hand then tossed it away. He
watched as her line of sight tried to follow it. "You were
not born of this world!" He laughed then held her wrists
tightly in one hand. He held her chin then pulled her close
and kissed her. "You will make a perfect mate. One I will
have to watch, and one that is smart enough to know that
she is watched as well." He laughed again then picked her
up and with a touch, she fell unconscious. He carried her
easily as he would a sleeping child, away from her bondmate.

********

Selek felt the pain in his head and controlled it easily.
He had a moment when he was uncertain where he was, then he
remembered. He sat up. "Sarek." He stood quickly then
wavered. He waited for a moment then headed back to the
aircar.

Medical personnel were there and one healer was speaking
with Desiree. Selek moved to her side. "His condition?"

"Stable for the moment, but matters are not well." Desiree
looked to the Vulcan male. "He has been poisoned." She
looked past Selek for a moment. "Did T'Aitlu not come back
with you?"

"With me? She was not with me?" Selek frowned.

Desiree noticed the bruising already showing on his face.
"There was a fight?" She touched the darkening spot on his
jaw. "She followed you. You did not see her?"

Selek shook his head. He vaguely remembered hearing her
voice. "If matters here are being dealt with... I will go
back." He bowed his head towards Desiree then headed back
to where he had been.

He looked around the area quickly then began to search the
ground for any clues. He stepped on something hard, moved
his foot then noticed the metallic gleam. He bent down and
picked it up. "Most interesting." He held the metallic
cylinder carefully. The vial that had been attached had
cracked. The golden colour liquid dripped out slowly. Selek
held it carefully and returned quickly to Desiree.

He was fortunate, the healer was still there but the
medical car had left. Selek called out to him then as he
closed the distance between them offered him the hypo.

The healer took it carefully in his gloved hand. He ran
the tricorder over the vial's contents. He raised an
eyebrow. "A highly potent antidote of some type." He looked
to Selek. "The location of this hypo?"

"Close to where I was." He breathed in slowly and wavered
slightly.

The hypo was dropped into a sealable bag then dropped into
the medical sack. "It appears that you should be seen as
well." He looked to Desiree. "Can you bring him to the
medical center?"

"Yes. We will be there directly." She touched Selek's arm
then motioned for him to climb into the aircar. "I gather
you did not find her." She had a note of apprehension in
her voice. "Have you considered that whomever attacked
Sarek..."

"Yes. I have." Selek leaned back in the seat, he was not
feeling well. "She is alive."

"Then we shall get you to the medical center, check on
Sarek and then inform the authorities as to her
disappearance." Desiree guided the aircar towards the road
and then on to their destination. There was something that
was nagging at her thoughts. There was something familiar
concerning the attacker and she could almost see the face
and then it was lost to her.

She also considered, as she glanced at Selek, that Sarek
may not live. Her future was once again uncertain.


*******

Sybok moved into the darkened room. He set a cup of hot
tea on the small table beside the bed then brought over a
chair. He placed it so that when he straddled the chair he
would be facing her, then reached over to the cup that had
been set down earlier. It was still warm.

He watched as she stirred. He drank down the tea then set
the cup down. He reached over and brushed her hair off her
face. She brought her hand up and brushed away his touch.
He had not expected her to be asleep for this long. He
expected her to be awake and fighting by now.

Her eyes fluttered open, her eyebrow raised and she looked
to him.

"Greetings. I believe the Humans have a tale concerning a
woman, 'Sleeping Beauty'." He smiled slightly. "She of
course was awakened with a kiss."

"I would not advise it." She sat up slowly. She felt the
residual effects of the nerve pinch in her shoulder. She
moved, then rubbed the numb feeling area. She looked
suspiciously to the cup he was offering her. "Poison?"

"Not even a sleeping potion." He almost laughed. "It is
tea. Nothing more." He held it knowing she would debate the
issue for a moment within herself before accepting the cup.
"You have been sleeping for four hours."

She sipped on the tea. "I demand to be returned."

"Returned where?" Sybok rested his hands on top of one
another, then rested his chin. "Do you really think Sarek
would want you there now? Or even Selek?"

She watched him. No one knew of her plans nor did they
suspect. She sipped on the tea careful of any wrong taste
to it. She also knew he would not harm her... unless she
drove him to it. She calmed any evidence of her reactions
to him. "You have word?"

"None oddly enough." Sybok sighed. "Perhaps Sarek is not
as news worthy as we have thought. Even the attack has not
reached the headlines." He could move freely where he was,
he had protectors. He debated informing her of the fact
that leaving here would not be wise, but dismissed it. It
would be far more entertaining if she were to find out
after she attempted her escape. "The poison should have
taken effect by now."

"Unless you have miscalculated again." She placed the cup
down then flipped back the covers. She slid her feet over
to the side and decided to wait another few moments before
attempting to stand.

"Or they found the antidote that you lost." He grinned. "A
most interesting twist of fate. The one that arranges his
death, happens to supply the exact antidote." He combed his
fingers through his beard. "Interesting actions for a
female that claimed honour at serving the House of Surak."
He offered his hand as support.

T'Aitlu slipped her hand into his then stood. She drew in
a deep breath. "I do not need further assistance."

Sybok drew her hand closer to his mouth then turned her
hand over. His lips brushed the palm, then he lifted his
head quickly as her hand clenched. Her nails grazed the
soft under part of his neck. "It would not be advisable to
do away with me too soon. You do not know where you are.
Nor do you have any means to return from where you came."
He held her hand tighter. "You should also be aware that
all the doors and appliances work with only my thumb
print..." He smiled at her raised eyebrow. "And the thumb
that is pressed against the scanner must be of the correct
temperature." He kissed her clenched fist, keeping his eyes
on hers. "There is a time that one must give in to kaiidth.
Your life is something that I do not wish to take at the
moment."

T'Aitlu felt momentarily uncomfortable. She wet her dry
lips then cleared her throat. "It is with a degree of
regret that I should inform you ... that, I do not feel the
same, Sybok."

"M-m-m, yes it is." He considered this female then stood,
he moved from the chair and pulled her close to him, her
hands were held tightly at her back. He held both of her
wrists in one hand then with the other lifted her chin. "I
have plenty of time." His fingers caressed her jawbone then
his fingertips edged her ear. "You however... do not have
much time... as a free individual once Sarek dies... unless
you wish to change your loyalties...?"

She met his eyes and in that, he had his answer. She
wanted no part of him or his loyalties.


******

Selek looked around the room. He couldn't sit still any
longer. He stood and looked to Desiree. "I will return in a
few moments with some food and drink for you, T'sai."

"That would be most welcomed." Desiree went back to
reading as she waited for Sarek to awaken. The poison had
reached through most of his system by the time the antidote
was administered. They had used what amount was left in the
vial after verifying its potency and the technicians were
hard at work matching the formula. More was needed, Sarek
would not recover but he would not die. How much damage had
been done or would be done, would have to wait until he
awakened to be assessed.

Selek stepped into the hallway and headed for the
cafeteria style eating area. He chose a meal for himself
and sat down heavily in the chair to eat it. He was tired
and not feeling well. Occasionally, disorientation, fatigue
and a growing inability to reach Aitlu was taking its toll
on him. He rested his elbows on the tabletop then rested
his face in his hands. Perhaps all he required was some
food and rest. He had decided that after this meal, he
would bring something to Desiree then sleep for a time in
the adjoining room. This room was provided for Desiree to
remain close but he was aware that she often slept beside
Sarek in the chair.

There were no clues as to where Aitlu had disappeared to.
The officials were uncertain as to which further steps
could be taken. He could still hear the official's voice
stating quite clearly that unless there was more proof it
would be assumed that Aitlu had merely left of her own
volition.

She would not do that, he had stated to the officer. Now
he was beginning to doubt that statement.


********

T'Aitlu stared at the plate of food.

"Starving yourself would only inflict discomfort on
yourself." Sybok had just finished a second helping of the
stew he had made. "I am, in my opinion, a decent cook." He
lifted an eyebrow then smiled slightly. "And I have no
intentions of harming you in the least..." he paused in his
eating and met her eyes, "... unless you give me no choice
in the matter."

"I wish to be returned to Selek."

Sybok sighed. "One could begin to tell time with the
hourly request." He finished off his meal. "Eat. You will
need your strength."

"I can not leave here. Why would I need the sustenance?"

Sybok laughed. "You intend to die a slow death? I had
thought you would be the type to brandish a ahn-vahr and
bury it deep within your own body." He stood and moved to
her side then lifted her by the shoulders until she stood.
"You will need the 'sustenance' for this evenings
activities." His hints were if nothing else obvious, as he
intended them to be. His fingertips brushed along her jaw
and then her lips. He pulled them back as he felt her
muscles react. He held her chin firmly. "You assume, my
little Aitlu, that I prefer gentle coupling. I do not."

T'Aitlu moved her chin from his grasp then pulled herself
away from him. He allowed it. She looked to the cooling
stew. Eating would be preferable to listening to him.

She sat down and began to eat. She reached through her
bond to her mate. He was there but faint. She had become
concerned.

******

Selek moved out onto the balcony of the house. He looked
out across the desert, his hands clenched around the
railing and his eyes closed. His mind reached out to her.
She was there but weak.

"What has happened?" he spoke out loud. "No clues. No
evidence of what has become of you." He leaned his forearms
on the railing. "Sarek is home and recovering very slowly."
Selek started to go through the events of that night,
trying to remember some detail that would help solve this.
The preparations for the celebrations, it was all in order.
They were preparing for dinner. Calls were received and
dealt with, nothing out of the ordinary. The four stepped
out....

He stopped then straightened. Why had he not remembered
this before? T'Aitlu stated that she had forgotten an item.
She re-entered the house then as she came back out... What
had she forgotten? She was not one to forget anything, not
even the smallest detail. Why had she that night?

He stepped back into their room. He looked around,
frowning. Something was in here that would give him a clue.
The officials had not searched anywhere in the house, it
was decided that she had left on her own. Yet nothing had
been noticed as missing. Not even personal items that she
would take with her.

He moved to the closet that held her clothes, hesitated
then opened it. He looked to the shelving and the clothes
hanging. Nothing was missing except the outfit she wore
that night. He felt uncomfortable searching through her
possessions but knew it was necessary. If for no other
reason, than for his own sanity.

There had to be a clue of some type if she was planning
anything. He closed the closet, nothing was out of the
ordinary or missing. He moved over to the column of drawers
beside the closet. He crouched down and began in the
bottom. Her clothes, a few momentos and nothing more. The
next drawer held her sleepwear, the perfume he had
purchased for her, nothing else. He moved up the column
finding nothing more than clothing and the veils she wore.
The top drawer, he opened it, it held her brush, hair
combs, hair fasteners... and towards the back he felt a box.

He pulled it forward then lifted it out. A corner had been
broken open, somewhat in haste. He tipped the box to the
side and then tipped it forward. A cylinder slid out and
into his hand. He recognized it... "A hypo?"

He turned, moved to the bed and sat down. This was not
making any sense. Was she ill? He checked the contents of
the box by shaking it gently. There was something else in
there. He shook it again, a tube of small vials dropped
into his hand. He looked at them, exactly the same colour
as the vial he found on the ground. "The antidote...?" He
sighed. "Why would she have vials of the antidote?"

"What is it, Selek?" Desiree asked from the doorway, when
he looked up she added. "Sarek woke and asked for you. He
is improving."

"I will go to him." Selek dropped everything back into the
box. He stood, wavered for a moment then started towards
Desiree. His hand went out to the doorframe to steady
himself.

Desiree watched him for a moment. "Are you alright?"

Selek nodded. "Tired. Nothing more."

"What is in the box?"

"If I am right, more of the antidote." He looked to the
box. "Call the healer, if this is the antidote it will
speed Sarek's recovery."

Desiree bowed her head then headed off to make the call.
Selek kept the box with him and headed to Sarek's room.

He entered the quiet room and stood beside the bed.
"S'haile, you wished to see me?"

"Yes." Sarek drew in a breath, he felt and sounded tired.
"Sit."

"Yes, S'haile." He sighed, relieved for the rest. He had
not been feeling well since the attack, but then again he
had not been sleeping or eating with any schedule the last
week or so.

"There are matters..." he drew in a deep breath, "...that
must be discussed. Bring a reader and my divisions of
wealth."

"Yes, S'haile." Selek stood too fast then wavered and sat
back down hard.

"You are not well," Sarek stated.

"Overtired, S'haile. It is hard to sleep in a bed that you
have shared for so long." Selek stood slower this time. He
placed the box on the bed.

"S'haile Sarek!" Desiree ran into the room, her eyes wide
and carrying a hologram. "This man..." she thrust the
picture towards him. "Who is he?"

Sarek frowned for a moment at her intrusion then glanced
at the picture. "Sybok. My eldest son. He was ordered
killed ten years ago." Sarek sat up slowly. Desiree's eyes
were large and her breathing fast. "Why?"

"Then a ghost attacked you." She looked to Sarek and then
to Selek. "This is the man that attacked... and took
T'Aitlu."

Sarek coughed. "Took T'Aitlu?" He looked to Selek. "You
said she was on retreat..."

"I did not wish to add to your concerns, your health..."
He sighed. "At the time we did not believe you would live,
Sarek."

Sarek stared at Selek for a moment then nodded his
understanding. He looked to Desiree again. "You are certain
of this?"

She nodded. "Yes." She looked to Selek. "The healer is on
the way."

"Why the healer?" Sarek asked confused. He wished that he
had felt better.

"For the antidote Selek found..." She looked at the
surprise on Sarek's face then to Selek. "You have not told
him?"

"I was just about to when you came in. At any rate we are
going by appearance not a proper scan. I get imprecise
readings."

"Antidote? What antidote?" He looked from one to the other
then to the package in Selek's hands. "Where did you find
it?"

"It is irrelevant. If it is the antidote then all will
begin to fall back into place as it should." Selek did not
want to admit as to where it was found. Sarek would not
wait for the analysis, he would assume that Aitlu was a
part of the assassination. But it had failed and T'Aitlu
was not here.

For Sarek, some of the pieces of the mystery began to fall
into place. He flipped back his covers and despite
Desiree's protests slipped off the bed and stood in front
of Selek. He grabbed a handful of Selek's clothing, unsure
if it was for support or in anger. "She helped plan this?"

"I do not know, S'haile." His head lowered.

"You were bonded to her. You should know... her every
thought!" He was seething now. "How could she?" He drew
Selek closer, his voice fell to just above a whisper. "How
could *you*!"

Selek held his breath. "I had nothing to do with this
attack, or any other for that matter." He swallowed. "If
you truly believe this, S'haile, kill me now." Selek's
hands moved to produced the small thin dagger he carried
and offered it hilt first to Sarek. "If it was her, then I
should be killed."

Sarek's hand wrapped around the hilt of the weapon and he
placed it against Selek's throat. He had been his companion
since before he became an Ambassador. Why had he not known
of this deception before now? Surely with the mind melds,
the sharing of information, the nights spend talking of
their futures... he should have known. Just as Selek should
have known about T'Aitlu.

He lowered the dagger. He stared at Selek. "If she is
found to be involved, I will give the order to have her
killed..."

Selek bowed his head. "Yes, S'haile."

"... by your hand." Sarek released the hold on Selek's
garments.

Selek stared at him, without saying a word he turned and
left the room.

Desiree helped Sarek back into bed. "There are times,
S'haile, when there is no logic to one's actions." She
breathed once wary of making this statement, but it had to
be said. "Your actions may have precipitated hers, S'haile."

"Mine?" He spoke as if he did not see anything wrong with
any of his actions. On reflection perhaps he had given her
cause. "She is... was a bond-servant to me, to do with as I
please."

"Yes, S'haile." Desiree heard the emptiness in the words.


******

Sybok howled.

He held his wrist where she had bit him. "You...!" He
reached for her dark hair and wrapped it around his hand
then pulled her closer; his other hand grabbed her wrist
and twisted her arm behind her. "Stay quiet or I will break
it. I have no qualms about that, nor killing you."

She drew in her breath through clenched teeth. She glared
at him then growled in frustration. She had not been able
to rid herself of his demands for the last hour. Killing
someone was not a solution for her but her priorities were
changing rapidly. "Let *go* of me."

Sybok held her head back her arm was twisted painfully and
his weight rested on her body pinning her to the bed. His
mouth gently kissed her throat, then the tip of his tongue
ran a line down to the base of her throat. "It would not
take much to cause your death. A slow death." He ran his
lips along the vein that beat rapidly. He opened his mouth
threatening to bite into her flesh. He felt her body's
calm, but her heart still raced and her eyes still wished
him dead.

She closed her eyes as his touch moved down her body. He
had stripped her clothing from her when she would not
comply. She clenched her teeth to control her shiver of
revulsion. "You can not keep me here forever."

Sybok's position was not conducive to truly enjoying her.
He held her hands with one hand, his leg held hers down and
he knew she could be lethal to him. "I can try." His hand
caressed her hot skin, hot from the fighting no doubt but
it stirred his desired none the less. He pulled her closer
with his leg, her reaction to their proximity was
enjoyable. "You are still the cause of quite an enjoyable
sensation." He pressed his hardness against her thigh. "I
can understand why my father has you in his house."

She clenched her teeth hard, seething with the anger she
felt towards him and the stupidity of her own actions. Why
had she even thought that he would have honoured the
promise to her? She growled in revulsion as his body
covered hers. She turned her face away from his and closed
her eyes as he entered her.

Sybok held her wrists, positioning her hands on either
side of her head, he had balance now. His body was heavy
enough and his strength superior to hers. He needed to
watch her when she was anywhere but under him. Even here
she brought a degree of pleasure to him. He moved his hips
with a steady rhythm bringing his body close to release. He
discovered that even her body was forced to react in a
natural way to his actions.

His body pumped in and out of hers, his legs held hers
spread comfortably apart. He moved her hands closer, until
he could hold both in one of his hands. The free hand was
placed at the side of her face and he reached in with the
sharing of his desires and satisfaction.

He cried out as his body emptied into her, his thoughts
teasing her senses and even her increased anger served his
purpose.

Sybok brushed his lips along her jaw then close to her
ear. "This has pleased me greatly."


*****

Selek moaned in his sleep. He fought through the haze that
seemed to be invading his senses lately, awake and asleep.
He wasn't sure of the reason but there were times when he
welcomed the numbness.

He sat up slowly then looked to the empty space beside
him, he knew where she was now. This was the first time in
days that he had felt their bond flare... and he knew why
and that did not please him either.

Covers were tossed aside and he dressed. He went into the
common room and was not surprised to see Sarek awake. He
had said that he had slept and rested enough.

"Selek?" Sarek put aside the PADD he was reading.

"I felt her. I know she is alive and she is not there
because she wishes to be." Selek was in there to leave a
message for Sarek. He reached into the cabinet for a
weapon. He checked the power pack. "I will return this to
you, Sarek."

Sarek stood. "You should not go alone."

"She is my bondmate. It is my responsibility." Selek
headed down the short hallway to the door and his travel
cape. He heard Sarek's steps behind him. He took another
cape down for T'Aitlu. "Do I have your permission to use
the aircar?"

Sarek shook his head. "You will not need it." He took his
cape as well. "I will be with you."

"That is unnecessary, Sarek."

"It is my son that holds her." He turned to look down the
hallway towards his bedroom as Desiree stepped out. "You
will remain here. We will return."

She bowed her head, wrapping her robe around herself
tighter. "You had better do so, Sarek."

"I have every intention of doing so."

******

She woke to the quietness of the house. She tried to move
her arms, but managed only just so far. They were fastened
down. She drew in a breath and attempted to move her legs,
limited movement also.

"Finally awake are you?" Sybok placed the plate he had
been eating from on the small table beside the bed then sat
on the edge of the bed. "You would enjoy the situation a
little more if you were not unconscious every time."

"Perhaps I wish to be unconscious." She felt the numbness
in her shoulder and recalled the fight she began as he
moved from her.

Sybok reached out and ran his hand along the outline of
her body. "Even covered, you are desirable."

"You are insane."

"Perhaps." Sybok smiled slightly. He sat back against the
footboard and settled himself beside her. "Now, concerning
our agreement. As my bondmate..."

"Bondmate?...I do not believe so." She moved as far as she
could away from him, which wasn't much but the gesture was
there. "I would rather death."

Sybok considered the matter. "That could be arranged." He
ran his hand up one leg, paused at her warmth, then ran
down her other leg. "It will be regrettable but I would do
it." He drew in a breath. "But then you would not have the
finances to leave Sarek as you wish to do." He laughed.
"Nor would I give your portion to your heir, Selek."

"He is on his way."

Sybok smiled. "If you choose to believe that... you may."
He lifted a small case from under the bed. He pulled out a
hypospray. He placed it against her neck then slowly
administered the medication. "Funny thing this stuff,
blocks the ability to center thoughts."

"Selek." She whispered hoping he had been close enough to
know. Her thoughts were clear but would jump from one thing
to another.

She closed her eyes and tried to think but couldn't. She
knew that the touch on her leg was Sybok's, yet, she could
not control her thoughts enough to tell him to stop. But,
the thought was there... along with equations; and telling
Sarek that he was due for a meeting, and with deciding what
was to be done with Selek and her time alone.


*****

The two well-dressed Vulcans pulled their cloaks in
tighter around them as they traveled further into the area
of Shi'Kahr that not too many would speak of. This area had
evolved slowly over time, as more aliens found their way
here to make it their home, and more often than not, a less
respectable trading center.

"You are certain that she is here?" Sarek looked to Selek
noting that his colour was not good but attributed it to
his missing bondmate and the strain on his bond link.

Selek nodded then suddenly held his breath. "He has given
her a drug." He had received that much before the
connection wavered. "He must have a residence here or at
least be known to someone."

Sarek nodded. "Unfortunately, it is most likely true."
Sarek had chided himself over and over about this supposed
disposal of his older son. The one he had hired had assured
him of Sybok's death, to disgrace the family as he had was
not something he was willing to tolerate.

After a few discreet inquiries and credits changing hands,
they were given three different locations to check.

Selek looked at the locations and then called up a map of
the area on the aircar's screen. "This one can be
discounted. The street is nonexistent." Selek sighed then
rubbed his forehead to try to ease the sleepiness that was
becoming a part of his day. He tapped in the secondary
location. "This one is possible."

Sarek then noticed how tired Selek looked and acted. "You
are not well."

Selek waved his concern away. "I will be better when she
is back with me." He leaned back in the seat with a sigh.
"This third location is also possible."

"We will head to the closer one. You may be able to tell
if she is there once we get closer." Sarek started up the
aircar. One of them had remained with the vehicle at all
times, a wise decision as it turned out, two other vehicles
were taken as they attended to business.

*******

She let the tears fall without regard now. She had enough.
Her body was tired and so was her mind. She looked at the
face that loomed over her. "Enough, Sybok."

Sybok kissed her mouth; there was no resistance this time.
It was time to give her a break and for him to eat. He
moved onto his knees then sat back. "For now."

"Yes fine. For now." Her eyes closed and she tried to sleep.

Sybok watched her for a few moments. He had pushed her to
the limit. No, perhaps he would not need to do this again.
Both knew how far the other would go. He would use every
thing at his disposal and she would stop short of killing
herself as long as Selek was alive.

Sybok began to move from the bed slipping on his pants as
he did. He heard a noise from the other room then pulled
his top on over his head quickly. He picked up the knife
that lay on the table at the foot of the bed. He gave her a
glance as he reached for the release for the door.

The door burst apart.

Selek entered phaser in hand. Sarek stood behind him with
another phaser.

Sybok cleared his throat then bowed, keeping his eyes on
both men. "I am honoured you have come to visit, Father."

Selek moved past him then to T'Aitlu's side. He noted the
bindings on her arms and legs. He looked to the Vulcan but
did not say a word. He felt sick about the way he had
treated his Aitlu.

"Stand aside Sybok," Sarek stated calmly. "We are here for
her. Nothing more."

"Father, if I were to believe that, then I would be a
fool." He backed up towards the door keeping Sarek and
Selek in front of him. "And I am many things... but not a
fool."

Selek set the phaser and cut through the bindings. He
brushed her hair back from her face then called to her.

Sarek glanced Selek's way. "Is she alive?"

"Yes, S'haile." Selek wrapped her in the blanket that had
been half covering her. He gathered the bundle in his arms
then walked passed Sarek. He was surprised that Sybok was
allowing this.

Sarek had taken one step towards the door and then found
Sybok blocking his way. This had been a consideration. He
trusted that Desiree would forgive him if he did not return
to her. Sybok's blade glittered in even this limited
lighting. Sarek calculated the odds and they were not good.

"Do you not get tired of that?" Sybok tilted the blade
towards the departing Vulcan.

Sarek considered all that he had acquired from having this
position. "Do you not tire of all the fighting?"

"No." Sybok moved closer. "She is a most satisfying
female... but you know that yourself... Father."

Sarek did not rise to the bait. He watched as Selek
started through the outside door... then Selek collapsed.
"Selek." Sarek started towards him but Sybok's blade
stopped him. He aimed the phaser at his son and prepared to
fire but it was knocked out of his hand by Sybok's right
hand. The phaser skidded across the floor and slipped under
the bed.

Sybok moved in and began the attack.

Selek rolled onto his back trying to breathe in all the
air that he could. His body was not co-operating.

T'Aitlu moved slowly. She had been stiff and sore from
both her treatment and her captivity. She moved the blanket
from around her then looked to the body on the floor beside
her. "Selek." Her fingers traced his lips then began to
inspect him for injuries. The drug that she had been given
was wearing off. She found the knife mark still in his
side. "The poison. Why did you not see a healer?" She was
speaking to him and not expecting an answer.

Sarek lunged at his son attempting to knock him down but
Sybok was faster. He held Sarek tightly against his body
with the blade close to his throat. "This time I will win,
Sarek of Vulcan."

Her hand touched the phaser that Selek had tucked back
into his pocket. She stood and aimed it carefully. She held
her breath and fired. She closed her eyes at the scream and
did not wish to see if she had struck Sarek or not. A sob
took her, she dropped to her knees and then opened her eyes.

Sarek offered her his hand.

She slipped her hand into his, stood unsteady then looked
down to Selek. "He has been poisoned." She frowned. "It
must have happened when I was taken. I remember them
fighting."

Sarek looked around the room. "Wait a moment." He went out
into the aircar and returned with the outfit and travel
cape for her. "Put these on. We will take him home. The
antidote is there."

She nodded then dressed. Her movements were automatic and
fast. She wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible
and never to see this place or hear Sybok's name again.

She watched with relief as Sarek picked Selek up and
carried him to the aircar. She climbed in with Selek, his
head cradled in her lap. Her body began to shiver from the
shock of all of this. There were times when she had been
certain she would never see Selek again. She brushed her
fingers through his hair, bit her bottom lip and prayed
that he would understand her actions. She sighed, she was
safe and on her way home. Amends would need to be made soon.

*****

Sarek looked up as Selek entered the office. He had more
colour today but was still trying to do too much. He
accepted the package that came from the Embassy and then
indicated the chair for Selek. "I do not wish to find you
on the floor passed out at any time. Sit."

"Yes, S'haile." Selek sat in the chair. "Your appointments
have all been confirmed for the next few days. Time has
been allotted for personal matters and your travel
arrangements for the next conference to Earth are confirmed
as well." He sat back in the chair.

"And your bondmate, how is she today?" Selek leaned back
in the well-padded chair. He turned off the screen he had
been staring at for some time.

"She is well. She will be in with your meal shortly."
Selek stood, his head bowed. "I have a few more reports to
see to and then I have an appointment with her." He smiled
slightly.

Sarek nodded. He would speak to them later this evening.
He watched as he left and wondered if he could ever replace
what they had shared and perhaps he had taken some of this
for granted. Others had mentioned to him over the years how
he was too close to his aide but the closeness had given
him a trust that served him. It had also saved his life
many times. He would attempt to repair the damage he had
done.

*****

T'Aitlu stepped out from the sleep area into the sitting
room. She bowed her head and smiled slightly. Selek had
arranged this elaborate meal to show his pleasure at her
return and after a long discussion had understood her
actions.

All would be forgotten and not spoken about past this night.

She moved to sit in the chair but Selek took her hand and
pulled her into his arms.

"The meal will keep." He captured her mouth in a
passionate kiss. He was relieved as her arms circled his
waist and pulled him closer. He brushed back her hair.
"Always and forever."

"Yes, Husband."

******

Sarek poured out the brandy then offered some to Desiree.

She shook her head then sat down on the sofa. She tapped
the padded seat next to her. "Come sit."

Sarek smiled slightly. Her new gold embroidered gown clung
to her voluptuous form. The deep rose hue complimented her
lovely pale green complexion. At first she seemed
uncomfortable in this opulence, but, this night, she seemed
to enjoy this. This former Orion slave girl had brought a
certain joy to his life that did not replace Amanda but it
made the days less agonizing. As he looked down at her, his
fingers drew to her chin. He was about to place the glass
down on the low table, when, he was seized by a sudden
pain. He gasped and then frowned and looked to Desiree.

"No." He shook his head. "No." He felt the darkness slip
through his thoughts and he drew in a deep breath in order
to stay conscious.

"What is it, Sarek?" Desiree's voice was filled with
concern as she rose to stand with him, her hands clutching
his arm. "Are you alright?"

Sarek pushed her away but held onto her hand. "Damn his
loyalty," he seethed in a whispered tone.

Desiree frowned totally confused.

Sarek steadied himself. He clung to her hand as he walked
quickly out of the house. His steps gathering speed quickly
as he stepped out onto the balcony. 'Was he too late?' he
thought to himself as he tried to calm his beating heart.
His sense of urgency, increased as he moved down the stairs
to the sand, two at a time.

Desiree followed without choice. Sarek was moving with an
drive that was frightening. He swore to himself, something
she had never heard him do. Her other hand held onto his
arm to steady herself as she tried to match his stride
going down the steps.

Vulcan had no moon, nothing to light their way but the dim
lighting that had been placed around the garden and
spilling onto the near-by dessert floor.

Desiree felt his hold on her hand tighten. She looked to
his face and saw the pain and sorrow in his face then
followed his line of sight. Her eyes grew wide and her
hands flew to her face as she reeled from the shock. "Oh by
the Powers,...." She felt suddenly sick.

Stunned by the sight of this most grievous tragedy, he
could not move or even breath it seemed. His whole body had
numbed, even his thoughts seemed to stop. This had been his
doing. He was the catalyst for the actions taken here. A
house of their own; the deed was sitting on his desk. A
salary, something that was unheard of on Vulcan, to 'pay'
bond-servants. Sarek continued to stare at what he had
caused. Two of the most trusted servants, he had thought of
Selek as more, but was uncertain as to what to call it, and
was beginning to feel something for Aitlu.

Now they lay in the reddish sand. It almost appeared as if
they had been talking, facing one another and merely fell
asleep. T'Aitlu laying back, her hair in a pool of black
silk. Selek across her legs with his right hand in place
for a meld. A very calming scene, if not, for the growing
pool of green blood. T'Aitlu's. Their hands wrapped around
the ancient ahn-vahr, a portion of the blade glittering
even in this limited light and still partially embedded in
her side. Selek had been honourable to a fault. He had made
the promise to Sarek that if she was found to have
participated in this in any way...

Sarek jumped at Desiree's sob. He pulled her to him as he
felt his stance waver. "I was going to give them their
freedom." He laughed slightly. "A house. Salary." He tried
to draw in a deep breath but could not. "An Ambassador's
privilege to grant this to anyone." He held her tightly to
him. How was he ever live with the pain of this guilt?

*********


The End...

Feedback cheefully accepted: 
tpotts@sprint.ca