Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Two hours later the call that they were waiting for came in, T’Pau’s smooth visage came on the view screen of the comm. Sarek and Selek raised their hands in the Ta’al and she reciprocated. “What is the matter, Sarek, that you needed to place a high priority call to me?”

“We were visited by the Betazoid Ambassador on a matter that he deemed highly important. Because he could tell that Spock and James had Betazoid DNA in them through an aura that they all have, he told the Ruling Council. The Ruling Council now seems to want control of my son and his mate. They wish to force them to be tested against all the DNA from their houses. If they were to prove that they had some claim on the two this would raise their standing in the Federation Council.”

“I see. What of the Ambassador?”

“He has no wish to partake in this. It seems to cause him great distress.” Selek told her.

“I will see what I can do in the Council. If they do test Spock and his mate, I will see what we can do to make sure that they remain Vulcan citizens and that the Betazoids do not have access to them. This is most strange behavior for the Ruling Council.”

“We agree on that matter as well. I have never known the Ruling Council to behave in such a matter.”

“This will bear watching.”

“Agreed, we will do so on our end,” Selek said to her.

“Good, I will start my inquiries on my end and see what I can do on this matter. Even if they can get them acknowledged as part Betazoid, they can not make them reside on the planet.”

“We will keep you updated. Live long and prosper.” Sarek and Selek made the Ta’al.

“Peace and long life.” She responded with the Ta’al and the call ended.

“We find ourselves in a most curious situation.”

“Indeed,” Selek said.

**********

Evening passed and those going down on the planet set about getting ready for their stay. Spock did most of their packing as Jim was getting tired more easily due to the pregnancy. He will see what he could do to alleviate this when they were on the planet. They would be part of some of the talks, but most of the talks would be with the Ambassador’s and the High Advisor. He knew that his mate would need to take naps periodically so that he did not sleep through anything important. He would need to discuss this with his mother and Doctor McCoy. Perhaps there was a supplement hypo that would help. He knew that his mate hated hypos but he would take them if he told him told him to. The ensigns assigned to the various Ambassador’s already reported that they were packed and their things ready for shipping to the planet tomorrow. Any last minute items would be seen to by themselves or their aides. Spock made sure that his mate was comfortable and eased into bed with him. It was late in the evening and he had already meditated and so did not need as much sleep as other species. He pulled his mate into his arms and drifted off to sleep for what remained of the night.

**********

The following day they arrived at Ardana and parked the ship in orbit. Jim and Spock arrived at the transporter room with the Ambassador’s. The aides to the Ambassador’s were to be beamed down later with everyone's belongs to make sure everything went smoothly. T’Pring and Stonn already offered to see to Jim and Spock's things so that they did not need to bring extra crew other than a few security overseen by Cupcake. They graciously accepted their offer and felt better about their belongings. They all walked up onto the transporter pad and beamed down to the coordinates given.  There waiting for him stood the High Advisor and three other people. High Advisor Plasus stepped forward and held out a hand in greeting. “Welcome to Stratos. I am High Advisor Plasus, this is my daughter Droxine and these are Milus and Fraxine.”

Ambassador Sarek stepped forward and introduced himself and the other Ambassadors, “I am Ambassador Sarek, this is my wife Lady Amanda and these are Ambassadors Selek, Nexi and Zh’raothor.”

“It is good to meet you all.”

“I am Captain Kirk and this is my First Officer Spock, my Chief Medical Officer McCoy, Head Engineer Scott and my Chief Communications Officer Uhura.” Jim introduced them all.

“We are pleased to meet you as well. We have your rooms set up and the feast will begin in an hours time. Come let us have some drinks and talk before we head to the feast.” He turned and lead them into the Council gallery. Jim was feeling a little tired and let his mate know.

‘I hope we can sit down soon.’

‘You are unwell, T’hy’la?’

‘No, just a little tired already.’

‘Once we stop, I will have the Doctor give you a supplement hypo. He said it should ease some of the tiredness.’

‘Never thought I would be happy to take a hypo in my life.’  Jim joked.

‘Indeed,’ Spock agreed. Plasus lead them into his office and bade everyone to sit down.  He motion for a servant that was standing nearby to pass out drinks. Doctor McCoy came over and gave Jim a hypo. When the servant reached them, Jim shook his head. “Do you have water?” The servant turned to Plasus for direction.

“The drink is not to your liking?”

“I have allergies and rather than risk finding a new one, it might be better to stay with water. I don’t want to cause any emergencies.”

“Ah,” he said and directed the servant to bring him water. Once they all had their drinks, they sat back to talk. “We are pleased the Federation is taking us becoming a member seriously.”

“Indeed, we are always pleased to have another member of the Federation.” Sarek set his drink down and folded his hands in his robe. Amanda took a small sip of her drink to be polite and set it down.

“Your city is very lovely.” She told him.

“Thank you. It is the only cloud city. The others are on the surface and while beautiful in their own way, this is our crown jewel.”

A gong sounded and Plasus stood. “Ah, the feast is about to commence. Come, to the dining hall.” He lead them out of the room in a swirl of his robe. Spock helped Jim from his seat and they filed out behind Plasus to the dining hall.

**********

They were directed to seats that had small name plates. Jim and Spock were to the right of Plasus next to his daughter. All the Ambassadors were to his left. Lady Amanda had been sat next to him across from her husband. The food was brought to the table and he was happy to see that there were vegetable and fruit dishes in addition to the meat dishes. He helped himself to some fruit and vegetables and started eating. He was feeling much better from the hypo and he sent this to his mate.

‘Good. We will have Doctor McCoy provide you with the supplement as needed, but I do want you to rest as well.’ He told him sternly.

‘Yes, Spock I will.’

He noticed that the High Advisors daughter kept sneaking glances at his mate and he could feel her arousal. He was not pleased with what he was picking up from her. He knew he could trust his mate but he did not want any problems to occur because she was interested in his mate.

‘Peace, T’hy’la. I will make sure she understands that I am not interested or available. She means nothing as I have you.’

‘I’m sorry. I hate it when they lust after you. That’s my job.’

‘And so you will show me when we reach our quarters.’

Jim swallowed as a bolt of lust shot threw him. He couldn’t wait for the feast to be over. He smiled when Amanda added more food to his plate, “You must try these. They’re so delicious.”

Jim took a bite of the little orange fruits and groaned in delight. They were so juicy and tangy. “What are these?” He asked.

“They said they were Quetas. I believe they would be like the kumquats on earth.”

Jim took a bite of another one. “I hope I’m not allergic to these. I want a bowl of them in my room to snack on later.”

McCoy heard this and sighed. He stood up and scanned Jim with his tricorder. “Well, usually you’d of swelled up by now, so it is safe to say you aren't allergic to them.” He shook his head and retook his seat. That boy was going to make him old before his time. Scotty squeezed his hand under the table.

Jim gave him a sheepish smile and continued to eat. Soon the feast came to a close and they were lead to the guest accommodations. Jim was dismayed at the room he was given. He thought that they knew he and Spock were married. “Captain is there something wrong with the room?” Plasus asked him.

“The room is lovely, but I usually share a room with my husband.”

“Husband?”

“Yes, Commander Spock and I are married.”

“Forgive me. We were not aware.”

“I would have thought Starfleet would have let you know. No matter. If you don’t mind, I will take my things and move into my husband's room with him.”

“Of course, Captain. I will have them move your things for you now.”

Jim smiled, “Thank you.” He headed over to Spock's room and walked in. Droxine was already there showing Spock around and flirting with him. Jim felt himself start to get angry. He took a deep breathe and tried to stay calm. After all, no one knew they were together.

“May I ask you a question, Commander Spock?” She asked him.

“Yes,” he said.

“Do all Vulcan’s have these exquisite ears?”

“Yes, ma’am. It is a feature of Vulcans.” Before she could ask another question, Jim cleared his throat.

“Oh, Captain Kirk. Can I help you?”

“Oh, no Lady Droxine. I am waiting for your people to move my things into this room.”

“May I ask why?” Her brows furrowed at this.

“Oh, Spock and I are married and married couples of our people share rooms.”

“You are married to Commander Spock?” She asked shocked.

“Yes, we are. We have been married for 1.53 months.” Jim smiled at Spock's reply.

“Oh, then if you will excuse me.”

“Of course, Lady Droxine,” Jim said. Spock nodded to her as well as he walked over to his mate.

“Come, T’hy’la. It is time to rest.” Jim watched her leave the room. He could feel the anger coming from her.

“We are going to have to watch her,” he said.

“Indeed.”