Disclaimer:

This story is based in the "Star Trek" universe. The use of anything related to "Star Trek" in this series is not intended to infringe upon the rights of Paramount Pictures. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.

All other content or otherwise are works of my own imagination. All events are fictitious in nature.

Any similarities to persons living, dead, or otherwise are purely coincidental.

This story contains strong themes of homosexual content, if this offends you in any way, please refrain from reading further. If you are not of legal age to read this, please leave now.

A/N: I'd like to thank TalonRider for editing this chapter. Thank you.

A Vulcan’s Love
-By EmulatedLove

Chapter 9: Business as Usual

As expected, the Federation News Service quickly caught wind of the latest development along the border and was eager to find out all of the details. Starfleet, being a large part of the Federation, usually contained the news reports and didn't divulge in anything that could be considered mission sensitive. Much to my enjoyment, I had become a mission sensitive asset, so any future interview was out of the question. It also meant that my identity, along with our detection method was kept quiet. I was happy with that, after all, it wasn't like I invented a whole new type of sensor. I just saw an irregularity and reported it. Ok, maybe I pursued the issue, but it paid off.

Starfleet Intelligence sent over an investigation team, which collated the data that we recorded, along with a statement from me. The team was quite understanding, in the sense that they knew that I didn't do miracles, rather that I was in the right place at the right time, but they needed all the information that I could give them, to further help to detect those ships. In the mean time, while the data is analysed, Starfleet Command has ordered all starships to travel at yellow alert throughout the Federation as a precaution.

The terrorists that we had rescued (from their own destruction, I might add), from the warbird didn't provide us with much information. Well, they did tell us that the only reason we detected them in the first place was because of a destabilisation in their cloak matrix; an event, which had a one in a million chance of occurring. So detecting the other warbirds in a similar fashion was out of the question, which had pretty much left us back at square one, minus one enemy vessel. On the plus side, there hasn't been any more distress calls in the area, so we must have made the other warbirds rethink their plans.

Once the security team on Titan finished questioning the terrorists, they were transferred back with the investigation team to a secure location where they will be questioned further and sentenced for their crimes. All of the debris that we had salvaged from the wreckage were transferred over to Starfleet Research and Development, in the hope that they can find anything of use to help us out in the field.

So with all that aside, we were in exactly the same position we were two weeks ago, when we picked up Raylis. Speaking of Raylis, the quite friendly Goran has decided to stick around. Actually, with the Titan on patrol and no ships travelling all the way to the Goran system, he was stuck here with us. He didn't let on if he minded though, and seemed to be quite pleased with hanging out with us guys for the time being.

It had just gone past 20:00 when T'Luk and I headed to the mess to grab a late dinner. We were working on a different duty this week so we started a little later which shifted things along a bit. We both chose to have a Bajoran dish of hasperat, but they were of a vegetarian and milder variety. None of our group were here when we sat down, so it was a nice meal for two.

“I don't know about you but I am starving.” I remarked as I began to tuck in.

“Why did you not replicate something to eat earlier?” He asked, sitting opposite me.

I shook my head, “It's ok, I wanted to eat something large. Maybe have a desert, some ice cream.”

T'Luk nodded, “I am quite fond of ice cream.”

“Really? What flavour?” I asked.

“Strawberry.”

“Yeah? I thought you were going to say Vanilla.”

“That is my second favourite.”

I nodded, “I like strawberry, but my favourite’s chocolate.”

T'Luk gave me a look.

I winked at him, “I bet you've had chocolate before though.”

“No, I have not.”

“Come on, I bet you've indulged in a couple of small chunks.”

“No.”

“Perhaps I'll replicate a bar, let you have a bite.”

He looked at me for a second, “Perhaps I will replicate an alcoholic beverage, let you have a glass.”

I laughed. He had a point there. While Vulcans were immune to the effects of alcohol, they became intoxicated over chocolate instead. So while I could eat a bar of chocolate, T'Luk would become 'drunk' to an effect if he was to do the same. Just as if I were to have a glass of alcohol, while he could down a whole bottle and it would have no effect on him.

“But I've tried alcohol. Maybe only a couple of small sips, but I've tried it.”

“I'm still reluctant to sample a small amount.”

I grinned, “Fine, but that means no kisses for you tonight, after I've had dessert.”

“Is your toothbrush not functional?”

I raised an eyebrow, “Well aren't we quite upfront today?”

“I was asking you a question.”

I shook my head and grinned at him, “It works.”

“What works?” Asked H'Jan who appeared from behind me.

I faced him, “Oh nothing important.” I said as he took a seat next to me, “So how are you?”

“Not too bad, very hungry though.” He replied, before facing us, “what about you two?”

“We're good.” I replied, while eyeing his large plate of food. “Are you seriously going to eat all that?”

He nodded and patted his stomach, “Of course, remember that I'm eating for two.”

I rolled my eyes at him while T'Luk raised an eyebrow, “I was not aware that you carried a symbiont.” He stated.

“He doesn't.” I replied, “He makes out that he is joined to a symbiont to get attention.”

“Do you want to become a Trill initiate?” Asked T'Luk. A Trill initiate was a Trill who was waiting to receive a symbiont. They studied and worked with the people at the Symbiosis Commission to prepare them both mentally and emotionally for joining.

H'Jan shook his head, “There are some Trills that would want nothing more than to have an oversized worm in their belly, but I'm not going to subject myself to that!”

“But your memories could live on.” I remarked.

H'Jan pulled a face, “But it would be the ultimate breach of privacy. It's not for me.”

I nodded, “So that aside, has anything fun been happening down below?” I asked, implying about things in main engineering.

“Uh huh. The Captain has allowed Raylis access to engineering so he has been helping me out a bit. He's quite a skilled engineer.” Coming from H'Jan that is quite a compliment

“Is that not against Starfleet regulations?” Asked T'Luk.

“The Captain cleared it with Starfleet. Seeing as he won't be leaving for a while they have given him a temporary posting as an assistant engineer.” He replied.

“Still, I thought there would be security checks and stuff.” I said. It wasn't as though I didn't want Raylis to be allowed to work alongside us, but it was very rare for someone to come along and just be offered a job onboard.

H'Jan nodded, “There was but Starfleet has more things to worry about at the moment, besides, he was the only witness and survivor of the terrorist attacks. I guess they gave him the posting in return for the information he provided.” He took a sip of his drink, “And I doubt he'll be staying around much longer.”

“Is he not comfortable onboard?” Asked T'Luk.

“He is, but this was one of his first assignments outside the Goran system. I'm sure he'd rather be at home. I know I would if I was in a similar position.”

“I suppose being the only Gorn working for Starfleet doesn't help much.”

He nodded, “You guys seen Alex or Casey recently?”

“Only a bit this morning. They're still on the old roster till next week so we don't see a lot of them.”

We chatted for a while longer before H'Jan headed off to his quarters, leaving T'Luk and myself. I went over to the replicator and retrieved some chocolate ice cream for me, and some strawberry ice cream for T'Luk.

I watched as he delicately licked at his ice cream cone, the base of it covered I must add, as Vulcans do not touch their food with their hands, “I should get a photo of this and post it all over Vulcan.”

“A photo of what?”

“You eating ice cream.”

“Ice cream is a Human delicacy, as such many Vulcans have not had the opportunity to sample some.”

I nodded and looked at him. I couldn't help but smile. If someone told me a month ago that I'd have a Vulcan boyfriend who'd sit and eat an ice cream with me, I would have called them a lousy liar. But seeing this in person was quite a treat. It was the way in which he'd hold the cone, careful not to touch any part that he would eat. And then the way he would slowly sweep his tongue around the sides, stopping it from dripping onto the table. Then he'd lick over the top carefully before he'd repeat the process again. If he was any other species I would say that he was teasing me, but it was the pure innocence of what the Vulcan was doing that really got to me.

He looked over at me, “Is something wrong?”

I blushed at being caught. The way that he was staring deep into my eyes me made me believe that he could see the images that I'd conjured up in my mind. I coughed, “No, nothing babes, I'm fine.”

He watched me for a second before he went back to his cone and his seductive licking, 'Damn, he really has no idea.' I thought to myself.

I licked at mine and started to giggle, once again gaining his attention.

“Kai?”

I figured I better answer him, “It's erm...”

“What?”

“You.” I paused, “The way you're...” I gestured toward the dessert in his hand.

“I do not understand.”

I quickly looked around, the mess was quite empty and nobody was near us or was looking in our direction. I turned to T'Luk, “Watch.” I copied what he was doing to his cone and looked at him.

He quickly raised his eyebrows and scanned his eyes around the room, obviously realising what he did. I burst out in laughter. T'Luk started to glare at me, as if it would stop me from laughing, but it was the way that he acted surprised that made it so hilarious. After a minute or so, I calmed down, but kept giggling every now and then.

“I was not aware...” He began as he casually licked at his cone.

I shook my head, “Please don't stop on my account.”

“You were enjoying it?”

That got me blushing again.

“Intriguing.”

*

I laid my head on his smooth, soft chest as it rose and fell steadily. We had just made love. Wow. Just saying it makes me feel all tingly inside. It was beautiful, perfect and quite sensual. We were laying there on my bed, just marvelling in the afterglow. I smiled. After the busy events of the past week, I could forget about work and finally relax with my T'Luk. My Vulcan.

I snuggled closer to him, “I love you baby.”

“I love you too, Kai.” He replied softly.

I laid there and felt as he ran his hand through my hair, before he traced his fingers along the top of my exposed ear. I giggled,

“I thought it's my job as a Human to be interested in your ears.”

“I like yours.” He replied.

“They're the same as many species': Bajorans, Trills, Betazoids.”

“It does not matter, they are still...intriguing.”

I grinned and turned to face him, “Perhaps, but only Vulcans have those cute little pointy ones.” I paused, “Kinda like elves.”

He cocked his head, “I am not familiar with that species.”

I shook my head, “They're not real. They're mythical beings with pointed ears.”

“I see.”

I climbed up the bed and laid facing him, “But you're cuter.” I said before kissing him. I pulled back and looked into his eyes, “I haven't heard you speak Vulcan yet.” I said, “Can you say something?”

“What should I say?”

“Anything.”

He looked at me for a second before he opened his mouth and slowly recited a whole string of words, “Taluhk nash-veh k'dular.“ I had always been interested in other languages, with Vulcan being one of my favourite as it had a very unique Eurasian style to it and was easy on the ears.

I smiled at him, “What did you say?”

“I said, 'I cherish thee', which would be the Vulcan equivalent of, 'I Love you'.” He replied.

I grinned, “I cherish you too.”

He nodded and looked at me in deep thought, “Kai, I...I do not want the treatment.” He said.

I frowned, “What treatment?”

“To better suppress my emotions. I do not want it.”

I nodded and let him continue.

“I do not want to change how I will act, but I am uncertain about the future.”

“It's entirely your decision. I'll support you either way.”

“Indeed, however when I think about what could happen if I do not take the treatment, I experience apprehension.”

I sat up, “What do you think about?”

He sat next to me, “You.”

“Me? But I told you that I don't mind.” I said.

“I do not want to hurt you.”

“You won't hurt me, or let me down with anyt-”

He faced me, “No, I mean physically. I cannot let that happen.”

I was silent for a moment, “What makes you think that you'll hurt me?”

“We are a naturally aggressive species.”

I shook my head, “No, why would you, T'Luk, hurt me?”

He looked confused, “I would not.”

“And you can still suppress your emotions to an amount, right?”

He nodded.

“Then I don't see what you're concerned about.” I wrapped an arm around him and pulled him closer, “T'Luk, I don't see it as a difficulty, I see it as part of you, and you're special.”

“You say that frequently.” He replied.

“It's because it's true. Now if you've made your mind up, that's fine. If you decide to change your mind later on, that's fine too.” I leaned my head against his and talked quietly, “It's your decision. Do whatever will make you comfortable.”

“I like these feelings you give me. I do not want them to go away.”

“Then don't let them.”

He nodded. “Ok.”

I stroked his soft shoulder as I rested my head against his, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too Kai.”

*

I loved waking up next to T'Luk. His body was always at just the right temperature, keeping me warm and cosy. There was also the cute way that he'd hold me next to him. He'd wrap me up in those strong arms to keep me close as he'd bury his face in the back of my neck. It was a wonderful feeling. One that I wouldn't trade for anything, including getting up when the computer gave us our wakeup call. But T'Luk didn't complain. He always got up with relative ease and made sure I done the same, but that morning I just wanted to lay there.

T'Luk leaned down and kissed my neck, “Kai, it's time to get up.”

I mumbled something and turned slightly, pulling his arm tighter around me.

“Kai.” He said louder.

“In a minute.” I said softly.

T'Luk got out of bed and stood over me, “You said that five minutes ago.”

I moaned a response and didn't move, an act that didn't please T'Luk who quickly and effortlessly ripped the duvet off me, leaving me laying naked on my bed. I turned and glared at him, but I still refused to move. I wanted a lay in, I would just have to rush a little bit later. I closed my eyes and laid back against the pillow.

T'Luk stood there for a second before he reached down, scooping his arms around my nude form and picking me up out of bed. That got me up quickly! I started to giggle as he held me sideways and headed toward my bathroom.

“Computer activate sonic shower and adjust the frequency for two people.” He said, causing the machine to chirp in response before it emitted its usual drone.

I had one hand around the back of his neck as he continued to hold me. I smiled at how little effort he needed to hold me up.

He noticed my smile, “What?”

“I was beginning to wonder when you were going to show off that Vulcan strength of yours.” I said.

“You are not that heavy.” He replied.

I laughed, “Not to you, but just don't expect me to manage the same.”

“That would not be necessary. I will wake up when required.”

“Uh huh. You can put me down now. I won't run away.”

He slowly lowered my feet to the floor before I leaned in and gave him a kiss, “Good morning.” I giggled.

“Good morning.” He responded.

I looked down at the spirals of dirt and sweat coming of my body and was surprised to see how little was coming off T'Luk. Vulcans do not have sweat glands so the only thing coming off his body was dirt. It was quite amusing because Vulcan skin had an odd moist feeling to it, while not actually being wet. It also meant that he didn't need to wear any body odour suppressants, unlike me.

“I've been thinking.” I began, “Maybe we should go out on the holodeck.”

He thought for a moment, “Where would we go?”

I shrugged, “I don't mind, it's just that we haven't really had a 'first date' yet.”

He nodded, “When would you like to go?”

“How about tomorrow night? That would give me enough time to think of somewhere nice to take you.”

“I would like that.”

The computer chirped, “Shower complete, exit when ready.”

I looked into his eyes, “It's a date.”

*

Work was just the same as usual. And even though scanning for those ships was of the utmost importance, staring at a screen for hours on end was quickly becoming tiresome. All I wanted was an uncharted nebula or an undiscovered trinary star system to map and explore. Let me play scientist for a change!

See, it was easy to rant on about our situation, but to be honest, my mind wasn't really on work that day. It was instead thinking about my date with T'Luk tomorrow night. I had booked a slot on the holodeck earlier in the morning. I had also decided that I was going to take him to London, but it seemed silly that I didn't think to take him out while we were actually there a couple of weeks back, as it would have been more worthwhile. I guess the holodeck would have to do. I had originally thought of leaving the date set to default, but I was wondering if he'd enjoy London in the early 21st century, an era in between WWII and WWIII. While doing a little bit of research during lunch, I had found a lovely Italian restaurant which was situated a short walk away from the Thames. From the look of the place I had my heart set, but decided to tweak the holodeck program a bit.

Firstly, like many people do when visiting this time period, I tweaked the ethical subroutines of the characters to that of this time period, for obvious reasons. But I left their behaviour untouched, as it would be interesting to see how people interacted in this period. With those adjustments made, the main thing which stayed the same was the buildings and architecture. With that sorted out, I made a quick plan to the evening and saved the changes to the holodeck program, ready for tomorrow night.

T'Luk, being the ever-curious Vulcan that he was, kept trying to find out small details about the evening, but I wouldn't tell him anything. He would just have to wait. I did however have a special surprise for him, but I wasn't sure if he'd go along with it.

“So, someone tells me that you two are going on a date.” I looked up from my PADD to see a grinning Alex sitting down next to me. We were sitting in the mess hall having some lunch, I was just finishing some preparation for our date tomorrow.

I placed the PADD face down and smiled at him, “Who told you that?”

Alex quickly glanced over at T'Luk and then back to me.

I faced T'Luk and grinned, “Been bragging about our little date already?”

T'Luk raised an eyebrow, “He asked what we were doing tomorrow night, so I told him.”

Alex nodded, “And Vulcans don't lie. So where're you going?”

I shook my head, “I can't tell you that.”

He turned to T'Luk, “Can you tell me?”

“I do not know either.” He replied.

Alex smiled, “Oh so you're gonna surprise the Vulcan?”

“I'm going to try.”

I looked up and watched as T'Luk's eyes followed someone across the mess hall, I turned around and saw Raylis heading over. I smiled at him as he took a seat next to T'Luk.

“Hey Raylis, how are you doing?”

He nodded, “I'm good, thank you. How are you guys?” He asked, looking at the other two.

“We're ok.” Replied Alex, with T'Luk and I nodding in agreement.

“So how are you finding life on the Titan?” I asked.

“It's good, I mean, it's not what I expected.”

“In what way?” Asked T'Luk.

“Well, there has been very few Gorans onboard Starfleet ships, so there isn't a lot to go by, but it's a lot better than what they said.”

“Erm, if you don't mind me asking, what did they say?”

“It was mostly problems with the crew, then again, some of my species can be xenophobic, that's why few of us venture out of the Goran system.”

“I hope everyone here has been nice to you.” I said.

He nodded, “Everyone I've worked with here have been very kind, after the initial shock of seeing a Goran onboard that is. And the quarters that I have been provided are very nice.”

“H'Jan mentioned that you are quite talented with engineering.” Said T'Luk.

“It was my dream to serve as a chief engineer one day. Then work my way up, saving my credits to buy myself a ship.”

I nodded in response, I assumed that the universal translator had translated his currency on his home world into credits, as most species use latinum. Notwithstanding the Federation as we have no official currency.

“Sounds like a plan.” Said Alex.

“But I have to admit that serving onboard one of these fine ships seems quite appealing.” He remarked.

“Well you'd be the first Goran, so you'd be known over the entire quadrant.”

He nodded, “It is just a thought.”

“Just remember that you need a Commander to sponsor your application to Starfleet Academy, because of you not being a Federation citizen.” I said.

“Yes, H'Jan said that earlier. I'll keep it in mind.”

“Well it's been good seeing you guys again, but my duty's finished and I'm going to meet Trey in the holodeck.” Said Alex while standing up.

“Yeah, sure, we'll see you later.”

He was about to walk off when he looked back at Raylis, “Can you swim?”

“Yes, why?”

“Come on then, we're gonna go have some fun.”

Raylis looked at me.

I shrugged, “Go, it should be safe enough. I'm sure Alex will look after you.”

He nodded and stood up, “Ok, I'll see you later, bye.”

I waved at him and watched as he walked out the doors with Alex. I turned to T'Luk, “Cute couple, don't you think?” I said grinning.

“Unlikely couple would be more accurate.” He replied while taking a sip of his drink.

I leaned forward and lowered my voice, “What? You were there when Alex said that he thinks Klingon mating rituals are 'exciting'.”

“I believe he intended the remark to be humorous.”

“You never know, maybe he sees it as a challenge.”

“It would be quite illogical to assume that he would pursue a romantic relationship with Raylis.”

“Why's that? Because its a Gorn and a Human?”

“No, it because he is romantically interested in Trey.”

I shook my head, “He only said he likes him and he's probably said that about half the crew already.”

T'Luk nodded, “That does have some basis in fact.”

I smiled at his expression of him in deep thought, “Anyway, it would be illogical for us to speculate further.” I said, gaining his attention.

“Indeed.”

“Good, now I have to ask you a question.” I said, noting him nod, “How do you feel about wearing Human clothes?”

“What would I have to wear?”

“Well, you don't have to wear anything, but I was thinking some jeans, a t shirt and some trainers.”

“That should be fine.”

“Really? I mean, you don't have to, but you'd look super hot.” He looked at me blankly, but I continued, “Not that there's anything wrong with your uniform, or your clothes, but it would work well for the evening.”

He looked down at his uniform, “We wear the same uniform Kai.”

“I know, but you make it look really good.” I said smiling. I knew I couldn't make him blush, but there had to be a part of him that peaked at that comment.

“You look good in yours.” He replied softly.

I grinned at him and took hold of his hand, “I am going to make sure that tomorrow night is something that you'll remember forever.”

He squeezed my hand and stared into my eyes.

I had it all planned out and it was going to work perfectly. Tomorrow night will be our night, our special night that has been long overdue. And I was not going to under perform. Not for my T'Luk. My love.

Thank you for reading Chapter 9 of A Vulcan’s Love.

I'd like to thank everyone who emailed me after the last chapter,
it's always nice to hear if you are still enjoying my story.
Stay tuned for Chapter 10.

As always, any comments and constructive criticisms are greatly appreciated.
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E-mail me at: emulatedlove[at]gmail.com

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EmulatedLove