The Telepathy Syndrome

"My apologies my son, my daughter, for the insolence of Healer Tekav and the commissioners. Their arrival at the transport, while predictable, was unannounced."

Spock turned to his father. "They would have found other ways to contact me, father."

"If they decide to interfere they need permission from T'Pau to visit our compound. Again, my daughter, I offer my apologies for their rudeness."

"No apology is needed, Spock had informed me this was to be expected."

"Your High Vulcansu was perfect my daughter, it altered their perception of you. Well done.

Nyota looked at her new father and bowed. She was touched by the way he had addressed her, as part of the family, from the start.

"It was necessary, father Sarek. How is my mother, did she receive such treatment?"

Sarek responded to her question. "No, a situation like what you observed has been null to her. She has been to museums, libraries, and parks. Professor Saana has received and is respected by the people of Vulcan."

Nyota took a deep breath and whispered. "Oh, thank you." She felt relieved that the Vulcan people hadn't disrespected her mother, who didn't do anything to receive such treatment.

"Amanda has entertained your mother, T' Vulcan Science Division will inquire further about Spock, now that he is present."

As they were talking, Nyota took note of her surroundings. She noticed the architecture of buildings that looked like works of art in the red haze of the day. There weren't too many people this time of the morning. Nyota noticed the quietness. During the drive, Spock held her two fingers and their bond flowed with support.

Sarek observed them, his son had indeed found a worthy bondmate,his own t'hy'la. He too will enjoy the warm feelings that human females illuminate within the bond. It was his private paradise that he could only express to Amanda. She expressed his feelings in a way that he could not. But mostly, he enjoyed his wife's intimacy.

About 10 minutes later they arrived at a large compound, and Nyota's eyes widened at the location. T'Lara stood at the entrance awaiting them, they exited the car and she addressed them.

"Dif-tor heh smusma" [Live long and prosper]. S'haile Sarek, S'haile Spock, you are ten point eight minutes late. T'Pau awaits you in the garden with the Healer Shath."

"We were hindered by an unexpected guest from Vulcan High Command and Science."

"I ask forgiveness S'haile Sarek, I was only stating the facts from my mistress." T'Lara raised her hand in greeting to Nyota.

"Dif-tor-heh smusma to Lady Uhura. Welcome to Vulcan and the house of T'Pau. I am T'Lara, aide to Mistress T'Pau."

"Dif-tor-heh-smusma, and I am honored to be here."

"Please follow me to the garden."

T'Lara escorted them through the house, the scenery and décor was rich with history. As they entered an inner courtyard they saw T'Pau, sitting on a chair that almost looked like a throne on a platform. Shath stood beside T'Pau watched as they approached and observed the female in the family clan robe. She chose well to wear the robe on this day, Nyota walked dignified and resembled her mother Saana with their rich deep skin tones. When the three of them reached T'Pau, they held up their hands and gave the ta'al in greeting, bowing their heads in respect.

"Forgive us for our delay ko'mekh, we were detained by Vulcan High Command Commissioners."

T'Pau gave a stern look that they would be so forward as to intercept Spock the moment he arrived. Disrespecting the fact his visit was a family matter, not a political one.

"I see, I need to present myself to Vulcan High Command and remind them of their protocols."

She glanced at her grandson, "Spock."

Spock stepped forward with his ta'al presented to his grandmother and knelt. She gently touched the right side of his head to form a mind-link to greet him.

"Spock you have done well, you have mastered your feelings from childhood."

"Thank you grandmother. I have learned and am able to maintain myself through the teachings of Surak."

T'Pau looked up and stared at Nyota; "Come"

Nyota approached T'Pau without fear, she held up her hand Spock had, and knelt beside him.

"I see that Spock has instructed you well, Ny-o-ta, daughter of Saana Uhura. Sarek has indicated that you are versed in High Vulcan."

"Yes Lady T'Pau, as part of my training in linguistics," Nyota said in High Vulcan.

T'Pau's brow rose. "Indeed."

"The commissioners are aware of her linguistic abilities. They were...astonished," said Sarek.

"She is capable of reading and writing in Vulcansu, including translating the old scripts," added Spock.

"Non-Vulcans struggle in vain to accomplish such a task. Yet this human female is capable. How is this so?" asked T'Pau.

Nyota responded; "I learned several languages as a child, I see them as mathematical symbols or formulas."

"Indeed." T'Pau turned to Spock; "Thee has done well. We shall proceed. Shath will inspect your bond, he is our family's healer. Sarek has indicated that it has expanded unexpectedly."

"Yes T'Pau. The bond between my mate and I has developed differently when compared to that of T'Pring and I as children."

Shath stepped forward and was amazed by the resemblance to Saana. "I will inspect your mental capacity, there are times the bond will apply pressure to the lower cerebellum and brain stem. S'haile Spock, do I have your permission to mind-meld with your bondmate?"

"Proceed." Spock released the previous meld he had with Nyota.

Shath touched her psi points and entered. He found a well-ordered thought process and no medical issues to draw concern. Lifting his hand from Nyota's face, he looked at T'Pau.

"Mistress, the female Ny-o-ta is mentally and physically fit to hold a Vulcan bond. It has been successful these last several months. I do detect a strong bond that has been enhanced, it does show growth from a couple so young."

T'Pau sat back and started thinking. She realized it was Spock's telepathic hold that could enhance such a growth in such a short span of time.

"Spock, have your abilities changed since the bond?"

"Yes, ko-mekh-il. Nyota has also become sensitive to me. It is as though her telepathic abilities have increased as well."

Shath spoke: "Mistress T'Pau, humans have null touch telepathy."

"But yet Nyota has minimal abilities. Is it possible... Has Spock transferred through their bond?"

"The odds of such a feat is 2,456,954 to 1." Shath calculated. "There should be no odds at all since S'haile Spock is part Terran."

T'Pau looked at Shath; " Yet here we are, discussing the possibilities of this feat, Shath. Sarek displays standard Vulcan touch telepathic abilities, but there is another I have not seen in some time. Come Shath, we must explore their bond thoroughly."

During their discussion, Spock and Nyota discussed another matter.

"Nyota, I hope you are not offended by the medical discussion."

"I am not, they can't figure me out, but mostly you Spock. You threw a wrench in the gene pool."

"It seems so. My intentions are to make sure your physical and mental health can handle our bond. Do you sense its intensity?"

"Yes, it does feel strange, but I am continuing to control my thoughts and not project as I used to."

"Nyota, there is something that I must share with you. I have hidden them for the last two years. I will need your strength to support me. I grow weary of the journey, I am ready to release them."

"I will stand by you Spock on any decision you make."

T'Pau spoke to them, "Spock and Nyota, Shath and I will join your thoughts and inspect the bond, to investigate the safety of your wife."

They both answered at the same time, "We understand."

Shath entered on Nyota's side, while T'Pau entered from Spock's side and melded with the couple. They were projected as images in their minds, Spock and Nyota standing before them holding hands.

"Ko'mekh-il, Shath"

"Spock your mate-bond is strong, impressive." stated his grandmother. "You are actually controlling the levels of the flow of the bond to your mate."

"Yes, until Nyota is fully trained in its capabilities, it's safer."

"We will inspect the bond fully. Show us," stated Shath.

The four of them walked to the stream of cords that glowed. Spock and Nyota stood back as Shath and his grandmother looked among the cords, touching random ones for inspection.

Shath commented; "Their bond is unique, the power fluctuates in its intensity."

T'Pau moved her hand slowly along the connected bond and responded, "Indeed, I have never seen such a connection. To sever it would be detrimental to both."

"Agreed. S'haile Spock has connected the bond fully. T'Pau, only a ceremony is needed as documentation they are lawfully bonded."

T'Pau came across a green cord, her hand touched the smooth cool cord and tested its strength. Spock's telepathic powers were stronger than she had predicted and he had suppressed its potential for his safety. She turned to her grandson; "It was wise to do this Spock for your safety, tell me when did you noticed its potential?"

"When I was five Vulcan rotations grandmother, I...I responded out of fear. Forgive me."

"Your apologies are illogical, your mind was that of a child and unaware of its aspects. It was surmised at that time you were psi-null."

"T'Pau these bonds are more dense?" As Shath inspected them, T'Pau went to examine them and noticed their density.

"Spock, is this the new growth?"

"Yes grandmother, they are unknown but they are also connected to my wife."

Shath and T'Pau examined the denser bonds by touch and sensed an unknown surge. Neither saw any danger from them.

"We sense no danger among Spock and Nyota. How do you both feel?" asked Shath.

"This is a new sensation to me since I have never been a telepath," stated Nyota.

"I feel new growth in small intervals each month," stated Spock.

T'Pau asked. "Have you used these abilities?"

Spock bowed his head and took a moment to answer her, he remembered touching a woman's mind while on a mission without her permission [1].

"I have used mind-melding for self-preservation and crew members. I also used telepathy to.. correct actions when I or others were in unsafe conditions."

T'Pau thought about what Spock had said, and was disappointed that his powers were revealed openly.

"Spock, do you need to be versed on Vulcan laws and their consequences?"

"NO T'Pau!"

"Correct thy choices!"

"Yes T'Pau."

Spock knew his grandmother was upset that he had revealed his powers to Starfleet, mostly to Captain Kirk. Now that he is bonded to Nyota he must be careful not to endanger her.

T'Pau continued to speak harshly; "You must consider your bondmate and her well being!"

Shath broke the debate. "I see no danger to the couple. Spock needs to continue instructing his wife on controlling her thoughts. A Healer who is discreet can monitor their bond if the growth continues."

T'Pau looked at Shath in agreement and bowed her head. "I would consider that option Shath. We don't know if the bond's growth will affect Nyota, since it is new to her."

"If we are in agreement then I shall return." Shath broke his meld from the couple.

T'Pau remained. "Nyota, I am pleased that you have chosen Spock. Shath has examined you and found you healthy for bonding. If you sense any change in your connection it is imperative, for your safety, that you inform a healer. In several years the bond will be tested because of Spock's Pon-Farr, it will ignite you as well. It is a flame that burns through the heart of Vulcan men. Your strength will support him. Do you understand?"

"Yes, T'Pau."

"Then welcome to the S'chn T'gai clan, we will have a brief ceremony in two days before the reception to validate at the Hall of Records." She held up her hand in the ta'al and Nyota responded with a smile. T'Pau shook her head, "Humans and their facial emotions."

T'Pau looked at the couple still holding hands, and she saw the silver band that Spock was wearing on his ring finger. T'Pau lifted a brow at their commitment as she was aware the ring was a sign of Terran marriage. As she turned to leave the meld with her staff in her hand, she felt another presence, then more. She prepared for battle and took a stance.

"How can that be?"

She slowly turned to see Spock and Nyota only, but the bond cords were gone and a thick grayish fog appeared in its place. In the fog shadows formed, then figures without faces. T'Pau strained to get a better view. The figures stood behind Spock and Nyota and their faces became clear, one, in particular, one she recognized. It was Captain Spiak of the USS. Intrepid; "How can this be?" Then more figures materialized behind him, it was the whole crew.

"Impossible! A Vulcan can carry two or three katras at a time! Spock has... Spock has carried over four hundred since the Intrepid's destruction!"

At that moment Spock fell to his knees. "I have grown weary of the task grandmother, help me!"

Nyota knelt next to him, holding him by his shoulders. "Oh, Spock!"

He looked up at her; "Remember what I taught you."

Nyota tried to go into a meditative trance and focused on Spock. This was new to her. How could she support the katras?

The next instant T'Pau broke the meld, her eyes widening at the realization. The Intrepid crew wanted to come home, but T'Pau was amazed at the power that Spock had displayed. She reconnected to support Spock, she saw the weariness on his face and his bondmate trying to support him. She closed her eyes and focused her telepathy to strengthen Spock's mind to continue to support him and the katras. The weight of over four hundred Vulcans katras was taxing. "How did he manage such a feat?"

Then a wave of intense grief was released and it traveled beyond Spock's mind. It was felt not only by T'Pau, but by Sarek, T'Lara, Shath, and her staff.

T'Pau was astonished at the Vulcan before her. She had never seen anything like this feat, or heard of anything like it.T'Pau did something she thought she would never do, she knelt before her grandson. The rest around her followed suit. A surge of energy burst through, the katras' presence was felt throughout Vulcan. For a moment, T'Pau thought Spock was the resurrection of Surak or one of the great high priests from millennia ago. The rest felt the presence of the Intrepid crew and gave homage to them for returning home. When T'Pau came out of her trance, Shath helped her up.

She looked at Spock and Nyota and then back at Shath and Sarek.

"No one or thing should break this bond! We need to hurry, others are aware of the Intrepid's katras." She addressed T'Lara.

"Go and get the guards to carry my litter to the ceremonial grounds and Vanguards for protection."

"Shath contact T'Amanda and the mother of Nyota to let them know you are coming to get them, take them to the ceremonial grounds, and meet us there in thirty minutes. Let no one interfere!"

"Yes, Mistress!" Shath hurried to retrieve the women.

Sarek stepped forth and knelt next to his son, touching his psi points and entered. He saw the Intrepid crew, they all held up their hands in the ta'al greeting. Sarek felt his son's tiredness from the burden, then he looked at Nyota.

"What is wrong father Sarek?"

"Spock grows weary of the weight, I will support him."

Sarek touched Spock's mind to relax the pressure. He gazed at Captain Spiak, and then his crew, feeling their grief and anxiousness. They waited to return home and Spock carried them. He addressed the Captain.

"I know you have awaited your return to Vulcan, your weary travel will end soon. I do not know how much longer Spock's mental state can sustain. He will need rest, return for a moment until we reach the sacred caves where your families will receive you."

Captain Spiak spoke. "We will wait. Your son has given us a second chance, his mediation in logic was most stimulating. We supported him in multiple crises in his journey. We are grateful to Spock for bringing us home."

The Intrepid crew disappeared and Sarek held his son for the first time since he was a child and felt his weight. His heart stirred that his son carried such a burden. Spock sat up once the pressure receded and reached for Nyota's touch. She gave her two fingers and peace passed through him. Spock was shocked that his father was cradling him, it was an uncomfortable feeling, the relationship he longed for his entire life. Spock felt his father's concern for him which was strange, maybe the heart operation did make him fonder. Spock sat up and thanked his father with a bow of his head.

"I am faring better father."

"I will return to support your grandmother." Sarek broke the meld.

Spock looked at Nyota and she smiled, he responded with both brows lifted.

T'Pau waited until Sarek returned from the meld and Spock and Nyota had stood up. He leaned a little on his wife for support and she steadied him.

"We need to hurry to the ceremonial wedding grounds, all of Vulcan are curious about the disturbance in their bond. They felt the consciousness of their fallen Vulcans from the Intrepid. They will seek out Spock, to determine how he accomplished such a feat and retrieve what was lost."

Sarek asked Spock how he gained such a task. "Sa-fu how did this come to pass?"

"I was inside the animal when the chromosomes were aligned for reproduction.[2] I felt them around the shuttle craft, they were lost and unaware of their fate. I informed them of what had transpired of their ship and ours, then they all found shelter within me. I did not know at the time if I could accommodate them all, but I managed with lengthy meditations." Spock informed his father and T'Pau.

T'Pau was moved by the statement. That her grandson had such power, it must have taxed his mind. He had carried the crew for years! But yet Spock was capable of continuing his duty as a commander of a starship and bonded to Nyota. She was fascinated by the mind that Spock must have to hold so much. But now a greater, grave concern must be addressed.

T'Pau snapped again. "Come, you must go! Sarek take them to the ceremonial grounds and prepare them. There will be no interference. I will be with T'Lara awaiting at the ceremonial grounds with the Vanguards. Go!"

Sarek led Spock and Nyota to the hovercar.

Meanwhile, at Sarek's compound, two women hurried to get dressed and meet Shath at the entrance.

"Did something happen to Spock and Nyota?"

"I don't know, I'm not sure? But if it's the ceremonial wedding that means they must be getting married in a hurry."

At that moment, Shath's hover car approached and the women hurried down the path to get in the car. Once they were settled in, Amanda asked questions while Shath drove.

"Okay, Shath what happened?"

"T'Amanda, your son carried the katras of the entire Intrepid crew. Did you not feel a disturbance in your bond?"

"Yes, yes I did. It was the presence of people, you saw the crew of the Intrepid?"

"Yes, Spock brought them home."

Amanda sat back trying to comprehend the idea.

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"Yes, T'Amanda, the fact Spock carried over four hundred crewmen for such a length of time is unheard of. Many will seek the Intrepid's crew, but the others will inquire how he managed such a feat."

"But Shath, why the marriage ground?"

"To keep others from interfering in their marriage, it will safeguard their bond."

"Yes, you are correct." Amanda turned to Saana and she had to explain the service, giving more details of Vulcan marriage culture.

"Saana, the marriage ceremony is different from Earth. In the past, Vulcan men fought for their women to mate. It was the death of one of them."

"Will there be a challenge at their wedding?"

"It shouldn't be, because it's a secret, this is why we are in a hurry before someone finds out."

"To challenge their marriage? Doesn't Terran marriage count?"

"It does for the Federation but on Vulcan it's different. It's part of their culture, and usually, the clan leader arranges and performs the ceremony, but this is different. Spock chose his wife but also T'Pau has to approve it's their tradition."

"Yes, I see."

Amanda looked Saana in the eyes and wanted to clarify her worry.

"This is your first and last time you might see such an event. Your part is to say you agree with the arrangements. Then T'Pau performs the ceremony. It doesn't take long. Spock and Nyota will kneel in front of her and words are exchanged. Then it's over."

Saana clasped her hands and took a deep breath. "Okay simple, one-two-three got it."

They reached the ceremonial grounds and Shath escorted them to the entrance of the cave on the bride's side.

"T'Amanda and Professor Uhura, you will wait for her until the wedding party arrives. They will be here soon." Shath turned and left to the groom's entrance.

Amanda turned to Saana to give more history.

"We will meet T'Pau and your daughter here and we will have a procession to lead us out. Spock and Nyota will confirm their marriage in front of us as witnesses. T'Pau will perform the vows and they both acknowledge. Then it's done."

Saana gave an exasperated response. "I don't mind as long as they are both safe!"

"Amen to that, a lot has happened!"

At that very moment, four muscle-bound men entered the cave dressed in silver tunics and helmets, caring weapons. Saana grabbed Amanda's arm squeezed tight and gasped at the sight of the huge bodies.

"Oh my, who and what are those?" as she pointed.

"Those are the ceremonial guards."

Then T'Pau entered on a litter being carried by two more men followed by T'Lara. They sat her down softly and left. Amanda and Saana turned and greeted T'Pau with the ta'al.

"T'Pau, what has happened?"

The moment Amanda asked the question, Nyota entered, escorted by Sarek. Saana ran and screamed when she saw her.

"Nyota, my baby!"

She grabbed, squeezed her, and started crying.

"My baby, baby are you alright!" Saana said in between sobs looking Nyota up and down.

Nyota returned the hug to her mother, "Momma, I'm fine."

T'Pau, T'Lara, and Sarek observed the extreme emotions between parent and daughter, while Amanda admired the endearment altogether and sighed.

"I wish it was me."

Sarek and T'Pau gave a slow stare at her in disagreement.

"Aduna, I came to escort you to the waiting area with Spock."

He held up two fingers for Amanda, she touched them and Sarek led her out to the other side where Spock was waiting.

The two ceremonial men with quad-shaped instruments, bells attached, came and stood in front of another entrance to the court. In the distance, a gong was heard.

"Nyota, daughter of Saana of the house of Uhura, you and your mother will stand behind me. Follow me when you hear the gong again and T'Lara will escort you where to stand. Don't speak unless I instruct you to!"

"Yes Mistress T'Pau!" they both said.

Saana held Nyota's hand and tried to stop her tears. She was so happy to see her daughter at last.

"It's your wedding day again, and I'm still not prepared. I feel like a mess." Saana sniffled in between words.

"It's okay, things just happened kind of fast."

Then a second gong rang, the two ceremonial men started shaking the bells and marched out, two others picked up the litter with T'Pau and followed. T'Lara bowed to Saana and Nyota, then led them to the ceremonial court. When they entered the courtyard, Spock was standing on a platform with the mallet in his hand and his gaze went straight to Nyota. Sarek, Amanda, and Shath represented the groom's side of the family, while T'Lara, Saana with the two Vanguards were on the bride's side of the family. [3]

Nyota looked up at Spock with his robe on, it was like seeing him for the first time and it warmed her all over. "There's my man."

Spock kept his eyes on Nytoa as she walked behind T'Pau like a man possessed, his heart rate increased because he felt her warmth through the bond. A soft growl slipped between his lips. Shath and Sarek heard him, and both their brows lifted.

T'Pau was settled on the platform and extended her hand towards Spock, he stepped down from the gong and knelt before her. She touched the left side of his head, almost gripping his inner ear. Spock looked up and she shook her head: yes. He stood up, the bells chimed as he walked back to the gong and he hit the panel, causing a vibration throughout the court signifying that there were no challengers, the bell chimed louder.

T'Pau looked at Nyota and nodded for her approach, she released her mother's hand and stood in front of her. Spock returned and stood next to Nyota and held his two fingers and she took them with hers. Then they both knelt before T'Pau, she didn't have to mind-meld them, they were already joined, she concluded with ceremonial words.

"Saana of the house of the Uhura's, do you give consent for Nyota to join the House of Surak?"

"Yes, I give consent."

"Sarek of the house of Surak, do you give consent for Spock to join the House of the Uhura's?"

"I give consent."

"Two bonds have been joined, two Houses have been joined. The woman Nyota on this day forward is the property of Spock of the house of Surak. Spock on this day forward is the property of Nyota. The bond is binding, the word is binding, the bond shall not be broken."

T'Pau stood up with her staff and stretched out her other hand, "It is done." She stepped down from the platform and walked to the gong, T'Lara gave her the mallet, and T'Pau hit the gong that it rang. Signaling that the wedding is completed. She walked quietly back to the litter, sat, and signaled the bearers to take her home. The ceremonial bell bearer chimed as they walked T'Pau out. The two families came together and greeted the couple officially.

"Wow, that was quick!" said Saana

"Saana, I know this happened so quickly, but this is my son Spock," Amanda said amusingly.

Spock addressed his new mother-in-law, "Greetings to you Mother Saana, the honor is mine."

Saana is amazed that the majority of all Vulcan are tall, slim, and ...handsome.

"Spock, it is wonderful to finally meet you in person."

T'Lara stepped forward; "Greetings S'chn T'gai clan. Mistress T'Pau has requested your presence for end-meal, at 2100 hours precisely, to celebrate the union of S'haile Spock and Lady Nyota." She turned and left to aide T'Pau.

Sarek spoke up, "We should conclude our discussion at another time. I believe that Spock and Nyota have been taxed since their arrival."

"I agree. The situation with the Intrepid has decreased their physical and mental functions." Healer Shath stated.

"A rest period for both will revive them for end-meal." Sarek stated.

So both families left for Sarek's compound for rest. One issue was resolved, but the other will be addressed next.