The Matriarchy

He hadn't been asleep for more than two hours when he woke again to the sound of his cell door opening again. Sarek steeled himself for more humiliation, but Amanda, not Lar'a, burst into the dimly-lit room.

"Oh Sarek! What have they done to you?" she exclaimed. Amanda turned to face Lar'a, angrier than she had ever been in her life, her voice cold as ice. "I demand an explanation! What have you done to him?"

Lar'a lounged against the doorframe and met her gaze calmly. "Nothing we haven't done to any other man who is stupid enough to be out walking alone at night."

"You have beaten him! And tied him up. Is this normal procedure for your own citizens?"

"Indeed it is," Lar'a said in a deadly tone.

Amanda halted in her tracks as she suddenly realized that this world would never be able to deal reasonably with Vulcan or the Federation. She just hoped Sarek would remain alive long enough to make it off this planet. Then they could both warn the Federation and Vulcan about Cabola. She walked over to the corner of the cell where Sarek's clothes had been tossed and picked up his cloak. She returned to the bunk and covered him with it. Amanda shook in rage and her voice was dangerously low as she ordered, "I demand that you release him at once."

"Oh, I can release him, but he can't go anywhere tonight. It's past curfew and no man can be out after curfew unless he wants to run afoul of the law again. I don't think you want that, do you?" She smiled at Amanda, knowing that there was nothing she could do. It was this helplessness with not only the men, but also the women that had drawn her to this job in the first place. Power and authority were powerful aphrodisiacs and Lar'a looked forward to playing with the exotic creature on the bunk again.

"Then I will stay here with him. I won't have you beating him again." She turned to Sarek, trying to undo his shackles.

Lar'a straightened up. She couldn't understand Amanda's anger at the treatment of her man. Other Mistresses were aggravated about the inconvenience at being asked to come down to claim their men, but never angry at the treatment their men received. This concern for a man confused Lar'a. "You can't stay in here with him. You're a woman and staying her with your man goes against protocol. Come out to the office and I'll get you a ride back to your hotel," Lar'a offered. "He deserved his beating. He didn't cooperate with us. And, any man that doesn't obey, gets beaten. It's the law." She was not about to have this offworlder ruin her plans for the rest of her shift. She wanted Sarek again, and she would have him.

"We asked for your rules regarding men, but never received them," Amanda returned, marveling at the incompetence of this planet. Her face was flushing dangerously again, and her frustration was beginning to put a strain on her control.

"That is not my concern. Foing ing the law is and as you well know, ignorance of the law is not a defense," Lar'a snapped. She wanted Amanda to leave, but realized that this off-worlder might pose a problem later. She knew what she was doing was borderline but no one had ever complained before. This was only a man, after all. And it was pleasurable. She wasn't hurting anyone.

"Please unshackle my....him." Amanda looked at Lar'a through narrowed eyes.

Resignedly, she pulled keys from her pocket and sauntered over to unlock the chains from the bunk's frame. As she bent over Sarek, she whispered, "Was it good for you?"

Sarek ignored her as she moved to unlock his feet.

"I am staying here with him." Amanda sat on the edge of the bunk. "How long do we have before it is safe for us to leave?"

"Two hours." Lar'a shrugged, "Make yourself comfortable, then." She left, locking the door behind her.

Sarek started to sit up and Amanda helped him. "It is most gratifying to see you, my wife. Were you notified, or did you detect my message through the bond?" He attempted to stand, but Amanda gently urged him back to the bunk.

"Through the bond. I was told by the officer at the main desk that you had been charged with being unescorted on a city street. How ridiculous!" Amanda crossed the room and gathered up the rest of his clothing. Then she helped him put them on. Only then did she notice that there was green blood on the mattress between Sarek's legs and his cock and belly were sticky. She looked at his face searchingly. "What else did they do to you, Sarek? And tell me the truth. Were you raped?"

Sarek looked at her, not knowing what to say. He wasn't sure if he had been. He had ejaculated...twice. Because he responded, was it called rape? "I am not sure, Amanda. I do know that I was assaulted," he whispered. "I could not help myself. She injected me with a drug, and when I did not respond, she beat me, or threatened to have another man come and attempt to arouse me. I knew I did not want that. The drug inhibited my controls and I found myself responding. I had hoped that she would then leave me alone, but it did not work. She returned with two others and it was much worse." His voice was so soft, Amanda had to lean closer to him to hear what he was saying.

"Never mind, my love. Let's just get you out of here. We can deal with this later." Amanda was lost. She didn't know what to say or do for Sarek. She wanted to gather him up in her arms and tell him everything was going to be ok. But he was a Vulcan. How would he respond to that? Would he only seek a logical explanation for what happened to him? Would he retain scars from this experience? She didn't know, and she was sure Sarek didn't know either. A healer back on Vulcan may be able to erase the psychological damage, reducing the experience to an abstract concept. That is the Vulcan way, but would it be enough, Amanda wondered?

She helped him get dressed and it tore at her heart to see how painfully Sarek moved. They then held each other until they were allowed to leave.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they returned to the hotel, Sarek went immediately to the bathroom. Amanda heard the shower running and entered the bathroom to wait until he finished. He wasn't long as the water stung his welts and cuts. He emerged from it flushed green and noticed Amanda sitting on the counter. He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to be around you, beloved. Do you want to tell me about last night?"

"No, not now. When is today's session?"

She saw his desire to change the subject, so she said, "I'm late for it now. But they can wait." She proceeded to tell him how the dinner went. "I made some notes for you to go over, but they can wait too." Even after his shower, he still looked awful. His groin was bruised as was his face. His chest and belly were covered in welts and small cuts, and Amanda noticed what looked like bite marks on his breasts. Her anger welled up again, flushing her face.

"No, I can look at them now, but I will try to meditate after the session." He took her hand and looked deep into her eyes. "Thank you for staying with me last night. I did not wish to be alone."

Amanda started slightly at his admission. "It was the least I could do." Her eyes softened as she said this. "You would have done the same for me, no?"

Sarek smiled just a wisp of the smile that was hers alone. "Agreed. Now, allow me to dress so I can look at those notes." Amanda looked at him, concerned.

Sarek attended the negotiating sessions with her as planned. The women in the room were shocked by his presence and more so, by his appearance. He had no time to initiate a healing trance, so his face still bore the marks of his beatings. He sent constant reassurances to Amanda over the bond every time he felt her anger rise.

A corner of Amanda's mind was on Sarek's brutal treatment. She felt her eyes harden whenever the Cabolans spoke. How could an allegedly civilized planet allow this to happen? How could they not have seen the warning signs when they prepared for this mission? This planet seemed to be a world of peace, but clearly it was not so. Half of their population was oppressed. And no one seemed to care but her and Sarek. She also realized the Prime Directive tied her hands. She could not interfere with the Cabolan culture, much as she wanted to. She just wanted to conclude these negotiations and get off this planet as soon as she could. Until then, she would not let Sarek out of her sight.

That evening, Sarek engaged a light healing trance that Amanda helped him out of three hours later. The bruising had almost disappeared from his face and groin, and the cuts and welts on this chest, belly and legs were much improved. He assured her that his rectum was repaired as well, but would not let her check for herself.

He tried to meditate after Amanda's inspection of him, but spent two hours in a fruitless attempt. Even that had deserted him when he needed it the most. He ran the disturbing experience through his mind, wondering what he could have done differently. He disliked what had happened to him, felt intense emotions when he thought of Lar'a and the other guards, and wanted to leave this planet as soon as possible. He knew he had to release the anger he was feeling, but it wasn't easy. He tried once again to call upon all the techniques he had been taught to get him through this.

Amanda had asked if he was raped. He didn't know. Was he? Was it rape if he had ejaculated? If his body had responded? He felt violated, but was it the same as for a woman? He had no way of knowing. He could only deal with what he knew. He knew he had to perform an intellectual deconstruction of the emotions he was feeling, but his efforts were unsuccessful as yet. It would be a matter of time before he was able to do this.

After his third attempt at meditation, things slowly began to fall into place in his mind. He began to accept the philosophy of kaiidth. He contemplated the waste of lives upon Cabola as he knew that once his report was made, Cabola would be to to the Federation unless they voluntarily changed their ways. The Prime Directive forbade them from interfering with their culture, even to teach them about those other ways. Sarek wondered briefly how the universe could allow this kind of culture to develop in the first place, but it did. Kaiidth. The universe always found a balance and he hoped perhaps that one day, Cabola would, too, find a balance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days later, they were on a Starship headed back to Vulcan. Amanda noticed that Sarek seemed more himself now. His body was more relaxed and his features were the usual calm she had come to expect.

In the privacy of their stateroom, Amanda ordered tea for them both from the replicator. They sat side by side on the couch, sipping it. "You seem much better this afternoon, Sarek. I must assume you have been able to resume your meditations?"

"Yes. I discerned that there was nothing I could have done about my situation. I tried to break the shackles but couldn't. She was armed with weaponry, and I had nothing with which to protect myself. I was her prisoner in all ways, and men have no rights on that planet. The philosophy of kaiidth was in full effect, but I did not see that at the time. Now, I see it. The only thing I could have done differently, was not leave the hotel room. But I did. Kaiidth. It is a difficult philosophy, but it is true in this case."

"It's easier said than done, though," Amanda mused. "The hard part is actually letting go of any guilt you might feel about your going for a walk."

"Not guilt so much as second guessing my judgment, Amanda. I finally resolved this during my meditations. It is behind me now. Let it now be behind us." Sarek leaned closer and kissed her. "Perhaps I can show you what I mean." Ht hit his tea down and picked up her hand gently. They stood, and Sarek led her into the bedroom. "But our tea will get cold, Sarek," Amanda said, that old twinkle returning to her eye.

"Hang the tea!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they arrived on Vulcan, Sarek made an appointment to see the family Healer, Solkan. He had been very reluctant to talk about his experience in the Cabolan jail, even evasive, and Amanda hadn't pressed the issue. She figured that he would tell her in due time. He tried to make love to her on the starship that brought them home, but was unable to. Amanda held him in her arms that night instead of Sarek's usual embrace of her. He hadn't touched her since their return and Amanda was becoming concerned. That was not like him at all.

Several days later, Amanda was home alone. Sarek was catching up on paper work that had piled up on his desk while he was on Cabola. The comm unit sounded and Amanda reached over to activate it. It was Solkan.

"Yes, Healer Solkan. How may I be of service?" Amanda asked. She was expecting him to ask for Sarek.

"I wish to speak to you, T'sai Amanda. When would be a convenient time?"

Amanda started slightly at his request. Although he was the family's Healer, Sarek saw him more often that she did. "I am free now. What do you wish to talk about?"

"I would prefer you to come to my office if that is acceptable." Solkan's black eyes studied her closely.

"I will be there shortly." Amanda signed off and wondered what he could want to talk to her about? Was Sarek alright? Was he injured more than she thought he was? She knew speculation was illogical, so she got into the air car and went to Solkan's office.

The receptionist greeted her and showed her to Solkan's office immediately. A few minutes later, he arrived. He was wearing a white, light overtunic and beige pants. He was tall, and thin with the most piercing black eyes Amanda had ever seen. She guessed his age around 105 or so, but it was so hard to tell with Vulcans.

He sat behind his desk and leaned toward her slightly. "I will be blunt with you, T'sai. I have been your family's healer for 15.7 years and I feel I know you well. The questions I need to ask are of a personal nature. May I continue?" He looked at her and waited for her response.

"Certainly, Solkan. What is the matter? Is this about Sarek?" Amanda started to become more concerned.

"Yes, it is. Tell me, how has he been behaving since your return from Cabola?"

"He seems fine. Why?"

"Let me ask this. I know you and he are sexually active outside of his Time. How has your sexual experiences been since you have returned from Cabola? Are they the same as they were before you left?"

Amanda blushed at the thought of this austere Vulcan asking her about her sex life. But if it were to help Sarek..."No, things are not the same as before we left. How did you know?"

"I am not divulging any confidences. You are his bondmate. We engaged in a healing meld and this information was given to me then. Sarek then informed me things were not the same and he is concerned about this. He feels you will become dissatisfied with him if he continues in his present course of abstinence."

"I could never be dissatisfied with him. How could he think that?"

"Nevertheless he does. Has he discussed his experiences on Cabola with you?"

"Very briefly. He's evaded every question I've asked him."

"He is suffering from mild impotence. I am of the opinion that he needs to engage you in an intimate manner and, I believe, his problem will resolve itself eventually."

Amanda sat back in her chair. Solkan was suggesting that she instigate sexual activity with Sarek. She already had and it had not been successful. But she would continue, even if it only showed Sarek how much she loved him. If Sarek had a positive, loving experience in bed, maybe he would be able to make love to her. It was definitely worth a try. "I will try, Solkan."

"That is all I ask."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Several weeks after her talk with Solkan, Sarek and Amanda were sitting in the living room after a hard day of teaching classes at the Vulcan Science Academy. End meal was finished and the kitchen cleaned of dirty dishes. Amanda looked over to Sarek who was reading and noticed that he seemed quite relaxed tonight. Amanda thought that now would be a good time to try Solkan's suggestion as she remembered that she promised him payback for his teasing. She got up from her chair and went into their bedroom. Sarek looked up briefly from his book, then immersed himself back into the story.

Amanda closed the bedroom door, and changed into an outfit she had ordered shortly after she talked with Solkan. She felt slightly naughty dressed as she was, but was sure Sarek would approve...eventually. She lit some candles and incense around the room. She strategically placed them to create the most pleasing aura she could. She turned down the bed, took a deep breath to steel her courage, and sat in her chair facing a reflective window. Her back was to the door, but she would be able to see Sarek when he entered the room. "Sarek, come here, please." she called.

Sarek, again, looked up from his book. "Where are you, my wife?"

"I'm in the bedroom. I require your presence here now."

Sarek frowned and put his book down. He rose from the chair and crossed the room to the hallway. He went up the three steps then entered the first door on his right. When he entered, he noticed that incense was burning and the room was lit by candlelight only. He looked to the bed and noticed the covers turned down. He could not immediately see his wife. "Amanda?"

She rose from the chair, and Sarek stared at her in disbelief, then lust. His beautiful wife wore a red, chiffon negligee that flowed around her ankles. "I do believe that I owe you some payback."

"Payback? I do not understand. Payback for what, my wife?" Sarek was clearly confused.

"Payback for your teasing when we were on Cabola," she teased.

Sarek looked at her, his eyes darkening in pleasure. "Shall I close the door?" he asked.

"That would be acceptable." Amanda thought that Sarek would still be a little gun-shy after his sexual assault in the Cabolan jail, but she also knew that he enjoyed making love to her. She hoped this was one of those times. She would make sure that she watched him carefully for any signs of distress.

Sarek closed the door, stood in front of Amanda with his hands clasped behind his back and waited for further orders.

"I wish to see you naked, Sarek. Remove your clothing...slowly so I don't miss anything." Amanda walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it.

Sarek raised an eyebrow, then slowly undid the clasps of his over-tunic. He slid it off his shoulders and arms and threw it onto the end of the bed, all the while looking at the woman he loved. As he was undoing his shirt, Amanda said silkily, "Come here. I wish to feel you as you strip."

He moved toward her, continuing to unbutton his shirt. He had just undone the last button when he arrived to where she was sitting. Amanda rubbed her hands sensuously over his chest, flicking his nipples erect with her fingers. She spread her legs and wrapped her arms around his waist pulling him closer to her. Her hot mouth suckled on his nipple as her hands kneaded his ass through his pants. Sarek felt her tongue flick his erect nubs and moaned in pleasure.

Amanda released him before asking him to remove his pants. He complied, his cock springing free of its confines. She took his organ in her hand and began to pump him slowly. "Lie on your back on the bed. I want to take my time and see your beauty."

Sarek withdrew himself from her hand and lay as he was instructed. His penis jutted into the air and his balls lay heavy between his spread legs. "Is this pleasing to you, Amanda?"

"Oh yes," she crooned. "Very." She grasped his cock again and stroked along the length of him.

Sarek eyes widened as her mouth encircled the head of his penis, eliciting a drop of pre-cum from the slit. He carded his fingers through her hair as she sucked and licked the head. "This feels so good," he gasped.

She let him slide out of her mouth and licked her lips. "As good as you taste, I hope." She loved him touching her and didn't want to deny him tonight. She watched his face very carefully as she moved her hand behind his balls and brushed over his private hole softly.

Sarek jumped and tensed as she touched him. He watched her warily as she continued to brush over his rectum. "Relax, Sarek. I'm not going to hurt you, beloved. Honest."

His erection started to wilt. Amanda pumped him more firmly, with the long strokes he liked. He didn't wilt further. Amanda rubbed her finger in his pre-cum and brushed his hole again. Slowly, she inserted her finger, pausing to let him relax his muscle. She watched his face very carefully, looking for any signs that he may become agitated. His eyes were closed and he was more tense than normal, but his erection held. She kept telling him how much she loved him, and how good he felt in her hand.

Sarek felt her finger enter him. He knew he was in his bedroom in Shi'kahr with the woman he loved. Her finger brushed his prostate and his cock twitched in her hand. He was harder than he had been in a long time. He wanted the feelings he was experiencing to continue forever! His love for Amanda exploded over their bond and Amanda looked at him with love in her eyes. Her Sarek was back!

He rocked into her hand and pushed back against her invading finger. She finger-fucked him in time to her stroking his cock. She felt his ridges flare against her hand.

The bond between them flared at their intimacy. She could tell Sarek was relaxed, so she continued her payback plans. She slid her finger out of his ass and sat up. "I want to watch you touch yourself, Sarek. You know how that arouses me."

Sarek stared at her. "Are you sure, Amanda?" he asked.

"Yes, Sarek, I'm sure."

"Very well." Sarek lowered his hands to his groin and grabbed his erect organ. He stroked himself slowly, watching the expression on Amanda's face as he did. His other hand reached for his testicles and hefted them. He rolled them around with his fingers, tugging on them gently. His fist soon became covered with his slick fluids as he pumped his cock faster. Amanda watched as the jade-green head appeared and disappeared in his fist. Soon, Sarek's eyes closed as he began to thrust forcefully into his own hand.

"Kroy'kah!" Amanda yelled. "Save some for me, beloved. " He hesitated. "Please," she said.

He did, and she straddled him quickly before his erection could wilt. It remained firm, much to her joy. Centering the head of his penis at her wet opening, she lowered herself onto him. She could feel the steel of his shaft covered by the silk of his skin. Raising herself up until just the tip was still embedded, she sat down again, quickly. As she sat down, Sarek thrust upwards, deepening the stroke. Soon the sound of flesh slapping flesh filled the candle-lit room. Sarek grabbed her hips to deepen his thrusts, then threw back his head and shuddered with his orgasm. His hot semen drenched her insides, then flowed out of her onto his pubic hair and balls.

Amanda's fluids washed over his lap as her orgasm ripped through her and across the bond to him. Bonelessly, she slumped onto his chest, the leather feeling cool against his skin. "That was for teasing me. I hope you've learned your lesson, Sarek," she murmured.

"Of course. It has taught me to tease you more often." His eyes sparkled in the candlelight. He lifted her off of his softening penis and laid her beside him.

He got up and blew out all the candles, went to the bathroom and brought back a damp cloth. Lovingly, he cleaned his wife, stripped her of the negligee and covered her with the sheet. She was almost asleep by the time he had finished. He stood and looked at her. His heart swelled with the love he had for her, but could never express. Slowly, he got into bed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. Sleepily, she snuggled closer and fell back asleep. He kissed her head softly and followed her.

END.