Set in the Firefly 'verse. AU where Earth was eliminated sometime between Star Trek: Enterprise and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
There were very few men allowed into the Companion's Guild which struck Inara as silly because powerful women needed their needs met as well as men. Most men didn't find being a Companion to be a “manly” profession. Companions were women traditionally because women were seen as more empathetic. And Companions were nearly all human, with a few notable exceptions.
One of the most notable of the exceptions was striding toward her now. She extended a hand. “Spock, how lovely to see you!”
“It is pleasurable to see you as well, Companion Serra.”
“Call me Inara, please.”
“As you wish.”
“What brings you to House Madrassa?”
“I am teaching a class on Vulcan culture.”
“Fascinating,” said Inara.
“Indeed. Having companions that can tread the fine balance of intimacy without unleashing emotion would be valuable to many on Vulcan. The first sharing of a mind meld can be quite jarring to the uninitiated, yet it is something that many Vulcans are comfortable with.”
“I haven't met many Vulcans, so I've yet to have the experience.”
“With the Federation expanding, you're bound to meet more of us. It may become a valuable skill to have.”
“Are you offering?”
“Only with your permission.”
“I will allow it.”
“Do you have time now?”
“For you, Spock, definitely,” she said.
They moved to sit opposite each other at a small table in the center of the campus. He touched her forehead with his fingertips. “My mind to your mind. My thoughts to your thoughts.”
A series of images seemed to flow into her mind that were neither her thoughts or her memories. He broke contact and she smiled at him. “That is a wonderful way to let someone know you. I'm almost jealous that you have this gift.”
“It can be overwhelming to some, but it is the best way to achieve intimacy with a Vulcan.”
“Thank you, Spock. It was quite an experience.”
“If you wouldn't mind, could you be willing to give insight about your experience during the class? The mind meld is something that Vulcans are comfortable with from a young age, but humans may able to relate better if they learn what it's like from another human.”
“That seems... logical,” Inara said as she looped her arm through his and headed with him to the classroom.
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Date: 2025-12-04 03:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-12-04 04:15 am (UTC)