Saving Mar

17 SCENT

Jon remained in his ready-room, sitting where Mar had left him, wondering how his life got so complicated in the last few weeks.

His fingers were still tingling from the chaste kiss she'd placed on his knuckles as if it was three centuries ago on Earth and he was some self-important king bestowing a generous favor on a commoner. He never expected people to kiss his hands for the help he was willing to provide for them... yet it didn't feel as wrong as he would've imagined a couple of hours ago.

It didn't feel fake, and it didn't feel submissive or embarrassing. She was begging for his help as she'd entered the room, but the kiss didn't seem like just a thanks. More like... a wordless confession.

And a goodbye.

"You really need to get a grip," he groused as his unfocused gaze moving across the bulkheads hit a reflective surface. The lovelorn look on his face was as alien as it was unwelcome. He never should've allowed himself to bathe in Mar's warm presence. He never should've allowed himself to hope.

She was leaving this ship for good sooner or later and there was no way in hell he would leave it with her.

He got up and tapped his holocommunicator. "T'Pol? Are you free this evening? I need you to do something for me..."

Five more days of traveling with Mar were ahead of him. He was going to need someone to teach him how to meditate, because his efforts were leading nowhere.

.

Doctor Phlox sat at his medical console in the sick bay and stared at his newest little research project with curious eyes. He had met many species during his travels with the human crew, but it was always fascinating to meet and study a new one. The variety of the universe never failed to put him in awe.

"Doctor, you wanted to see me?"

The Captain arrived. Phlox stood up and tossed him a tight-lipped smile. He wasn't looking forward to shaking his trust, but he had to tell him. He was also almost sure he could explain the matter without causing too much friction.

"Uh, yes. Please, take a seat."

Jon's eyes narrowed in suspicion, probably thinking the news must be really hard to take. Phlox, on the other hand, only wanted an extra obstacle for him to overcome if he decided to storm out before hearing everything.

When the Captain's butt reluctantly descended upon a chair, Phlox pulled out his research.

"You see, I noticed something... unusual about Mar this morning when she came in for a check-up," he began slowly. "She's healing nicely, but complained about fatigue, so I ran some additional tests. Did you... did she tell you about her... special abilities, Captain?"

He saw Jon's throat jump as he gulped.

"I believe so," he croaked.

"What did she say?"

"That she can... smell emotions and intentions."

Phlox nodded slowly. It made sense. Mar's whole physiology was adapted to work with chemicals with great efficiency. Her senses being part of what made her sought-after as a tool by slavers only supported his theory.

But that wasn't the ability he had discovered.

"Yes, well... I don't think she told you everything. Let me just assure you, Captain, that if I thought there was anything nefarious about this, I would've called you in immediately."

"Just tell me, Doc," Jon sighed.

"It's about pheromones," Phlox shrugged. "Hers are much stronger than an average human's and she can change their composition to target a specific individual." Seeing the blank expression on Captain's face, he added: "She can consciously make anyone feel strongly attracted to her."