This was the Romulan that had gotten under his skin in every sense. The tattoos that were gone now, along with stealing his very memories and the essence of Bones his name-soul. Once again, as they had been on the ship under different circumstances, they were on top of one another, bodies together.

Then Ayel (no, Ael, Ael) was kissing him. There was nothing gentle in it, too much anger and hatred between them. Kirk's reaction was part instinct, part anger as well. He bit down on the other's lower lip, enough to taste .